As with each year, pizza continues to reinvent itself with new flavor trends, and 2023 is no exception. Here at BrookLanes, we keep a close eye on the toppings that are winning the hearts of pizza aficionados worldwide. These are the topping trends we've found most thrilling and widespread this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a big part of pizza’s horizon, as fermented vegetables emerge as the season's hit. Fermented delights, including kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, add a complex zest, which complements the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza. Besides their probiotic advantages, these toppings bring new dimensions of texture to the mix.
Our Gut-Friendly Fiesta pizza boasts an in-house blend of sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped off with a splash of local honey to counteract the sourness. Though it might seem out of the ordinary, it’s fast turning into one of our most in-demand signature dishes.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With the uptick in plant-forward dining, there's a significant swing toward meat-free alternatives on pizzas. Going beyond the garden-variety veggie toppings, the new wave of plant-based proteins has generated options that even the most ardent carnivores are finding hard to resist.
Our pizzas now frequently feature faux Italian sausage crumbles, flavored tempeh, jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea protein pepperoni. These offerings aren't just for plant-based eaters—they also appeal to clients interested in their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who prefer their pizzas with a kick are discovering a new love for specific types of regional chilies as opposed to generic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies have kept up their appeal, we're also spotting other variants like the smoky Spanish ñora chili, the appetizing Aleppo pepper, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang sauce on pizzas.
Our Spice Trail Pizza showcases a selection of four distinct regional chilies, providing a unique flavor profile for each slice. This has become a particular favorite of our patrons who enjoy a walk on the wild side of spice.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of nature-to-pizza, an evolution of farm-to-table, gains traction with the growing appeal of foraged ingredients. Taking the lead are wild mushrooms—the likes of chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are spotted often, depending on the season when they're picked.
Apart from mushrooms, we've been exploring wild ramps (also known as wild leeks), marine greens like dulse and nori, and even infusing our pizzas with spruce tips for a distinct aromatic flourish. These ingredients offer a connection to the wild and flavors that are beyond the reach of cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The blend of sweetness and savoriness brought by honey has solidified its place in the pizza universe. From the recent upsurge in hot honey, 2023 has matured to see an array of specialized honey drizzles just before serving.
Options from truffle honey, to fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey with a hint of smoke, and even CBD-infused honey are now gracing pizzas across various eateries. These sweet nuances enhance the pizza’s taste and transform even the most basic pizzas into luxurious feasts.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that are gaining traction, despite not making it into our top five, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shaved over the pie for a touch of opulence
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Heritage grains, offering crispy textures such as farro or popped sorghum
- Spots of artisanal butters, including those that are culture-steeped or mixed with herbs
Whether you're someone who cherishes time-honored recipes or a gastronome craving the thrill of novel bites, pizza remains versatile and universally cherished. At BrookLanes, we honor the past while we welcome the culinary new—that's evident in our offerings, from the classic Margherita to the avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these topping trends graced your palate? Or maybe you have a distinct topping blend you are eager to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!