As each year passes, the pizza sector witnesses the arrival of new gastronomic waves, and 2023 is no exception. Here at HillCrestView, keeping an eye on trends that tantalize pizza enthusiasts worldwide is our forte. Allow us to present the top five toppings that are currently the talk of the town in the realm of pizzas.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attuned to the rising emphasis on gut health, fermented vegetables are gaining an unexpected following atop pizzas. Offering a zesty kick, toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are enhancing the indulgent flavors of cheese and tomato sauce. These fermented delights not only bring gut-friendly probiotics into the mix but also add a new layer of texture to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Festival pizza is a new addition to our menu, featuring in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and creamy gorgonzola cheese, crowned with a touch of sweet honey to counteract the acidity. While the combination might catch some off guard, it's swiftly climbing the charts as one of our most sought-after specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-centered diets shows no signs of waning, and with it, the demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes is climbing. Vegetables have been a staple of plant-based options, but now, breakthroughs in meat alternatives are providing options that appease even the staunchest carnivores.
Our menu now regularly boasts plant proteins such as simulated Italian sausage bits, savory marinated tempeh, jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni imitations. These aren't just for the plant-forward crowd; many patrons are drawn to their distinct tastes and the lighter physical aftereffects they provide.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
A treat for those inclined to the fiery side of flavor, pizza lovers are now embracing distinct chili varieties from various regions over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a favorite, this year has also welcomed the addition of smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the sweet heat of Peruvian aji amarillo, and the depth of Korean gochujang to the ranks.
We've crafted the International Spice pizza, an artful blend of four divergent chilies, each infusing a unique essence into distinct portions of the pizza, much to the thrill of our gastronomically adventurous patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What began as the farm-to-table movement has branched into a forest-to-pizza trend with the surge in popularity for seasonally foraged flora. Leading the pack is the array of wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each gracing our pizzas during their peak seasons.
We're also experimenting with wild ramps, oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural elements not only offer a connection to the great outdoors but also impart flavors that one can't find in the realm of conventional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting fusion of honey's sweetness with savory notes has secured its place in the pantheon of enduring pizza trends. Expanding on the well-received spicy honey of prior years, 2023 has witnessed a variety of specialized honeys making their way onto pizzas as a finishing flourish.
Exquisite varieties such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey are becoming staples on menus nationwide. These drizzles add a layer of sophistication and can transform even the most basic of pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that didn't quite make the prime cut but are still making a significant impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza providing an amber cascade
- Pickled stone fruit variations such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grains for added texture, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum
- Artisanal butter dollops, particularly varieties enhanced with cultures or herbs
Whether your preferences lie with time-honored classics or you're eager to embark on a journey of daring culinary combinations, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and universally cherished dishes. At HillCrestView, we pay homage to classical practices while wholeheartedly diving into the sea of innovation. This is precisely why our menu features the quintessential Margherita alongside avant-garde pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you harbor a unique topping preference that you'd love to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit to our establishment.