As is tradition, each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza-sphere, and 2023 is certainly keeping up. Here at OakfenRidge, we're constantly observing which flavors resonate most with pizza aficionados around the planet. This compilation reveals the top pizza toppings that are currently in the limelight.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health remains a focus for many, fermented vegetables have emerged as an unexpected pizza topping favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending their tangy complexity to pizzas, enhancing the creamy cheese and bold sauce. These toppings don't just offer probiotic goodness; they also add a new layer of texture to classic pizza recipes.
Our Fermentation Fête pie comes topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and Gorgonzola cheese, topped off with a drizzle of artisan honey to offset the zesty flavors. It's an unconventional mix, but it's swiftly turned into one of our most sought-after signature dishes.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The plant-based diet wave hasn't receded, leading to a surge in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary veggie toppings, the latest advancements in plant-based proteins bring forth satisfying alternatives that also appeal to staunch carnivores.
Substitutes such as Italian sausage plant crumbles, flavor-packed tempeh, pulled jackfruit, and pea protein 'pepperoni' now grace our menu. Chosen for their distinctive tastes and lighter feel, these proteins attract a diverse crowd, not just vegetarians.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has welcomed a trend among those with a penchant for heat; pizza fans are gravitating towards specific regional chili types instead of generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be well-liked, we're also seeing a rise in unique peppers like the Aleppo, smoky ñora, fruity aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Spice pizza is a mix of four distinct regional chilies, each imparting its own distinctive spice profile on separate portions of the pizza. This concoction has found a following among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged, seasonal ingredients are gaining favor, supporting the forest-to-pizza concept that evolved from farm-to-table. Leading the foraging trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, popping up on pizzas during their seasons.
Other foraged ingredients we're experimenting with include wild leeks known as ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, as well as spruce tips which offer a distinct aromatic essence. These natural ingredients not only connect eaters with the wilderness but also bestow unparalleled flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a savory-sweet contrast has cemented its place as more than a fleeting phenomenon. Specialty honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, mesquite, and other novel varieties are being drizzled on pizzas right before serving these days.
The addition of these gourmet honeys is seen across the country's menus, bringing a level of sophistication and deepening the flavor complexity of even the simplest of pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Some toppings just shy of making our top list but are certainly making an impression include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusting the pizza in a shower of golden richness
- Sweet and tangy pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Crunchy ancient grains for added texture, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollop of handmade artisanal butters, especially those infused with herbs or cultured
No matter if you favor time-honored classics or are open to taste daring new flavor combinations, pizza continues to be a versatile and universally treasured dish. At OakfenRidge, we respect the classics as much as we value innovation, which is why our menu features traditional Margheritas alongside avant-garde creations.
Have these trending toppings sparked your interest? Or perhaps there's a distinctive topping blend you're eager to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!