As each year ushers in new fads in the pizza arena, 2023 has been no different. At CliffHollow, we constantly observe the flavors that captivate pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Below is our list of the top pizza toppings that have made a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has transcended into pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as a surprising topping choice on pizzas this year. The tangy flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are perfectly pairing with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings not only offer probiotic goodness but also add a new textural experience to the classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a new addition featuring our homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, rounded off with a drizzle of artisanal honey to counteract the sourness. While it seems unconventional, this pizza has quickly gained popularity as one of our most sought-after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has not spared the pizza industry, with a noticeable demand for pizza that showcases inventive meat substitute options. Far from ordinary vegetable toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have brought forth choices that even the most ardent carnivores enjoy.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni now proudly occupy places on our menu. These protein choices appeal not only to vegetarians but also to our patrons who appreciate their distinctive taste and the ease they offer the digestive system.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who prefer their pizza with a kick are finding joy in 2023 as aficionados are opting for specific regional chili types rather than general red pepper flakes. Favorites like Calabrian chilies are still prevalent, but we are now witnessing Aleppian chilies, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang added to our pizzas.
The International Spice pizza includes an assortment of four diverse regional chilies, each imparting a distinct essence to different sections of the pizza. It's a fiery expedition that has garnered much applause from our more intrepid patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The push for locally sourced food has grown into the pizza sector with the adoption of seasonal foraged ingredients. Leading the way in this trend are wild mushrooms, with types such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing our pizzas during their seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), ocean-sourced greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to add an exclusive aromatic twist. These naturally sourced ingredients offer diners unique flavors unreplicable in a cultivated setting.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought by honey has now become a staple, rather than a trendy whim. Building on the fame of spicy honey in prior years, 2023 welcomes a multitude of specialty honey types being dribbled onto pizzas upon serving.
Variants such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, rich mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey are finding their way into establishments nationwide. These final additions contribute depth and transform even basic pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still stirring interest include:
- Cured egg yolks grated finely over the pizza like a shower of gold
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains with a heritage bent, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter spots, including cultured or herbed variations
Whether one favors everlasting classics or seeks the thrill of new flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most customizable and cherished dishes worldwide. At CliffHollow, we honor timeless traditions while inviting culinary creativity—illustrated by our offering of both the classic Margherita and innovative specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these popular toppings? Or is there a special combination you'd like to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!