As the culinary landscape changes each year, the realm of pizza is no different, with 2023 ushering in its own set of preferred flavors. At MoonCustard, our commitment to staying ahead of the curve means we keep a keen eye on the trends that are tantalizing the taste buds of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below, we present our curated list of pizza toppings that are currently dominating the scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has become a priority for many, and this has introduced fermented veggies as a surprising success on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions now top pizzas with a zesty depth that marries well with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings are not just flavorful—they're rich in probiotics and add a new layer of texture to the familiar pizza profile.
Our unique Fermentation Fiesta pizza combines our own sauerkraut with house-made kimchi and gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet touch of locally-sourced honey to even out the flavors. It may seem unorthodox, but it's swiftly climbed to the top as one of our frequently ordered specialty dishes.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum behind plant-based diets continues, so it's no surprise there's a heightened demand for pizzas adorned with innovative non-meat toppings. Moving past traditional veggie toppings, the rise of plant-based proteins has introduced choices that even the most staunch carnivores find satisfying.
We now regularly include toppings like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful marinated tempeh, jackfruit turned pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni on our menu. These options not only cater to vegetarians but also attract customers keen on experiencing their distinct taste profiles and health benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those crave a spicy kick, this year has seen an enthusiastic embrace of specific kinds of regional chilies, pushing beyond the usual crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies maintain their long-standing popularity, other varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the flavorful Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizza recipes.
Our Spice Trail pizza boasts a variety of four distinct regional chilies, each lending its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza, providing a fiery quest that’s become a hit with our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection to local sourcing has expanded from farms to forests with the growing trend of using foraged ingredients that change with the season. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are notable leaders of this trend, being showcased when they're in season.
Apart from mushrooms, our foraged offerings include seasonal wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and occasionally even spruce tips for their unique fragrant quality. These natural ingredients deliver flavors unattainable from cultivated sources and forge a connection to the outdoors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Flavor contrasts brought on by honey have solidified their place in the gourmet pizza arena. Expanding on the formerly popular spiced honey, 2023 has brought a surge of specialty honeys being drizzled atop pizzas right before serving.
We're now seeing an array of honeys like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, subtly smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-enhanced honey elevating pizza creations with their complex notes, transforming even the simplest pizzas into high-end fare.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that nearly made our main list but are still of note include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza for a rich, umami flavor
- Stone fruits in pickled form, particularly peaches and plums
- Whole grain garnishes, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum, for a textural twist
- Gourmet touches of artisanal butters, especially those that are cultured or infused with herbs
Whether your taste veers towards time-honored classics or you enjoy dabbling in avant-garde flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At MoonCustard, we pay homage to the classics while exploring the forefront of gastronomic novelty, evident by the presence of both traditional Margherita and pioneering specialty pizzas on our menu.
Are you keen on any of these trendy toppings? Or perhaps you have an innovative combination you'd wish to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by and tell us in person!