As we move through the year, the pizza industry sees fresh gastronomic tendencies taking hold. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we keenly observe what flavors the pizza connoisseurs worldwide are gravitating towards. Allow us to present the top pizza toppings that are capturing attention this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has transitioned into pizza toppings, with fermented vegetables surprising many by topping pizza charts. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide complex, tangy tastes which pair beautifully with the creamy, robust flavors of cheese and sauce. Beyond offering probiotics, these toppings bring novel textural experiences to classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, balanced by a sweet drizzle of artisanal honey. While it may seem unconventional, it's quickly climbing the ranks of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based nutrition has translated into an elevated demand for pizza topped with inventive meat-free alternatives. These toppings go beyond traditional vegetables, providing plant-based Italian sausage, tempeh, pulled pork from jackfruit, and pea-protein pepperoni. These aren’t just for non-meat eaters; they also appeal for their distinctive flavors and easy digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a bit of spice are celebrating. This year pizza aficionados are seeking out distinct regional chili varieties in lieu of plain red pepper flakes. Familiar options like Calabrian chilies remain popular, but Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now appearing on pizzas to satisfy the craving for heat.
The Global Heat pizza showcases a blend of four different regional chilies, each lending its own distinctive taste to sections of the pizza, proving to be a hit among our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement now includes foraged ingredients sourced directly from the wild. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear on our pizzas in their respective harvest seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we also work with wild ramps, various sea greens, and aromatic spruce tips. These wild-crafted components offer a connection to nature and bring incomparable tastes that cultivated counterparts cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Combining sweet and savory, honey has become a principal element on pizzas, extending beyond its recent popularity as a condiment. The year has seen a burgeoning variety of specialized honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, mesquite, and even CBD-enriched honey adorning pizzas just before serving, creating intricate, refined flavors.
Honorable Mentions
Noteworthy toppings that nearly made the top of our list but deserve mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, offering a shower of savory zest
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes like crunchy farro or sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter spots, especially those with cultured or herb infusions
No matter if you're a purist who loves timeless flavors, or one who seeks to explore audacious new combinations, pizza remains the global favorite for its adaptability and appeal. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we celebrate classic flavors while also pioneering new culinary experiences, evident from our range of pizzas from the classic Margherita to innovative creations.
Have any of these innovative toppings graced your palate? Maybe you have a particular blend you'd like us to explore? Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know the next time you drop by!