Each annual cycle introduces fresh trends in the pizza sector, and 2023 has brought its own array of trending flavors. At BoulderWay, our team is keen on tracking the preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Let us present a compilation of this year's most popular and intriguing pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now matching the growing interest in gut health, and fermented vegetables have emerged as a top choice on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending pizzas a sophisticated dash of sourness that elevates the traditional cheesy and saucy base. They're not just tasty; these toppings offer probiotic qualities and a unique textural layer to pizza.
Our signature Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a finishing drizzle of local honey to counteract the sourness. It may seem like an unconventional mix, but it has rapidly turned into one of our most sought-after specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain in popularity, so does the emphasis on meat-free pizza toppings. Moving beyond just veggies, the newest plant-based proteins have captured the interest of even the most avid meat fans.
We now feature a variety of plant-based toppings, including Italian sausage substitutes made from plants, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni on our menu. These options are enjoyed not only by vegetarians for their flavor but also by those looking for a more digestible pizza topping.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who love spicy flavors have embraced the trend of specialty regional chili varieties on their pizzas, moving away from generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, and they're sharing the spotlight with Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, the fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang.
Our Global Heat pizza serves up a spicy gastronomic journey with each quadrant featuring a different type of chili for a varied taste experience. This option has become particularly popular with our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has branched out to include forest-to-pizza, highlighted by the surge in popularity of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and morels have made their way onto pizzas in sync with their growing seasons.
We've also incorporated wild ramps, sea-faring greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, lending an authentic forest aroma. These ingredients not only offer unique flavors but also foster a connection with nature that isn't found with commercially grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in delivering a sweet contrast to savory flavors has cemented its place in the pizza world. This year, a range of unique honey types are being used to garnish pizzas, continuing the momentum from the hot honey trend seen in recent years.
Our pizza selections are now finished with exciting varieties of honey, like truffle, garlic fermented, smoky mesquite, and even one infused with CBD. These honey drizzles are adding layers of sophisticated tastes turning even modest pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few other toppings that are gaining attention, though they didn't quite make our top five:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over pizzas adding a touch of elegance
- Pickled stone fruit varieties including peaches and plums
- Heritage grains providing crunch, like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter accents, like cultured or herbed compound butters
No matter whether you're someone who sticks to time-honored toppings or is open to unconventional flavor fusions, pizza maintains its place as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At BoulderWay, we pay homage to the classics and simultaneously stay at the forefront of innovation, which is why you'll find both traditional Margherita pizzas and avant-garde specialties on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these recent topping trends? Or perhaps you have a distinct pizza topping combination you'd like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!