As pizza continues to evolve, each year offers fresh culinary trends. AtlasNotebookCove diligently observes the latest pizza topping trends captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Below, find this year's list of the most popular and intriguing pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a shift towards gut health, fermented vegetables have surprisingly earned a spot on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide a burst of tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce, while also offering probiotic advantages and additional texture to pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is assembled with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a touch of local honey adding sweetness to the tanginess. Even though it may sound odd, this pizza is swiftly ascending our list of specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The movement towards plant-based diets is not slowing down, and the push for pizzas adorned with meat alternatives is on the rise. No longer just for basic vegetable toppings, innovative plant-based proteins are now winning over even the most devout carnivores.
Our menu now features items like plant-based Italian sausage chunks, marinated tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni, catering not only to vegetarians but also to those desiring unique tastes with a lighter feel on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love some spice, 2023 is the year of distinct regional chili peppers instead of the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their previous popularity, varieties like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are increasingly found on top of pizzas.
Our Spice World pizza mixes up four different chili peppers, each adding its distinct spice and flavor profile to the pizza, creating a fiery delight for those seeking an adventure on their plate.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has reached the pizza scene as foraged seasonal ingredients gain favor. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing in pizzas during their seasons.
We have been exploring the inclusion of wild ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and aromatic components like spruce tips. These ingredients convey a connection to nature and offer flavors not replicable by farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to balance sweet and savory is more than a fleeting fad. Specialty honey varieties are increasingly popular as a finishing touch on pizzas, following in the footsteps of hot honey.
Honeys such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are adding complexity to pizzas, making even simple pairings feel like gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings not in our top five but still creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, adding a luxurious finish when microplaned over the pizza
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums gaining popularity
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Gourmet butter dollops, including cultured or herbed varieties enhancing flavor
Whether you're one for traditional tastes or an experimenter open to pioneering combinations, pizza remains a highly customizable and globally cherished dish. At AtlasNotebookCove, we pay homage to classic recipes while also embarking on culinary innovations—that's why you'll find both the timeless Margherita and trendsetting pies on our menu.
Has your palate experienced any of these trending toppings yet? Or perhaps you harbor an exclusive favorite you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you dine with us!