Every passing year introduces new pizza topping trends, and 2023 is no different. At HarborCliff, keeping track of what delights pizza aficionados globally is our specialty. We present to you the top toppings that have made a splash in the pizza scene this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected sensation for pizzas this year due to the burgeoning interest in gut health. Toppings like Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions are joining forces to lend zesty flavors that enhance the creamy layers of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings don't just offer health benefits; they also add a new texture to classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, a specialty at our restaurant, features in-house crafted pickled cabbage, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, crowned with a trickle of locally sourced honey to offset the sharp taste. This mix may seem strange at first, but it's fast becoming a favorite among our customers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the practice of consuming plant-based foods gains momentum, we're witnessing an increased demand for meat substitute toppings. These innovations are not limited to standard veggies but also include a variety of plant proteins that even traditional meat-eaters find satisfying.
Meatless varieties like Italian sausage substitutes made from plants, spiced tempeh, jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These options attract those who are looking for distinctive flavors and a meal that's easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who crave a spicy kick are now opting for specific types of regional chilies over common red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be favorite choices, joined by Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang on top of pizzas.
Our International Spice pizza offers a combination of these various chilies, providing a distinct flavor in each slice. This pizza is particularly popular amongst our patrons who enjoy gastronomic exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Toppings
The farm-to-table concept has made its way from the fields to pizza with a new trend of seasonal foraged toppings. At the forefront of this trend are various types of wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured on our pizzas during their peaks seasonally.
We're also utilizing wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to add a distinct woodland fragrance. These foraged additions offer an authentic taste of nature and deliver flavors that can't be replicated by cultivated ingredients.
5. Special Honey Glazes
The sweet and savory interplay from honey drizzles has become more than a fleeting fascination. New in 2023, a variety of unique honey types are adorning pizzas, serving as the final flourish before they're brought to the table.
Pizza lovers can now enjoy toppings like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and other novel varieties. These aren't solely toppings but gastronomic enhancers that turn even a basic pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
While the following toppings didn't make our top five, they're still creating a buzz:
- Salting egg yolks, finely grated to give a rich finish
- Marinated fruits, with a preference for peaches and plums
- Ancient grain crunch, such as toasted farro or popped sorghum for added bite
- Gourmet butter blobs, particular those infused with multiple herbs or cultured varieties
No matter if you're a purist who sticks with time-honored favorites or someone who's keen to experiment with inventive combinations, pizza remains an infinitely customizable and universally loved dish. At HarborCliff, we celebrate tradition and welcome innovation, explaining why you'll discover both the quintessential Margherita and the avant-garde specialties on our menu.
Ever sampled any of these novel toppings? Or is there a one-of-a-kind mix you think we should introduce? Drop a comment below or tell us on your next visit!