Each new year introduces innovative trends in the pizza domain, and this year at StillPassage, we’ve been keeping an eye on what flavors are winning over pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our compilation of the top five pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has transitioned to pizza toppings, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with rich, tangy notes that enhance the creamy flavors of the cheese and sauce. Besides the probiotic advantages, these toppings are adding new textural layers to the traditional pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Festivity pie boasts a homemade blend of sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, offset by a drizzle of locally sourced honey for a hint of sweetness. This uncommon combination is rapidly turning into a frequently demanded pizza at our establishment.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets continue to surge in popularity, the demand for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes has soared. Vegetables are no longer the only meat-free option, as advancements in plant-based proteins are providing satisfying alternatives for even the most ardent carnivores.
We offer an array of plant-based meat substitutes such as crumbly Italian sausage made from plants, expertly seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in a tantalizing marinade mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These plant-based options are appealing not only to vegetarians but also to those who enjoy their distinct tastes and lighter effects on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Connoisseurs of spiciness are celebrating! Pizzas in 2023 are being graced with specific types of regional chilies instead of the typical red pepper flakes. The much-loved Calabrian chilies hold their ground, while the inclusion of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are starting to make waves on pizzas.
Each quadrant of our International Spice pizza presents a distinct regional chili, bringing their own flavor profiles to the mix. This fiery culinary journey is proving a hit among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table ethos has adapted to include foraging, with a growing trend in seasonal forest finds making their way onto pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear on our menu during their growth seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've experimented with wild spring leeks, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and pine sprouts which add a distinct aromatic quality. These foraged components offer a connection to the wild and bring irreplaceable flavors that are impossible to cultivate on a farm.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The pairing of sweet and savory is solidified in the trend of honey drizzle on pizzas before serving, continuing to gain momentum. Not just any honey, but varieties like truffle-infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-infused honey are enhancing pizzas with their complex characteristics, lifting simple pizzas to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
While these did not make it to our top five, the following toppings deserve special mention as they continue to make a significant impact:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded over pizzas, casting an amber hue
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains from heritage crops, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, introduce novel textures
- Dollops of specially crafted butter, including cultured or herb-infused varieties
Whether you're someone who values age-old classics or a gourmet enthusiast open to experimental flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At StillPassage, we respect the traditions while embracing novelty, which is why our menu features both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Are there trending toppings you’ve already sampled? Or perhaps you have a unique topping combo you’d want us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!