As each year passes, the realm of pizza tastes sees fresh fads, and the year 2023 is no different. At NeutralServiceCenter, constant attention is given to the preferences evolving among pizza enthusiasts worldwide. This is our latest digest of the top-notch and sensation-causing pizza toppings of the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing digestive wellness has brought fermented veggies to the forefront of topping choices on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing a zesty complexity that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheeses and pizza bases. These toppings aren't just flavorful—they offer probiotics and introduce an array of new textures to the pizza experience.
Our innovative Fermentation Fiesta pizza is dressed with in-house sauerkraut, crafted kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a final touch of local honey to counterbalance the sourness. It's an unconventional pairing, but its popularity is surging among customers seeking distinctive flavors.
2. Plant-Powered Proteins
With the plant-based diet gaining more followers, there's been an uptick in pizza topped with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond just veggies, the latest plant-based protein innovations are now part of pizzas designed to appeal to both vegetarians and meat enthusiasts alike.
Items like plant-inspired Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit treated to mimic pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni have found a place in our recipe list. These proteins aren't limited to vegetarians; many clients opt for them for the distinct tastes and for offering a gentler impact on digestion.
3. Chilies of Distinct Regions
For those who chase the heat, 2023 has encouraged a preference for distinctive chilies over the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian peppers have stayed popular, this year has welcomed the likes of the smoky ñora chilies from Spain, the sweet aji amarillo from Peru, and gochujang from Korea as toppings on pizzas.
Our International Scorch pizza brings a collection of four unique chilies to the table, treating each quarter of the pizza to a different burst of flavor. It's a fiery journey that's resonated with those who favor bolder tastes.
4. Wild Harvested Ingredients
The connection between the wilderness and the table has been strengthened with the increasing inclusion of wild-harvested ingredients on pizzas. Varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms are front runners, appearing in line with their natural growing seasons.
We're also featuring wild ramps, marine greens such as dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips. These ingredients offer patrons unique flavors that can't be replicated with cultivated produce.
5. Unique Honey Drizzles
The allure of honey's sweet contrast to savory has solidified its place as a favorite pizza enhancement. This year, the variety of honeys being drizzled on pizzas has expanded greatly, each offering a burst of specialized taste.
Exotic options like truffle-infused honey, honey aged with garlic, richly smoked mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD are gracing menus nationwide. A simple dash adds a layer of sophistication, transforming everyday pizza into a plate of gourmet delight.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed our prime selection but are nonetheless leaving an impression include:
- Preserved egg yolks lightly grated over the pizza, giving it a lavish touch
- Pickled variants of fruits, notably the stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain additions, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Spreads of artisanal butter, particularly those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Whether you're an aficionado of time-honored recipes or a culinary explorer open to daring new flavor combinations, pizza remains an infinitely versatile and universally cherished dish. At NeutralServiceCenter, we pay homage to the classics while pioneering inventive options—that's why our menu is home to both the age-old Margherita and the avant-garde creations.
Which of these trendy toppings have you sampled? Or perhaps you have an inventive topping blend you'd like to see us feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next trip to our location!