Each passing year unveils fresh pizza flavor trends, and the year 2023 is no different. Here at MellowStreamGlade, keeping an eye on what tickles the fancy of pizza aficionados worldwide is our forte. We proudly present a selection of the top pizza toppings that are the talk of the town this season.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has found its way onto the pizza scene, with zesty fermented vegetables taking center stage. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and tangy pickled onions are lending their sharp flavors in a perfect dance with the creamy cheesiness and hearty sauces of pizzas. These zingy additions are not only bursting with probiotics but also infuse an exciting textural element to the pizza base.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, adorned with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and pungent gorgonzola, all brought into balance with a hint of locally sourced honey. While it may be an unconventional mix, it has swiftly ascended to be a top request among our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets continues its momentum, resulting in a heightened demand for pizzas that showcase innovative meat alternatives. Beyond classic veggies, the introduction of new plant-based proteins has been eagerly received even by staunch carnivores.
Expect to see the likes of plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, robustly flavored tempeh, jackfruit “pulled pork” in a marinade, and “pepperoni” made from pea protein. These aren’t merely options for the vegan community – they are a hit with our patrons for both their distinctive taste profiles and the ease of digestion they offer.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase the heat, 2023 is a thrill with a newfound appreciation for specific types of regional chilies over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Holding strong from previous years are the fiery Calabrian chilies, yet now we see the likes of sweet and smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean favorite gochujang gracing our pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a mosaic of four distinctive chilies, each lending its own signature taste to different sections of the pizza, creating a fiery journey popular with our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Escalating from farm-to-table, the encroachment of seasonal foraged items onto pizzas showcases a growing trend. Leading the forage are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are celebrated during their natural growing seasons.
Apart from fungi, we are trailblazing with wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips. These organically harvested ingredients offer an authentic taste of the wilderness and cannot be replicated by cultivated varieties.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Enhancing the palate with a hint of sweetness, the inclusion of honey has now become a staple. Venturing beyond the craze of spicy honey, 2023 has witnessed an influx of exotic honey variants, administered as the final flourish.
Delicacies like truffle-infused honey, honey aged with fermented garlic, sweet and smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey, are now embellishing pizza menus. These artisanal drizzles lend a nuanced flavor, elevating the humble pizza to a gourmet creation.
Honorable Mentions
A variety of other toppings are just shy of making our main list but continue to impress, including:
- Cured egg yolks, grated finely over the pizza to resemble delicate flakes
- Pickled fruit such as stone fruits – think peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, offering a crunchy texture like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter dollops, featuring artisanal cultured or compound herb butters
Whether you’re a purist who sticks to time-honored favorites or a trailblazer eager for avant-garde tastes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At MellowStreamGlade, we respect the classics while also welcoming novel concoctions – which is why you will find both the simple Margherita and innovative specialty pizzas proudly on our menu.
Which of these contemporary toppings have you sampled? Maybe you have a distinct combination you’re eager to see us unveil? Share your thoughts in the comments, or talk to us on your next visit!