As the years turn, the realm of pizza consistently sees new flavors and trends. At LeafandStone, keeping an eye on the global pizza palate is our forte. We're excited to share with you the top pizza toppings that have taken 2023 by storm.
1. Pickled Vegetables
Embracing gut wellness has reached the pizza industry, with pickled veggies emerging as a crowd favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and tangy pickled onions are lending their zesty taste to pizzas, highlighting the cheesy and saucy base layers. Beyond boosting gut health, these toppings are introducing a world of new textures to conventional pies.
Fermentation Fiesta is our newest creation, showcasing in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a honey drizzle that counters the sharpness. Odd as it may seem, it's fast becoming a fan favorite.
2. Meat-Free Alternatives
The surge in plant-centric diets has not bypassed the pizza sector, leading to a noticeable increase in demand for plant-based meat substitutes. Moving beyond simple veggie toppings, advancements in meat-free alternatives have brought about options appealing to staunch carnivores.
Our menu now proudly offers plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These options aren't reserved just for herbivores; many patrons opt for them due to their distinctive tastes and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Distinct Chili Flavors
2023 is a banner year for those who favor the fiery, as pizza aficionados show a preference for particular regional chilies over standard pepper flakes. With the persisting popularity of Calabrian chilies, this year introduces other varieties like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang into the mix.
The Global Heat pizza at our establishment is a journey through a quartet of chilies, each contributing a unique heat signature to a different section of the pie, catering to our bolder customers.
4. Seasonal Wild Ingredients
Wild, foraged ingredients epitomize the progression of farm-to-table, and have found their way onto pizzas with increasing popularity. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each taking a spotlight during their season.
We're exploring wild ramps, ocean greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients offer unparalleled flavors, grounding our customers in an experience of nature like no other.
5. Artisan Honey Variants
The pairing of sweet and savory, particularly with honey, has become a staple rather than a fleeting fad. This year has sparked an interest in a variety of artisan honey types as a finishing touch for pizzas.
Our offerings include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD honey, each adding a layer of sophistication and transforming simple pizzas into gourmet fare.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy toppings that are just shy of the top five yet are still making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, grate like a cheery dusting on pizzas
- Brined fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain enhancements, like crunchy farro or sorghum for a novel texture
- Dollops of boutique butters, like cultured or herbal variants
No matter if you're a purist who cherishes the timeless choices or a culinary explorer eager for novel blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes globally. At LeafandStone, we pay tribute to the classic while wholeheartedly adopting the new, which is why you'll find traditional Margheritas alongside avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you've got a personal favorite mix you're hoping to spot on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you're here!