As the culinary landscape evolves, so does the domain of pizzas. In 2023, the preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide continue to shape the industry. At BrackenHill, we keep a pulse on these preferences to curate a list of this year’s most compelling pizza toppings.
1. Pickled Vegetables
Emphasizing digestive wellness, pickled vegetables are now a leading choice for topping pizzas. Ingredients like kimchi, pickled cucumbers, and marinated onions bring a delicious tang that pairs well with classic cheese and tomato bases. These pickled delights are more than just tasty—they also serve up healthful probiotics and introduce novel textures to pizza.
Consider our Pickled Delight pizza, which combines homemade pickled cucumbers, kimchi, and bleu cheese, crowned with a drizzle of artisan honey to offset the sharp flavors. This zesty combination is swiftly ascending to the top of our specialty pizza requests list.
2. Vegan Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets is mirrored in pizza toppings, with a growing demand for innovative meatless options. These new ingredients go beyond standard vegetable toppings, presenting plant-based alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of meat.
Items such as vegan sausage bits, spiced tempeh, tropical fruit-based pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our pizza roster. They're not only chosen for ethical or dietary reasons but also for their distinctive flavors and more digestible qualities.
3. Exotic Chilies from Around the World
Those desiring a touch of heat on their pizzas are flocking to specific, globally sourced chili peppers instead of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their reign of popularity, others like the fragrant Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the fiery Korean gochujang are also gaining fame.
Our International Spice pizza showcases a fusion of various exotic chilies, each lending its distinctive spice to different sections of the pizza—a global flavor journey favored by our audacious customers.
4. Wild Foraged Produce
With the ascent of the farm-to-table movement, the trend has expanded to include foraged toppings. Special wild mushrooms are at the forefront of this trend, with varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake showing up seasonally.
We’ve also been experimenting with ingredients like wild leeks, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and pine tips, which impart an aromatic essence. These wild toppings offer unique flavors that cultivated crops can't replicate, connecting diners directly to nature’s pantry.
5. Boutique Honey Garnishes
Honey has secured its role in creating a sweet and savory dynamic on pizzas. 2023 has introduced an array of gourmet honey variations that are drizzled over pizzas just before serving, amplifying the flavor profiles.
Specialties such as truffle-infused honey, garlic honey, honey with a hint of mesquite, and honey infused with botanical extracts are enhancing our pizza offerings. These exquisite drizzles transform basic pizzas into sophisticated culinary creations.
Honorable Mentions
While the following toppings didn't make our top list, they are certainly making their mark:
- Grated salt-cured egg yolks, adding a luxurious umami sprinkle to the pizza
- Tangy pickled stone fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain crunches, with popped sorghum or crispy spelt
- Specialty butters, like those churned with herbs or cultured for added depth
Whether you're anchored by tradition or eager for exploratory flavors, pizza remains a versatile and universally cherished dish. At BrackenHill, we honor the timeless classics while also embracing novel creations, ensuring our menu has the perfect balance of both signature Margheritas and avant-garde specialties.
Which of these trendsetting toppings have you tried? Or do you have a particular favorite mix that you think we should feature? Share your thoughts in the comments section or during your next visit!