As the culinary landscape evolves, the pizza scene is not left behind, and 2023 has witnessed its share of emerging trends. At MorrowField, we stay ahead of the curve, keeping our eyes peeled for what's delighting pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is a roundup of the most buzzworthy and craved pizza topping trends of the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has transitioned into the realm of pizza making, with fermented vegetables rising to stardom as a topping choice this year. The likes of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are sprinkling pizzas with complex, tangy delights that mesh well with the traditional creamy cheese and tomato base. These fermented options aren't just tasty — they provide health benefits through probiotics and add a new layer of texture to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Festivity pie is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and a type of blue cheese, and it’s all balanced out by a sweet drizzle of local honey. The blend is unconventional, yet it's soaring in popularity as one of our most sought-after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of interest in plant-based diets is seen with an increase in demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond the usual veggies, developments in plant-based proteins have brought forth alternatives that can hold their own against traditional meats.
Italian sausage substitutes made from plants, well-seasoned tempeh, jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pepperoni-like products made from pea protein have become staples on our menu. These novel proteins cater not just to vegetarians but to anyone looking for a distinctive flavor profile and a meal that's easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a fiery kick, the year 2023 has been a triumph, as pizza lovers are increasingly favoring specific types of regional chilies over the common flakes of crushed red pepper. While the fiery appeal of Calabrian chilies has persisted, this year has also introduced the smoky ñora chilies from Spain, sweet and fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and the deep flavors of Korean gochujang to the fold of favored pizza enhancers.
Each quadrant of our Global Heat pizza spotlights one of these world-sourced chilies, giving spice enthusiasts a taste of varying heat profiles, a feature that's particularly tempting to our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
With the increased interest in locally sourced food, wild, foraged ingredients have started to find their way onto pizzas. Wild mushrooms are spearheading this trend—the likes of chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are gracing pizzas when in season.
In addition to mushrooms, our culinary experimentation has brought in wild ramps, sea-sourced greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a hint of forest aroma. These foraged additions forge a deeper connection with nature and provide irreplaceable flavors that aren't found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interaction of savory and sweet afforded by honey has become a staple in the pizza world. Expanding on the trend of spicy honey from past years, the spotlight in 2023 has shifted toward a plethora of unique honey drizzles that liven up pizzas moments before they're served.
An array of specialty honeys, such as truffle-infused, fermented garlic, mesquite with a smoky twist, and even honey containing CBD, are sprouting up in eateries nationwide. These drizzles contribute to a depth of flavor and transform simple pizza creations into artisanal experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings nearly making it into our top ranks but still noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over pizza like golden flakes
- Pickled stone fruits, with peaches and plums leading the way
- Ancient grains for crunch, like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of handcrafted butter, including those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Whether your taste runs towards time-honored classics or you're all about embarking on flavor journeys with bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and favorite dishes worldwide. At MorrowField, our philosophy marries reverence for tradition with a celebration of the new, which is why you'll find both the perfected Margherita and innovative pies within our repertoire.
Have you experienced any of these trendsetting toppings? Is there a unique flavor mashup you'd wish to find on our menu? Share with us below in the comments or the next time you drop by!