As the calendar turns, so do the trends in the pizza toppings landscape, and 2023 has certainly introduced its share of innovations. At RidgePortal, keeping a pulse on the global favorites of pizza aficionados is our forte. Take a look at the topping superstars that have taken center stage this season.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut wellness has seeped into pizza kitchens, with a surge in fermented vegetables as the unexpected new stars atop our pies. Varieties such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing a zesty complexity that perfectly balances out the creamy textures of cheese and pizza bases. These toppings not only boast gut-friendly probiotics but also add an unexpected twist to the classic pie's texture.
Our latest offering, Fermentation Supreme, includes our very own sauerkraut, house-prepared kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, all expertly unified with a local honey drizzle that harmonizes the zest. This peculiar melody of flavors is rapidly climbing the ranks as one of our most sought-after gourmet pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-centered diets are becoming more mainstream, leading to a surge in unique veggie-based toppings that even the most zealous carnivores find satisfactory. Away from the predictable vegetable options, the birth of plant-based proteins has led to diverse meat substitutes gracing our pizzas.
Options on our menu now include crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, savory-seasoned tempeh, zesty marinated jackfruit as an alternative to pulled pork, and pepperoni made from pea protein. These aren't only appealing for vegetarians; they're chosen for their distinctive flavors and being more agreeable for digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those craving spice are no strangers to 2023, with pizza lovers seeking out specialty chilies from distinct regions over indiscriminate red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies sustain their fondness, we’re currently seeing a rise in unique chilies like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoked ñora, Peruvian fruity aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang gracing our pizzas.
Spicy Sojourn, our latest spicy creation, encompasses a selection of four unique regional chilies, with each lending its distinctive spice profile to separate quarters of the pizza. This heat-filled journey is garnering favor amongst our clientele who favor the daring.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection between the wild and our pizzas strengthens with the growing trend for seasonally foraged additions. Leading the way are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each making their debut during their prime season.
We haven't stopped at mushrooms; our experiments have led to the inclusion of spring ramps, oceanic flavors from dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These nature-sourced elements offer a taste not reproducible by farming and connect our customers to the earth in a unique way.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The pairing of savory and sweet gets a steadfast nod with honey becoming a mainstay drizzle on pizzas just before serving. 2023 has been particularly vibrant with an array of specialty honey such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and honey infused with CBD making their way onto various menus.
These gourmet garnishes bring added layers of intrigue to even the simplest of pizzas, transforming them into flavorsome masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
A few other noteworthy toppings that didn’t quite make the cut but are deserving of mention include:
- Grated cured egg yolks offering a rich umami essence
- Acidic pickled fruits including stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crunchy heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, including varieties enhanced with herbs and cultures
The pizza remains an endlessly versatile and cherished dish, whether you lean towards the timeless classics or you're keen to explore groundbreaking flavor marriages. At RidgePortal, we pay homage to the time-honored recipes while daringly adopting culinary innovation—our menu is testament to this, featuring both the quintessential Margherita and the avant-garde specialty creations.
Have any of these trending toppings made it to your plate? Or perhaps you've got a signature topping combination you're eager for us to explore? We invite your comments or a conversation on your next visit!