As each year unfolds, we see new tastemakers in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is certainly delivering on that promise. At CedarBloomHaven, our team is on the pulse of what’s enticing pizza aficionados worldwide. Let’s dive into this year’s most sizzling pizza topping selections.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digital attention to gut wellness has landed fermented veggies onto pizzas, quickly become a fan favorite. Tangy kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are enriching the cheesy, saucy base with robust flavors. These toppings aren't just tasty – they introduce a rich array of textures and offer gut-friendly probiotics.
Fermentation Fiesta is the name of our new pizza starring handcrafted sauerkraut and kimchi paired with tangy gorgonzola, all balanced with a sweet local honey drizzle. It may seem unconventional, but it's swiftly growing into one of our top specialty requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets are surging, and the demand for meat alternative toppings on pizzas is mounting accordingly. Beyond ordinary veggie garnishes, advancements in plant proteins are presenting options that even die-hard carnivores can enjoy.
On our menu, you'll find vegetarian Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit “pulled pork,” and a “pepperoni” made from pea protein. These toppings are not exclusively for veggie lovers—many are drawn to their distinctive tastes and the less hefty digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a bit of spice are turning to specific chili types over the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chili maintains its status from prior years, varieties like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang are also being featured.
Our Heat Wave pizza offers a journey through four diverse chili profiles, assigned to different quarters of the pizza, promising a fiery taste tag for those craving a little extra excitement on their plate.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing trend has evolved toward wild forest finds gracing pizzas, led by the appeal of foraged wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their seasons.
We're also exploring wild leeks or spring ramps, marine greens including dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These natural elements give our customers a taste of the wilderness and bring forth flavors that aren’t easily replicated in farms.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The balance of sweet with savory secured by honey has remained steadfast and is now expanding with specialty honeys topping pizzas. Truffle honey, garlic ferment honey, and even honeys infused with non-intoxicating substances are making their way onto pizzas nationwide before serving.
Adding these honeys as a final touch introduces new layers of flavor and can transform a simple pizza into a one-of-a-kind gourmet masterpiece.
Honorable Mentions
Just outside our top five yet still causing ripples are the following toppings:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusted atop pizza like cheese
- Briny pickled fruits, highlighting stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Textural heritage grains, such as crispy farro or puffy sorghum
- Dollops of craft butter, especially types that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Pizza’s versatility remains unmatched, catering to both those who swear by time-honored recipes and those eager to explore innovative twists. At CedarBloomHaven, we pay homage to tradition, yet we are unafraid to experiment – thus, our menu celebrates both the quintessential Margherita alongside contemporary and avant-garde pies.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings? Or maybe there’s a distinct topping combination you're itching to find on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit.