In the pizza world, each year ushers in a fresh wave of gastronomic fads, and 2023 has its share of innovating additions. At LanternRiftPark, we keep a close eye on what tantalizes the palates of pizza aficionados internationally. Here's our compilation of the top five pizza toppings that have been a hit in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has carried over to the pizza scene, where fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprising favorite. Items such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide an intricate tangy taste that blends superbly with the creamy cheese and sauce. They deliver not only probiotic advantages but also add a new layer of texture to the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza comes topped with our own sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and gorgonzola, sealed with a swirl of artisan honey to sweeten the tang. While it may seem like an unlikely pairing, it's rapidly become one of the most sought-after specialty pizzas we offer.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people opt for plant-based diets, there's been an upsurge in plant-based protein toppings as an alternative to traditional meat. Beyond usual veggies, novel plant-derived proteins are being presented that even true carnivores admire.
We now regularly serve toppings such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork style marinated jackfruit, and pea-protein-based pepperoni. These alternatives find favor with our guests not just for their health benefits but also for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who relish the burn, 2023 has been a year of delight with a maiden interest in specific types of chilies. While Calabrian chilies continue from past years, Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and tangy Korean gochujang have become popular pizza choices.
Offering a Global Heat pizza, we showcase a fusion of four distinct chilies, allowing each to flavor a separate quarter of the pizza. This fiery combination is particularly popular among our most intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What was coined as the farm-to-table trend has now morphed into a forest-to-pizza movement. Leading this trend are foraged wild mushrooms, such as chantarelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which make their appearance during their respective seasons.
We're branching out with wild ramps (also known as wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These nature-sourced ingredients offer a connection to the wilderness with flavors you can't find on a farm.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory profiles achieved by honey is now a well-entrenched pizza trend. Expanding on the well-received spicy honey, 2023 has been witness to a range of unique honey variations gracing the pizzas right before they're served.
Exotic truffle honey, pungent fermented garlic honey, aromatic smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD honey are starting to feature in pizzerias nationwide. These delectable final touches add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to even the most basic pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that came close but didn't make the top five include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like delicate yellow flakes
- Marinated fruits, with a highlight on orchard produce such as apricots and cherries
- Ancient grains added for their crunch, with options like toasted farro or sorghum
- Gourmet spreads of butter, including those infused with herbs or cultured varieties
Whether your tastes are more in line with age-old favorites or you're keen on exploring novel flavor pairings, pizza remains an incredibly versatile and widely adored dish. At LanternRiftPark, we revere the classics while also welcoming culinary creativity—evident from our menu's traditional Margherita to our avant-garde pizzas.
Have any of these up-to-date toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have a distinctive combination in mind you'd love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or swing by for a visit!