As we delve into the culinary evolutions within the pizza realm, 2023 showcases an array of new topping preferences. At EvenfallGrove, staying abreast of global pizza fans’ tastes is our tradition. We're pleased to reveal this year's top selections for trending and favored pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on gut well-being has carried through to our pizza kitchens, where fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprising favorite. Combining kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, they provide a burst of tang, acting as a lush foil for creamy cheese and hearty sauce, while fermenting introduces probiotics and novel texture profiles to the classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza is adorned with handcrafted sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and Gorgonzola, harmonized with a drizzle of local honey that offsets the sour notes. This peculiar blend is quickly claiming its place as one of our signature requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The upswing in plant-based diets has not left the pizza industry untouched, leading to increased incorporation of innovative meat substitutes on our pizzas. Visitors can now enjoy a new category of toppings, including plant-based Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni, beyond the traditional veggies. These additions cater to more than vegetarians, drawing interest for their distinct tastes and ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those seeking a little heat on their pizzas have been welcoming regional chili peppers, favoring distinct varietals over standard pepper flakes. We observe continued demand for Calabrian chilies, but now Aleppan pepper, Spanish smoked ñora chilies, fruity Aji Amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang paste are also accenting our pizzas.
Try our Global Heat pizza which brings together a quartet of regional chilies, each quadrant of the pizza seasoned with a unique fiery essence. It's a hot favorite among our patrons who treasure bold flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The transition from forest to pizza reflects the latest trend, with seasonal and foraged ingredients taking center stage. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, featuring chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing during their natural seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've incorporated wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, all adding hints of wilderness in every slice and offering flavors unattainable through commercial methods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast of honey's sweetness with the savory elements of pizza has secured its place as more than a fad. This year marked the advent of unique honey varieties like truffle, fermented garlic, mesquite, and even CBD-infused honey as finishes to pizzas, turning even the simplest of pies into a deluxe experience.
Honorable Mentions
Other trending toppings barely missing out on the top five include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like a dusting of sunshine
- Pickled fruits particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Grain ingredients for added crunch, including crispy farro or sorghum puffs
- Dollops of artisanal butters that include cultured or herbed varieties
Whether you gravitate towards time-honored classics or relish the new palette of tastes, pizza's versatility and universal appeal endure. At EvenfallGrove, we honor the timeless while championing the new, delivering both the quintessential Margherita and our avant-garde pizzas to aficionados alike.
Are any of these innovative toppings on your taste radar? Or maybe you have a unique topping mix you'd love us to try? Tell us in the comments or on your next visit!