Each year ushers in a fresh wave of gourmet pizza topping trends, and this year at PaperHarborGarden, we are keeping tabs on the flavors that are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you a curated list of the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Veggies
As more people pay attention to gut wellness, fermented veggies have gained unexpected prominence on pizza menus. The inclusion of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions brings a sophisticated sourness that pairs remarkably with the creamy cheeses and hearty sauces typically used on pizzas. Not only do these fermented choices add probiotic advantages, but they also offer a novel textural element to the classic pizza.
Fermentation Festivity, our new pizza, showcases in-house sauerkraut and kimchi with rich gorgonzola, all balanced by a sweet drizzle of regionally-sourced honey. Despite the unconventional mix, it’s rapidly becoming a sought-after choice among our customers.
2. Plant-Based Protein Options
The surge of plant-based eating has led to a marked uptick in plant-derived protein toppings for pizzas. Moving beyond usual vegetable garnishes, the latest in plant-based protein innovations is winning over even staunch carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage morsels, well-seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein pepperoni have found a steady place on our menu. These innovative protein choices appeal not only to those following a vegetarian diet but also to patrons interested in diverse tastes and a more health-conscious dining experience.
3. Exotic Chili Peppers
2023 marks a year where pizza lovers have shifted towards specific types of chili peppers beyond the everyday red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, and we're also seeing increased popularity in varieties such as the smoky Spanish ñora, the sweet and fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the spicy Korean gochujang.
Our Worldly Fiery pizza is a blend of four distinct chilies from around the globe, offering an adventurous mix of flavors that has been especially well-received by our daring clientele.
4. Foraged Toppings of the Season
The trend of farm-to-table has transitioned to include wild, foraged ingredients directly from nature to the pizza. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which grace our pizzas during their peak seasons.
We also feature other foraged delicacies like spring ramps, oceanic greens including dulse and nori, and even the fragrant spruce tips, all of which add an inimitable connection to the earth and flavors not found in conventional agriculture.
5. Unique Varieties of Honey
The harmony of honey with savory components has solidified its place as more than a fleeting craze. After the warm reception of spicy honey in past years, 2023 is showcasing a burgeoning selection of honey used as a final touch on pizzas just before they're served.
Rich variations like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and CBD-infused honey are beginning to appear in pizzerias nationwide. These indulgent drizzles add layers of taste and transform even the simplest of pizzas into a deluxe culinary creation.
Notable Mentions
While the following toppings didn’t quite make the top five, they are nevertheless creating a buzz:
- Cured egg yolk, finely grated over the pizza for a velvet-like finish
- Sweet and tangy pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as apricots and nectarines
- Ancient grain toppings, like toasted farro or puffed sorghum, providing a satisfying crunch
- Gourmet butter spots, particularly those infused with culture or blended with herbs
Whether your preference lies with time-honored classics or you're someone excited by innovative flavor unions, pizza remains as one of the most versatile and beloved dishes worldwide. At PaperHarborGarden, we respect time-honored traditions while also welcoming culinary creativity—thus our menu features both the ubiquitous Margherita alongside avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these trending toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have an inventive topping idea you’d like to recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!