Pizzerias are experiencing a wave of new culinary influences this year, and SunlitVerge is on the forefront, observing the flavors that are capturing the hearts of pizza aficionados across the world. We present to you the top pizza toppings that have made a significant impact in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing the importance of gut health, fermented vegetables are taking over the pizza scene with a delightful twist on flavor. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with a rich, tangy profile, while also bringing in the benefits of probiotics and introducing a new range of textures.
Fermentation Celebration, our latest creation, combines homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped with a local honey drizzle for an unorthodox, yet widely desired medley on pizza.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets continues, creating a higher demand for pizzas topped with unconventional meat substitutes. Beyond just vegetable toppings, the latest advancements in plant-based proteins are offering choices that appeal to even the staunchest meat enthusiasts.
Our menu now features plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These substitutes are appealing to our customers not only for ethical or dietary reasons, but also for their distinctive flavors and more digestible nature.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
This year, pizza lovers are heat seekers, preferring distinct regional chilies over the conventional red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be favored, other varieties like smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now featured on our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza offers an assortment of four distinct regional chilies, each providing a unique taste sensation in each quarter of the pizza, attracting customers with a penchant for spice.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table has evolved into forest-to-pizza, as foraged ingredients make their way onto our pizzas. Wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, top the list during their natural seasons.
We've also introduced unique seasonal foraged foods like spring ramps, seaborne greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips, connecting our customers to nature and providing flavors that are unattainable through cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interaction of sweet and savory with the finish of honey has become a staple, particularly in recent years. 2023 welcomes a variety of specialty honeys as the final touch on pizzas, including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey, enhancing the gourmet experience of our pizza offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that have been receiving attention, though not quite making the top five, comprise:
- Cured egg yolks, dusted finely over pizza for a velvety finish
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Heritage grain toppings, like crunchy farro or sorghum pops for added texture
- Artisanal butter drops, like cultured or herbed compound butters for richness
Whether patrons are purists who stick to classic flavors, or culinary adventurers seeking novel combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes worldwide. At SunlitVerge, we respect the age-old traditions while wholeheartedly pursuing innovation, which is why our menu features both timeless Margherita and avant-garde gourmet pizzas.
We're eager to know if you've sampled any of these popular toppings, or if there's a distinctive flavor blend you'd like to see us introduce. Share your thoughts in the comments or drop us a line during your next visit to our establishment!