Each season ushers in fresh food fads within the pizza sphere, and 2023 has been no different. At LanternFen Pizzeria, we constantly observe the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. This list highlights the current year's most buzzworthy and beloved pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's rise to fame has reached pizza parlors, with fermented veggies emerging as this year's dark horse favorites. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a flavorful zing, melding with the creamy cheeses and robust sauces. Apart from their probiotic perks, these fermented garnishes add an unexpected texture twist to classic pies.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie comes loaded with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all topped with a sweet drizzle of regional honey. It's an unconventional blend gaining rapid popularity as a house specialty.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more diners embrace a plant-forward lifestyle, the clamor for pizzas with innovative meat-free alternatives has skyrocketed. Moving beyond basic veggies, the latest plant proteins offer substitutes that have even steadfast carnivores taking notice.
Pizzas adorned with meat-free Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni are now mainstays on our menu. These options have won over not just the vegetarians, but also those lured by their distinct flavors and gentle impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
The thrill-seekers of 2023 have warmly welcomed the specific chili varieties from various regions, relegating the generic crushed red pepper to the sidelines. While Calabrian chilies remain a favorite, other types like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are finding their way onto our pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a curated selection of these distinct chilies, with each slice offering a dive into flavors from different regions. This fiery offering has been particularly well-received by our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from woodland to pizza is the latest trend, with foraged seasonal ingredients capturing the market. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each gracing the pizza during its peak season.
We're also experimenting with wild leeks or ramps, marine greens including dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients forge a connection with nature and impart flavors that can't be achieved through traditional farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
2023 continues to be abuzz with the honey craze, the sweet contrast to savory flavors on pizza proving to have longevity. Following the hot honey trend of the past, we're now seeing diverse honey variants like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky varieties enchanting diners nationwide with a final drizzle right before service.
Honorable Mentions
Not quite making the top five but still gaining attention are:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over pizza for an umami-rich topping
- Pickles from orchard fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain additions like crunchy farro or popped sorghum for extra bite
- Dollops of artisan butter, using varieties like cultured or herbed for added richness
Whether one's taste runs to timeless classics or avant-garde mixes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At LanternFen Pizzeria, we pay homage to tradition while welcoming the new, which is why our menu sports both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Which of these top toppings have you experienced? Or do you have a distinctive blend in mind you'd wish to find featured by us? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!