This year continues to offer novel pizza topping trends, and at CopperFieldLab, we keep a close watch on the preferences that are winning over pizza aficionados globally. Below we share our list of the year's top relished and innovative pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health remains in the spotlight, fermented vegetables have emerged as an unexpected topping choice on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a zesty flavor that pairs well with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings aren't just about flavor; they also offer probiotics and introduce new textures to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Celebration pizza that we serve up features house-prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a touch of local honey for a sweet counterbalance. While it may sound exotic, it has quickly become one of the favorites on our specialty pizza roster.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets has led to an upswing in pizzas that showcase inventive meat substitutes. Beyond usual veggies, we now offer plant-based protein variations that are convincing even for the most ardent carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a permanent place on our menu. These options cater not just to vegetarians but also to those looking for novel tastes and an easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a spicy kick, the year 2023 has celebrated a preference for specific regional chilies over the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, there's a newfound interest in Aleppo pepper, ñora chilies from Spain, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang finding their way onto our pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a foray into this trend, showcasing four distinct chilies that each bring their own flavor profile to the pizza. This spicy marvel has gained favor particularly among our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table ethos has grown to include forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged toppings gaining popularity. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods featured during their peak seasons.
We've also been integrating other wild ingredients like spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their unique aromatic essence. These natural elements provide earthy flavors that cultivated varieties simply cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a delectable sweet and savory pairing has become a well-established enhancement. This year, we've noticed a surge of specialty honeys drizzled atop pizzas just before they're served.
Assorted types like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and mesquite honey are making their marks on menus, and even honey infused with CBD has been noticed. These nuanced condiments serve as a final flourish, transforming even the simplest of pizzas into culinary delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that didn't make the top list but are still causing a stir include:
- Grated cured egg yolks adding a dusting of savory flavor
- Pickled fruits with a preference for pit fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains from heritage plants like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Dollops of homemade butter, including cultured or herbed varieties
Regardless of whether you're a purist who sticks with the originals or an experimenter eager for contemporary flavors, pizza stands as one of the most versatile and endeared dishes worldwide. At CopperFieldLab, we honor the timeless classics while also embracing the new—which is why our menu offers the traditional Margherita alongside our avant-garde creations.
Are there any top-trending toppings you've already enjoyed, or perhaps an uncommon combination you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!