Each year presents fresh foodie trends in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is no different. At FernHavenPark, keeping tabs on flavors that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide is our passion. We present to you the most thrilling and favored pizza toppings that are the buzz of this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing gut wellness has made fermented veggies an unexpected but resoundingly popular choice on pizzas. Add-ons like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the indulgent cheese and sauce. Besides their probiotic advantages, these fermented options add a novel texture to the conventional pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza comes topped with locally-sourced sauerkraut, house-made kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, all balanced out with a sweet drizzle of local honey. It may be an unconventional blend, but it's rapidly turned into one of our most sought-after signature pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, the surge in plant-based meat substitute toppings on pizzas is notable. Moving beyond just veggies, new formulations of plant proteins are pleasing even staunch carnivores.
Varieties such as plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit concocted as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni are frequently appearing on our menu. These protein choices are enjoyed not only by vegetarians but also by customers appreciating their distinctive tastes and the benefits of lighter digestion.
3. Exotic Chili Variants
Heat enthusiasts can rejoice as 2023 has brought a greater appreciation for unique regional chili types versus the standard crushed red pepper. Though Calabrian chilies still remain a fan favorite, new entries include Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang, all garnishing pizzas for extra zest.
Our International Inferno pizza is garnished with a quartet of distinct regional chilies, each lending its special flavor to various portions of the pizza, a spicy journey well-liked by our more daring customers.
4. Wild Foraged Toppings
A direct extension of the farm-to-table movement, foraged ingredients from the forests have sparked interest. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, bringing their unique flavors during their growth seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, adventurous toppings include wild leeks known as ramps, sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, all contributing to an intense forest flavor that can't be replicated on a farm.
5. Unique Honey Infusions
The harmony of sweet and savory tastes has made honey an enduring addition to pizzas. Following the trail of spicy honey, 2023 has welcomed a variety of specialty honeys drizzled over pizzas before serving.
Options such as truffle honey, fermenting garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey have started to adorn menus nationally. These honeys serve as a final touch that adds depths of flavor, turning even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that nearly made the cut but still deserve mention include:
- Dried egg yolks, gracefully shaved over pizzas like a rich dusting
- Marinated fruits, with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Whole grains like toasted farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Custom craft butters like those mixed with herbs or cultured varieties
No matter if you stick to timeless classics or are eager to explore innovative flavor mixes, pizza remains a universally cherished and infinitely adaptable dish. At FernHavenPark, we honor time-honored recipes while also incorporating new culinary creations—that's why our menu boasts both the age-old Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Are any of these trending toppings on your taste radar? Or maybe you have a unique favorite that you would love us to feature? Drop us your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit.