Each new year introduces the culinary scene to fresh trends in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no different. Here at RiverOakWay, we diligently keep track of what flavors pizza aficionados worldwide fancy. Below is our list of the year’s most innovative and embraced pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Focusing on gut wellness has entered the pizza industry, with fermented veggies emerging as this year's standout toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing new zesty tastes that wonderfully balance the creamy cheeses and sauces. Besides serving up probiotics, these toppings are infusing a novel textural feel into the classic pizza experience.
The “Celebration of Fermentation” pizza is our creation, pairing homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped with a squirt of artisanal honey to offset the sharpness. This unique medley is fast becoming one of the go-to choices for our signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The shift towards plant-based nutrition continues to surge, resulting in a heightened interest in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Pizzas are going beyond the usual veggie options, as the advent of plant-based proteins offers choices that even meat enthusiasts can appreciate.
We’ve added plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea-based “pepperoni” to our regular offerings. These alternatives are appealing not solely to vegetarians but to a broad audience for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those craving heat, this year’s trend is a movement towards distinct regional chili varieties instead of the conventional red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies are still in the spotlight, additional varieties like the smoked Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang paste are also gracing our pizzas.
“The International Spicy” pizza showcases a blend of four different regional chilies, each offering its specific taste to the pizza’s four quarters. It has been particularly well received among our more venturesome customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table ethos has extended into the forest-to-pizza trend, thanks to the soaring enthusiasm for foraged seasonal components. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods, when they’re in season.
We also work with wild ramps, ocean-sourced vegetables like dulse and nori, and fresh spruce tips, adding a distinctive scent. These ingredients create a connection to the wild outdoors and bestow tastes that cultivated products cannot replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's unique ability to contrast sweet and savory has gained more than just a momentary appeal. Following up on the hot honey trend, 2023 has introduced a variety of specialized honey drizzles applied to pizzas just before serving.
Truffle-infused honey, garlic honey, smoky mesquite-flavored honey, and even honey enriched with CBD are now available on menus nationwide. These final drizzles add depth and can transform basic pizzas into gourmet delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings didn’t quite make our prime five but are still deserving of attention:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, offering a delicate burst of flavor
- Pickled stone fruits, such as cherries and apricots
- Ancient grain garnishes, including crispy spelt or puffed amaranth for added crunch
- Specialty butter blobs like cultured or blended herb butter
Regardless if you're set on timeless favorites or open to experimental new flavor blends, pizza remains a globally cherished and versatile dish. RiverOakWay pays homage to time-honored traditions while pioneering culinary creativity—that’s why our menu features both iconic Margherita and our innovative signature pizzas.
Have any of these avant-garde toppings made it to your plate? Or perhaps you have your own unique favorite topping combination you think we should consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!