Each year introduces new tastes to pizza aficionados, and 2023 has been no different. At RowanMeadow, we keep a close watch on what's enticing the palates of pizza aficionados everywhere. We're excited to share with you the toppings that are causing buzz in the pizza realm this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As digestive health becomes more prominent, fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas. The sourness of kimchi, pickled cucumbers, and fermented onions adds depth to the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings are not just tasty but also add probiotic advantages and new layers of texture to the classic pizza.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pizza with in-house pickled sauerkraut, kimchi, and strong gorgonzola, lightly drizzled with local honey to counteract the sourness. This novel combo is fast becoming a fan-favorite pizza variety.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more individuals choose plant-based diets, there's been an uptick in the request for pizzas adorned with imaginative non-meat options. Outside the expected veggie toppings, plant-based protein innovations now offer alternatives that even the most devout carnivores enjoy.
We offer plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein mimicking pepperoni. These toppings attract not just vegetarians but also patrons looking for unique tastes and a less heavy meal experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave something spicy, 2023 has embraced the usage of specific regional chilies over just basic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity, diverse varieties like the smoky ñora chilies from Spain, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have become pizza garnishes too.
Our International Spice pizza combines four different chilies, each adding their distinct taste profiles to the pie. It's a global spice tour that entices those who are culinary trailblazers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The forest-to-pizza trend has risen from the farm-to-table movement, with seasonal foraged produce becoming more sought-after. For instance, wild-harvested mushrooms, like chanterelles and hen-of-the-woods, are common during their peak seasons.
We also use early spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These unique ingredients provide an authentic connection to nature and a taste that can't be replicated by farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has established itself as a mainstay in sweet and savory combinations, especially on pizzas. Recent trends have shifted to include a variety of specialty honeys as final garnishes.
Our menu features exquisite varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and mesquite honey, which add depth and a gourmet touch to the simplest of pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that just missed our top five but deserve recognition include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over pizzas providing a snowy effect
- Preserved fruits, notably stone fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Whole grain garnishes, like toasted farro or sorghum for crunch
- Specialty butters such as cultured and mixed with herbs
Whether you stick to time-honored classics or are eager to explore new topping combinations, pizza remains one of the most diverse and cherished dishes worldwide. At RowanMeadow, we respect time-honored recipes and also champion contemporary creations—that’s why our menu contains both the beloved Margherita and innovative gourmet pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or do you have an inventive favorite that you think we should feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!