The realm of pizza is constantly infused with new flavors every year, and 2023 is no different. At GoldenMeadowWander, keeping tabs on the global pulse of pizza aficionados’ preferences is our specialty. We are excited to present the toppings that are revolutionizing pizzas this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has become a top consideration in pizzas, as fermented veggies emerge as this year’s unexpected stars. Add-ons like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a tantalizing sourness that balances out the cheese and sauce's savory taste. Besides their gut-friendly proclivities, these elements bring a new textural twist to the pizza we know and love.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza showcases our signature sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, topped with a touch of local honey to even out the sourness. It may be an unconventional combo, yet it's fast gaining traction amongst our best-selling signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centered diets gain more followers, the eagerness for plant-forward pizza options has surged. Diverse plant-based proteins are stepping in to fulfill the demand once reserved for traditional meat.
Our menu now regularly includes alternatives like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni. These alternatives have won the hearts of not just plant-eaters but also enthusiasts craving a distinct flavor and more digestible meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Lovers of spice are celebrating, as pizzas are now featuring specific chillies from different regions instead of the typical red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chillies carry on their longstanding popularity, other varieties like the smoky ñora, the citrusy aji amarillo, and the fiery Korean gochujang are also making their way into our pies.
The International Spice Mix pizza offers a selection of these regional chillies, with each one lending its unique spice profile to particular sections of the pie. This has become a hit for those looking for a bold tasting journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
With foraging becoming more prevalent, wild, seasonal ingredients have started to feature on pizzas. Leading this trend, varieties of wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods make seasonal cameos.
Other foraged delights like spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even pine tips have been explored for an exceptional aromatic note. These natural ingredients help to forge a bond with nature, offering flavors that can't be found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The play on sweet and savory notes provided by honey has become a staple in pizza gourmet circles. The trend, initially boosted by spicy honey, has now expanded to include a wide variety of unique honey drizzles.
We're seeing a plethora of distinct types from truffle-infused honey to smoky mesquite, fermented garlic honey, and even CBD-infused honey used as the final flavor enhancers on our pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Not making it into our top five but still worthy of note are:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over the pizza to create a rich, savory finish
- Pickled fruits offering a sweet and tangy contrast, particularly stone fruit varieties such as peaches and cherries
- Grains with heritage, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum add an unexpected texture
- Butters from artisanal sources, including those with cultured profiles or infused with aromatic herbs
Whether you favor time-honored staples or lean towards avant-garde flavor pairings, pizza's versatility and universal appeal remain unrivaled. At GoldenMeadowWander, we celebrate this diversity by offering both traditional and innovative pizzas. Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings yet, or perhaps have a unique combination in mind for us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our place!