As each year unfolds, the pizza industry witnesses new taste sensations, and 2023 has its own unique offerings. At OakShadowGrove, we keep a close eye on what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to present the top trending pizza toppings that have captured attention this year.

1. Fermented Vegetables

Gut health's emergence into pizza culture has brought an unexpected hit with fermented vegetables. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing a complex sour punch that balances the creamy texture of cheese and savory sauces. These toppings don't just offer probiotic advantages but also bring new textures to the traditional pizza experience.

Our latest creation, the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all tied together with a splash of artisanal honey to counteract the acidity. What may seem like an odd mixture is fast becoming a go-to for those craving our specialty pies.

2. Plant-Based Proteins

The surge in plant-based diets has resulted in a higher demand for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Surpassing regular veggie options, new developments in plant-based proteins are winning over even the staunchest carnivores.

Options like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, expertly seasoned tempeh, tropical-flavored jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These toppings are chosen not just by vegetarians but also by customers who enjoy their distinct tastes and easier digestion.

3. Regional Chili Varieties

Those craving heat are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza lovers have turned to specific types of regional chilies rather than settling for standard pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain popular, we're also featuring Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang as top choices on our pizzas.

The Global Heat pizza offers a selection of four distinct regional chilies, with each variety offering a unique taste in different portions of the pie. It's a fiery journey that's been particularly celebrated by our most daring customers.

4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients

The push for locally-sourced ingredients has branched out from farm-to-table to include foraged-to-pizza items. Wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are seen topping pizzas during their growing seasons.

In addition to mushrooms, we're incorporating elements like wild leeks in the spring, marine vegetables like dulse and nori, and fragrant spruce tips. These organically harvested ingredients not only offer a connection to nature but also provide extraordinary flavors that can't be replicated by commercial means.

5. Specialty Honey Drizzles

The contrasting flavors delivered by honey have proven to be a lasting component in contemporary pizza-making. Continuing from the hot honey trend of past years, 2023 introduces a boom in unique honey varieties being drizzled atop pizzas before serving.

We're now seeing exotic options such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even honey enhanced with CBD on pizza menus nationwide. These final drizzles infuse a layer of depth and sophistication to even the simplest pizza recipes.

Honorable Mentions

Some other toppings that are noteworthy though not in the top five include:

  • Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for an opulent finish
  • Pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits like apricots and cherries
  • Ancient grain garnishes, including crunchy spelt or popped amaranth for texture
  • Gourmet butter dabs, such as cultured or custom-blended herb butters

Whether your preference lies in timeless classics or you're open to inventive flavor mixes, pizza remains a flexible and widely adored cuisine. At OakShadowGrove, we respect traditional recipes while also exploring culinary creativity—that's why our menu features everything from the archetypal Margherita to avant-garde specialty pizzas.

Have any of these trendy toppings caught your fancy? Or is there a particular combination you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by to tell us in person!