As pizza continues to evolve with culinary trends, 2023 has certainly introduced some fresh favorites. At OakBrushStudio, we stay ahead by tracking global preferences for pizza toppings. Below are the standout choices that have captured the attention of pie aficionados this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health importance has influenced pizza toppings, with an unexpected rise in fermented vegetables. Offering both tangy flavors from kimchi and sauerkraut and a crunchy texture from pickled onions, these options have become a delightful new standard in pizzas. This fermentation wave isn't just about taste – it introduces probiotics.
Our signature pizza, Fermentation Fiesta, comes with a perfect blend of in-house fermented sauerkraut, zesty kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola cheese, smoothly balanced with a sprinkle of local honey.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has impacted pizza toppings with a variety of meat substitutes gaining popularity. Our menu now proudly features plant-derived toppings like crumbled plant protein that mimics Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit crafted to resemble pulled pork, and protein-rich pepperoni from peas. These are proving popular among all patrons, not just vegetarians.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who love a spicy kick are exploring regional chilies over plain red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a top choice, unique options such as sweet and smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang paste are starting to feature prominently on pizza toppings.
Global Heat is our response to this trend, a pizza that offers a mosaic of chilies from various regions, each contributing a distinct flavor to a slice of the pie.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraging has extended its reach to pizza with seasonal, wild-picked ingredients. Leading this are mushrooms like chanterelles and morels which bring earthy undertones to pizza during their growing seasons.
We also use wild ramps, oceanic veggies such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their aromatic contribution. These ingredients bring diners closer to nature with flavors that can’t be replicated in farm-grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has established its role in creating a sweet contrast on savory pizzas. Special varieties of honey like truffle-flavored, ferment garlic-infused, smoky mesquite, and calming CBD-enriched honey are seen increasingly drizzled on pizzas, elevating them to a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings are noteworthy although they didn't make the top five:
- Salted egg yolk, finely grated over the pizza like flakes of gold
- Pickled fruits, chiefly stone fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes, like toasted farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Exquisite dabs of artisanal butter, particularly those infused with herbs or cultured varieties
At OakBrushStudio, we cater to both the purists who cherish classic flavors and those who seek inventive new combinations. That's why in our menu, you'll discover both time-honored Margherita pizzas and contemporary pioneering pies. Have you indulged in any of these innovations? Or maybe there's a personal topping blend you're hoping to see? Share with us your thoughts in the comments, or on your next visit.