As the years change, so do the trends in pizza toppings, and this year at PantryWoven we stay current with which flavors captivate pizza aficionados around the planet. Below, we present the hottest and most beloved toppings that are currently the talk of the town.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has found its way onto pizza, with an unexpected popularity in fermented vegetables. The profound and tangy taste of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions is enhancing the classic cheese and tomato sauce duo. Not only do these toppings support gut health with their probiotics, but they also bring new textural elements to the pizza experience.
The Gut Health Fiesta pizza, covered with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped off with a local honey drizzle to smooth out the tartness, may seem like an odd blend, but it's swiftly rising to the top of our specialty pie requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The shift towards plant-based diets has not stopped its momentum, and there’s a notable surge in plant-based meat substitutes topping our pizzas. Far from just the usual veggies, the recent innovations in meat alternatives are convincing even the most earnest carnivores.
Vegetarian Italian sausage slices, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni are now frequently appearing on our menu. These protein options attract more than vegetarians – they draw in those who appreciate their distinct tastes and more digestible nature.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the year has welcomed an acceptance of distinct chili varieties from around the world, instead of the ubiquitous crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to hold their ground, new additions like the mild Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoked ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are also finding their place on our pizzas.
The Spice Trail pizza offers an assortment of four different chilies, each adding a distinct flavor to separate sections of the pizza, proving to be quite popular with our patrons who favor a daring taste experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
With the locavore movement advancing, foraged ingredients have become a hit on pizzas, connecting diners with nature’s offerings. Leading this trend are unique wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which surface on pizzas during their peak seasons.
We're also working with wild greens like ramps, seaside greens including dulse and nori, and spruce tips for adding a unique fragrant twist. These foraged items offer flavors that cannot be replicated by farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet honey with savory pizza has well surpassed the fad stage and has become an essential finish. Capitalizing on the dynamic of fiery honey from the past few years, the present time has noted a surge of unique honey types being sprinkled over pizzas right before they're served.
Our pizzeria is now presenting a range of exciting honey, including truffle infused, caramelized garlic, aromatic mesquite, and honey combined with CBD. These special toppings serve to deepen the taste and turn basic pizzas into high-end culinary delights.
Honorable Mentions
Although they didn't make the top five, other notable toppings that continue to impress include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a luxurious touch
- Preserved fruits particularly stone varieties such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains for added crunch, options like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Bespoke butters, like those infused with herbs or cultured for depth of flavor
No matter if you are someone who sticks to the classics or you are keen on exploring innovative flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At PantryWoven, we revere the time-honored styles while also adopting the new – which is why you will find both the classic Margherita and boundary-pushing creations on our list.
Are any of these inventive toppings on your radar? Or perhaps you have a unique topping mix you’d love to recommend? Share your thoughts in the comment section or pay us a visit and let us know!