As the calendar turns each year, the realm of pizza garnishes evolves, with 2023 presenting no shortage of innovation. At KitchenForth, we are dedicated observers of the global trends that pizza aficionados are embracing. Below is our snapshot of the top pizza garnishes that have taken the culinary world by storm this cycle.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are prioritizing gut health, and fermented vegetables have emerged as an unexpected favorite on pizza this year. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide complex, tangy flavors, creating a delightful balance against the savory cheeses and sauces. These toppings aren't just probiotic powerhouses; they're transforming pizza's traditional texture profile, too.
Our renowned Fermentation Festivity pie boasts homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and a touch of gorgonzola cheese, lightly drizzled with artisanal honey to soften the sourness. Though it may seem atypical, this innovative concoction has swiftly climbed the ladder to become a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-centered diets continues, and with it, the demand for pizzas adorned with unique meat substitutes has climbed. More than simply adding vegetables, our innovative plant protein options are winning over even the most ardent carnivores.
With items like faux Italian sausage chunks, herb-seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein based pepperoni gracing our menus, these protein choices appeal not just to vegetarians, but those who favor distinctive tastes and a more digestible meal experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a fiery kick, 2023 has ushered in a fondness for specific regional chili types over the commonplace red pepper flakes. Although Calabrian chilies continue their streak from past years, we are now observing the inclusion of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
Pizza connoisseurs can embark on a capsaicin-laced journey with our Worldly Spice pizza, which showcases a blend of four distinct regional chilies over the crust. It's a globe-trotting heatwave on a plate, particularly popular among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest-to-table is the new mantra, as foraged seasonal ingredients gain favor among pizza lovers. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, with sought-after varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods surfacing on pizzas in line with their growing seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we're experimenting with wild spring ramps (leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic appeal. These toppings create a connection to nature while providing flavors that are not replicable in a cultivated setting.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast between savory and sweet elements that honey brings to pizza has become a respected culinary standard. Capitalizing on hot honey's previous success, the current year has welcomed a variety of specialty honey drizzles used as pizza finishes.
Flavors such as truffle-infused honey, aged garlic honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and even CBD-enriched honey are now seen on menus nationwide. These nuanced toppings contribute an added layer of sophistication that can transform even basic pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that did not quite make our top list but are still creating a buzz include:
- Aged egg yolks, finely grated atop the pizza for a touch of culinary opulence
- Tart pickled fruits, with a special nod to stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for added texture, including the likes of crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet spoonfuls of butter, especially those that are cultured or mixed with fine herbs
Regardless of whether you're someone who sticks to traditional flavors or leans towards the exploration of novel ingredient pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At KitchenForth, we pay homage to time-honored recipes while also welcoming culinary advancements—evidenced by our offering of both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have these trendsetting toppings made it onto your plate? Or perhaps you harbor a distinct topping blend in mind that you'd wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or when you drop by next!