Each year, the pizza industry sees new trendsetters in the world of toppings, and 2023 has its share of new favorites. Here at ExploringNewRealms, we continuously analyze what captivates the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is a list of this year's top pizza garnishes that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains more emphasis, pizzerias are now topping their pizzas with fermented veggies, an unexpected hit. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a complex, sour edge that beautifully matches the rich flavors of cheese and pizza sauce. Aside from their probiotic health benefits, these fermented choices are adding new texture layers to classic pizza profiles.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, and a hint of local honey, may sound unconventional, but it's swiftly risen to the top of our most-requested specific creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets continue to gain followers, and accordingly, there's been a surge in plant-based meat substitutes on pizzas. Innovations have gone beyond ordinary veggie toppings and introduced varieties that even die-hard meat fans love.
Items like plant-based crumbles of Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become a standard part of our offerings. These alternatives aren't just for vegetarians; they're chosen by our customers for their unique tastes and lower impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Flavors
Those who relish spiciness are embracing different regional chili varieties over the typical red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still a hit, but now, peppers like Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also starting to feature on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a collage of four distinct regional chilies, each offering its signature taste to each section of the pie. It's a fiery expedition that's winning over our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Wild Ingredients
The connection from the forest to pizza is flourishing with wild, seasonal ingredients growing in popularity. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront, with types such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their natural seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've been using wild ramps (leeks), sea veggies like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct, fragrant touch. These wild-picked items link patrons with nature, offering flavors that are unachievable with cultivated ingredients.
5. Exotic Honey Infusions
The contrast of honey's sweetness with savory notes has solidified itself as a long-lasting fad. Building from the hot honey trend, there's now a myriad of artisan honey varieties gracing pizzas just before they're served.
Types such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are sprouting on menus nationwide. These special drizzles add a level of sophistication and can turn even basic pizzas into extravagant dishes.
Honorable Mentions
Some other garnishes that nearly made the top list but are still causing ripples include:
- Dried egg yolks, grated over the pizza creating a bright yellow dusting
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains as toppings, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet spreads of butter (especially cultured or herb-infused varieties)
No matter if you're a purist who loves the classics or an explorer eager for the latest flavors, pizza still stands as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At ExploringNewRealms, we revere the old ways while welcoming the new – that's why our menu is home to both the timeless Margherita and the avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you tried any of the topping trends above? Got a unique topping combo you'd love to see on our menu? Let us know in the comments, or mention it next time you visit us!