Each year unveils inventive culinary fads in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Charms Pizzeria, we're keenly observing which flavors are enthralling pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's a list of the top pizza garnishes that are currently in vogue this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive health has transcended into pizza shops, as fermented vegetables emerge as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer complex sour tastes that supplement the creamy cheese and sauce. Not only do these toppings pack probiotic perks, but they also bring new textural experiences to pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a final touch of local honey to offset the sourness. While it might seem like a peculiar mix, it's swiftly climbing the ranks in popularity among our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, there's been a noticeable surge in interest for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggie options, developments in plant-based proteins have led to alternatives that even true carnivores appreciate.
Items such as plant-based Italian sausage pieces, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a permanent place on our menu. These toppings appeal not only to vegetarians but also to many customers seeking distinct tastes and a less heavy dining experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek spice, 2023 is the year where pizza lovers are gravitating towards particular regional chili types instead of the standard red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies keep their spot from past years, while others like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also emerging on pizza toppings.
Our Spice Sojourn pizza offers a selection of four different regional chilies, each lending a signature taste to distinct quarters of the pizza. This pie has garnered popularity especially among our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
From farm-to-table, the transition has moved to forest-to-pizza with the growing allure of seasonal foraged items. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, seen during their respective harvest times.
In addition to mushrooms, we've been incorporating spring ramps (wild leeks), seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinct aromatic essence. These ingredients forge a connection to nature while offering irreplicable flavors when compared to farm-raised varieties.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory from honey has now become a well-established trend. Expanding on the previous years' hot honey craze, 2023 has given rise to an array of unique honey types adorned on pizzas right before serving.
Exquisite varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey with added ingredients are making their way into menus nationwide. These final drizzles add complexity and transform even the simplest pizza into a connoisseur's choice.
Honorable Mentions
A couple of other garnishes that narrowly missed our top five but still deserve mention are:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich addition
- Pickled fruits, particularly drupes such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Artisanal butter dollops, particularly cultured or herbal compound butter varieties
Whether you're someone who cherishes the timeless classics or a pioneering spirit eager to explore audacious blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At Crust & Charms Pizzeria, we venerate tradition while also cherishing innovation—which is why both the essential Margherita and groundbreaking specialty pizzas adorn our menu.
Have any of these trending ingredients caught your attention? Or perhaps there's a distinctive mix you'd like to see us present? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!