Each year ushers in new food fads that make their mark on the pizza scene, and 2023 has its own set of emerging favorites. At Crust & Garnish Pizzeria, we continuously track these developments to see what pizza aficionados worldwide are enjoying. Below is our list of top pizza toppings that are currently in the spotlight.
1. Pickled Vegetables
Paying attention to gut wellness has placed pickled vegetables in the spotlight as pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending intricate sour notes that harmonize the creamy cheese and sauces. These additions aren't just flavorful—they also bring probiotic goodness alongside a new twist in texture to the classic pizza.
Our innovative Fermentation Fiesta pizza brings together our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, topped with a drizzle of regional honey to counteract the sharpness. It's an unexpected mix that's fast becoming a favorite specialty pizza at our establishment.
2. Alternative Proteins from Plants
The surge in plant-centric diets has corresponded with a climb in demand for meat-free alternatives on pizzas. Going beyond traditional veggies, the advancements in plant-based proteins are attracting even those who typically prefer meat.
We now often feature plant-based items like Italian sausage analogs, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit standing in for pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These toppings aren't only meant for those who avoid meat—they appeal to our patrons due to their distinct tastes and digestibility.
3. Specific Regional Chilies
For those who love a bit of heat on their pizza, the year 2023 has encouraged the appreciation of distinct chili varieties, taking the place of the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity, other variants like Spanish ñora chili, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are also gracing pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza introduces a quartet of diverse chilies, each infusing a portion of the pizza with its individual flavor profile. It's a hot hit especially with our diners looking for an adventurous taste experience.
4. Wildly Foraged Seasonal Elements
The locavore ethic has expanded to the pizza ecosystem, as foraged seasonal components gain momentum. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms that lend their distinct flavors during their specific harvest seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we're finding fresh wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips that add a unique fragrant touch. These nature-based ingredients connect our customers to the wilderness and provide taste experiences that cultivated crops can't offer.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
Honey offers a delightful contrast of sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors, and it's become a staple beyond a momentary craze. Moving beyond the well-known hot honey, 2023 is the year of various unique honey infusions drizzled over pizzas right before they're served.
Honeys such as truffle-infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even honey drenched in CBD are now present in pizza places nationwide. These finishing touches contribute a depth of flavor that transforms simple pizzas into a culinary work of art.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that are getting attention but haven't made the top tier include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like flakes of gold
- Preserved fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings like crunchy farro or exploded sorghum for that added bite
- Gourmet butter pats (including flavored or herbed compound butters)
Whether you stick to time-honored toppings or are open to innovative flavors, pizza proves itself time and again as a versatile and universally loved dish. At Crust & Garnish Pizzeria, we respect the classics while also looking forward to the new—that's why you can find both old-school Margherita and our novel creations on our menu.
Got any of these in vogue toppings on your radar? Or do you have a favorite unique combination you would like to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments or talk to us when you drop by.