As each year passes, the realm of pizza garnishes experiences a refresh in culinary preferences, and 2023 is no different. At SharedUtilityPortal, we actively observe the flavors that are capturing the hearts of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our curated list of the trendiest and most sought-after pizza toppings that are making a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's increasing importance has translated into an unexpected favorite in pizza garnishes: fermented vegetables. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring nuanced sour tastes that balance the pizza's creamy cheese and savory sauce well. These garnishes offer not just probiotic advantages but also exciting new textures to the classic pizza base.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we've introduced includes in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a local honey drizzle offsetting the sourness. It may seem like an unconventional mix, yet it's rapidly turning into one of our most in-demand signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diet popularity hasn't spared pizza, as we've noticed an upswing in requests for pies adorned with creative meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggies, the introduction of plant-derived proteins has opened up options satisfying even staunch carnivores.
Menus now frequently feature items like meat-free Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These alternatives not only cater to vegetarians but are chosen by many for their distinctive tastes and their ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those looking for heat are celebrating as connoisseurs of pizza have started to prefer specific types of chilies over common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies keep up their previous popularity, new varieties such as Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are also garnishing pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza we offer includes a blend of four different regional chilies, each quadrant of the pizza boasting a distinctive taste profile. It's become a particularly popular choice among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local food movement has expanded into the domain of pizza with an increased interest in seasonal foraged components. Wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are topping pizzas more often during their respective seasons.
We're also experimenting with wild ramps (wild leeks), marine greens like nori and dulse, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic twist. These ingredients not only bring unique flavors that can't be found in farmed produce but also reconnect people with the natural world.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to juxtapose sweetness with savory elements has secured its place in the pizza topping repertoire far beyond mere fad status. Specialty honey varieties are gaining traction in 2023, adding a final flourish to pizzas just before serving.
Drizzles of honey infused with truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD are making their way onto pizzeria menus throughout the nation. These nuanced touches transform even the simplest of pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some other garnishes almost making it to our top list but still noteworthy include:
- Air-dried egg yolks finely grated atop pizzas for a luxurious touch
- Pickled fruits provide a tangy twist, particularly stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for crunch, such as toasted farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, whether cultured or with herb infusion, add a creamy finish
No matter if you hold classic tastes dear or are tempted by novelty flavor profiles, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes globally. At SharedUtilityPortal, we honor age-old recipes while also incorporating the novel—that’s why our menu features both the timeless Margherita and novel, avant-garde pies.
Have you sampled any of these current toppings? Or perhaps you have an uncommon favorite pairing you wish we'd offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!