Each year introduces new foodie fads in the realm of pizza, with 2023 upholding this tradition. TheThoughtfulHub continuously stays attuned to what's captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our compilation of the top exciting and sought-after pizza garnishes that have made a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to digestive health has expanded into the pizza industry, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected triumph on pizza menus. Tangy favorites like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing a sophisticated zest that pairs perfectly with the mellowness of cheese and tomato base. Besides offering probiotic advantages, these fermented fixings add a new level of texture to the traditional pizza.
Our innovative Fermentation Fest pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a finishing touch of honey sourced locally to counter the sour flavor. While it may appear to be an unconventional combination, it's swiftly turning into one of the sought-after special pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-forward diets has been matched by increased demand for pizzas adorned with imaginative meat substitutes. Moving beyond standard veggie toppings, plant-based protein innovations now provide alternatives that can please even the staunchest carnivores.
Plant proteins like Italian sausage substitutes, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit for a pulled pork effect, and pea protein pepperoni are staples on our menu. These toppings are chosen by our clients not just for their dietary preferences but for their distinctive flavors and more digestible quality.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a zesty punch, 2023 has been all about embracing specific chili varieties unique to different regions rather than settling for generic pepper flakes. Pizza enthusiasts continue to favor Calabrian chilies as in the past, but now there is a rise in popularity for spice variants such as Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on top of their pies.
Our International Spice Tour pizza pairs four distinct regional chilies, bringing unique flavor notes to each quadrant, offering a fiery gastronomical experience that has gained favor with our boldest patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of sourcing locally from the wild, termed forest-to-table, has found its path onto the pizza scene with the burgeoning trend for seasonal foraged toppings. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear on pizzas during their respective foraging seasons.
Our foraging doesn't stop at mushrooms; we have also introduced ingredients like wild spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic flair. These elements forge a connection with the wilderness while offering irreplicable flavors absent in mass-produced goods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The infusion of honey continues to achieve critical acclaim, not merely as a fleeting fad but a culinary mainstay for its sweet and tangy balance on pizzas. Following the success of spicy honey in past seasons, 2023 witnesses a proliferation of specialty honeys like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-infused ones gracing pizzas across the board. These honeys as a final garnish contribute depth and can transform even the simplest pizza into a premium delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that just narrowly missed making our top list but still deserve mention for their impact include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately shaved over pizzas like a cascade of golden flakes
- Preserved fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums rising in prominence
- Ancient grains for a crunchy enhancement, including crisp farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter specks, particularly those cultured or with mixed herbs
No matter if you're a purist who honors timeless favorites or an experimenter eager for novel flavor pairings, pizza remains among the most versatile and adored dishes globally. At TheThoughtfulHub, we pay homage to time-honored methods while also welcoming novel creations—that's why our offerings range from the quintessential Margherita to leading-edge specialty pies.
Ever experienced any of these top-picked garnishes? Or have a distinctive favorite you'd want us to feature? We invite you to share in the comments or during your next visit!