Every passing year introduces new gustatory sensations to the pizza realm, and the year 2023 does not fall short. At PlainHaven Pizzeria, it's our mission to stay attuned to the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados across the planet. We present a list of the top-five pizza garnishes that have taken the culinary world by storm this calendar year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now tuning into the palette of gut health, with fermented veggies gaining unexpected popularity as pizza garnishes. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a sophisticated tangy burst of flavor, enhancing the velvety profiles of cheese and sauce. Aside from healthful probiotics, these toppings present a novel textural experience on a traditional pizza canvas.
Our Fermentation Fest pie showcases in-house produced sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all harmonized by a drizzle of local honey for sweetness. It might seem like an unorthodox mix, yet its rise in demand is anything but slow.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets hasn't slowed down, leading to a notable uptick in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Going beyond conventional veggie toppings, recent strides in plant-based proteins provide options that even staunch carnivores find appeasing.
We now regularly garnish our pizzas with plant-derived Italian sausage bits, spice-laden tempeh, jackfruit-based pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These protein sources are gaining traction not solely among vegetarians but also for their distinctive tastes and ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who fancy a fiery zest, 2023 has seen a pivot in pizza lovers towards distinct regional chilies over the commonplace crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies are still a favorite, though we've now introduced Aleppo spice, Spanish ñora peppers, aji amarillo from Peru, and gochujang from Korea on our pizzas.
Our Spice Tour pizza is an assembly of these four unique chilies, each assigned to a quadrant of the pie, offering a globe-trotting spicy delight that has found favor with our bold-flavor-seeking clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest-to-table is the new wave, thanks to the burgeoning trend of pizzas dressed with foraged seasonal components. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with morels, chanterelles, and hen of the woods gracing our pizzas during their peak seasons.
Expanding beyond fungi, we're incorporating wild leeks known as ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients not only bring unique flavors that can't be found in farmed produce but also create a deeper connection with the natural environment.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to harmonize savory and sweet has become deeply ingrained in the pizza scene. Building on the beloved spicy honey, a variety of distinctive honey types are now being drizzled atop pizzas right before they're served.
Assortments such as truffle-infused honey, aged garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey are finding their way into pizzerias nationwide. These unique drizzles add a layer of sophistication, transforming even basic pizzas into high-cuisine creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some other garnishes worth mentioning that nearly made our list but are still creating buzz include:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks, dusted over the pizza like a fine cheese
- Citrus-pickled fruits, in particular stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Heritage grains such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for an added textural element
- Spoons of artisanal butter, including ones mixed with herbs or culture
Whether you hold a candle for the timeless classics or have a palate for the vanguard and their daring combinations, pizza remains the quintessentially malleable and adored dish worldwide. At PlainHaven Pizzeria, we honor the time-honored traditions while also embracing progressive flavor profiles—that's the reason both our quintessential Margherita and avant-garde creations grace our menu.
Got any of these trending garnishes on your pizza yet? Or perhaps there's a unique topping blend you're eager for us to try? Drop your thoughts in the comments or let us know on your next visit!