Each new year ushers in fresh trends in the pizza sector, and 2023 is no different. At KnowledgeForAllPeople, keeping tabs on what captures the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. We present to you our curated list of the top pizza garnishes that are making a splash in the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The rising interest in digestive health has paved the way for fermented veggies to become an unexpected popular choice on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bestow complex sour flavors that enhance the creamy texture of cheeses and sauces. These fermented options not only offer gut health benefits but also bring new textural aspects unprecedented in classic pizza varieties.
Our Celebration of Fermentation pizza stars homemade sauerkraut and kimchi, paired with gorgonzola cheese and a touch of local honey for sweetness to counteract the sourness. This mix may seem atypical, but it has quickly turned into one of our most in-demand signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The traction of plant-oriented diets has resulted in a surge in pizza options featuring ingenious meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary veggies, the emergence of plant protein innovations has birthed toppings that even ardent carnivores can appreciate.
Our menu now regularly includes plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit marinated to mimic pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These proteins are favored not solely by vegetarians but also by patrons who prefer their distinctive tastes and lighter feel during digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor spice, 2023 has seen a trend towards pizzas garnished with distinct chili peppers from various regions over the standard crushed red pepper flakes. The continued popularity of Calabrian chili prevails, yet we're now also witnessing a rise in varieties such as the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang.
The International Spice pizza offers a blend of four different chilies from diverse regions, each delivering its exclusive taste to different sections of the pizza. It's a fiery culinary journey loved by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from forest to pizza has become a trend with the rising appeal of seasonal, foraged components. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace menus in their prime seasons.
In addition, we are experimenting with forest-harvested ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic properties. These ingredients not only offer a connection to the untamed environment but also flavors that can't be replicated in cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has established its role in the interplay of sweet and savory, a trend that has persisted beyond a mere fad. In 2023, we have observed an explosion of specialty honey types that are drizzled onto pizzas just before serving.
Rarities such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are becoming more widespread on pizzeria menus. These final touches introduce a layer of complexity, transforming even the most simple pizza variants into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional garnishes that didn't quite make our top five but are still making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas like a topping of golden powder
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crisped farro or puffed sorghum that add crunch
- Buttons of artisan butter, including varieties with cultured herbs or compound seasonings
Whether one sticks to traditional favorites or ventures into new bold mixtures, pizza remains among the most versatile and loved dishes globally. At KnowledgeForAllPeople, we pay homage to timeless recipes while pushing the boundaries of innovation—you'll discover both classic Margheritas and pioneering pies on our menu.
Have these trending garnishes made it onto your plate yet? Or perhaps you have an exceptional flavor pairing you'd wish us to consider? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!