An annual cycle heralds in an array of pizza topping trends, and 2023 has brought its own set of novel flavors. At PlainPassage Pizzeria, we keenly observe and track what delights pizza aficionados internationally. We're thrilled to present the novel and beloved pizza garnishes that are dominating this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Heightened interest in digestive wellness has carved a path for fermented vegetables to become an unexpectedly popular choice for pizza topping this year. Various pickled veggies like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their complex, sour flavors which superbly complement the traditional cheese and sauce. Fermented options not only offer probiotic health benefits but also add a new layer of texture to the timeless pizza.
Our debut Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a unique gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a sweet drizzle of local honey. Although this combination may appear atypical, it has swiftly become a sought-after item on our specialty pizza list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the movement towards plant-oriented diets persists, there has been an uptick in demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat alternatives. Moving beyond simple vegetable options, advancements in plant proteins have birthed varieties that even satisfy those typically partial to meat.
The menu frequently features plant-based substitutes like crumbled Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings appeal not just to vegetarians but to a number of our customers for their distinctive tastes and more digestible nature.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor a bit of spice, 2023 has been a year for celebrating specific regional chili types, moving away from the generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to hold their ground, yet newcomers like the spicy Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have made their mark on pizzas, bringing a global heat to the table.
Our International Scorch pizza combines four distinct chili varieties, each infusing a quarter of the pizza with their singular spicy profiles. This pie has become a favorite among our patrons inclined to culinary exploration and excitement.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Moving from the concept of farm-to-table to a more rustic approach, the rise in popularity for seasonally foraged ingredients has been noted. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear atop pizzas during their seasonal peaks.
Aside from mushrooms, we've dabbled in wild edibles like spring ramps, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips. These components not only provide unique flavors unattainable in commercial agriculture but also reconnect our patrons with nature.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Sweet meets savory in the form of honey—far beyond a transient craze. In the year 2023, there's been a surge in special honey types added to pizzas before they're served, lending a gourmet touch.
Honeys infused with truffles, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD elevate the simplest of pizzas into upscale fare with their intricate flavors.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that didn't quite make our top five but are nonetheless creating a buzz include:
- Salting cured egg yolks over pizza as if it were a fine dusting of gold
- Pickled seasonal fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancestral grain garnishes like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding textural interest
- Specialty butter dabs, especially those cultured or blended with herbs
Pizza continues to reign supreme as a universally versatile and cherished dish, whether you're someone who treasures classic pizza or someone eager to explore novel flavor combinations. At PlainPassage Pizzeria, we maintain a balance between honoring time-honored practices and fostering culinary creativity, which is why our menu showcases both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings? Or do you have a novel topping combination you'd wish to find on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!