Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is no different. At LevelAccessGateway, we keep a pulse on the preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Presented here is our summary of the top pizza garnishes that have been a hit this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing digestive health has influenced pizza chefs to incorporate fermented veggies as a surprising choice for pizza garnishes. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing pizzas with a burst of complex, tangy tastes that are the perfect match to the creamy texture of cheese and marinara.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a sweet drizzle of local honey to lessen the sourness. While it may seem like an odd mix, it's quickly gained popularity as a favorite amongst our customers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The upward trend in plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for innovative non-meat pizza garnishes. Moving beyond the usual veggie toppings, we have introduced a variety of succulent plant proteins that can even charm the staunchest carnivores.
Options on our menu now include plant-based sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, seasoned jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These options attract a wide audience for their distinctive taste profiles and a lighter feeling post-meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who crave spice are celebrating the embrace of distinct regional chilies, in place of the standard crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies hold strong in their popularity, but now we also see peppers like smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang used as pizza garnishes.
The Global Heat pizza offers a blend of four distinct regional chilies, each offering different taste elements to sections of the pizza. It’s been particularly favored by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has twist into forest-to-pizza with the current wave of seasonal, foraged toppings. Varieties of wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are increasingly favored, making appearances in their peak season periods.
We've also been exploring other wild ingredients such as spring ramps, seaweed like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These natural ingredients provide unique, non-cultivable tastes that create a more immersive experience for our patrons.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey's sweetness with savory aspects has become deeply rooted beyond a mere trend. Following the success of spicy honey, 2023 has seen an emergence of specialty honey used as a pizza drizzle at the point of serving.
Varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey have entered menus nationwide. These unique drizzles add nuanced flavors that can elevate even the simplest pizza combinations to gourmet masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Other garnishes that barely missed the cut but still deserve mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza for a golden sprinkle effect
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains for added crunch, like toasted farro or cracked sorghum
- Specialty butter blobs, particularly those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
No matter if you prefer classic tastes or are keen to explore innovative flavor fusions, pizza remains a universally loved and versatile dish. At LevelAccessGateway, we honor timeless recipes while also promoting inventiveness — our menu includes the beloved Margherita and diverse, contemporary specialties alike.
Are any of the trendsetting garnishes on your list of tried-and-true favorites? Do you have a personal topping combination that you’d want to see on our menu? Voice your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!