Each year, the pizza landscape is reshaped with inventive culinary trends, and the year 2023 has maintained this tradition. At GardenPantry, our mission is to keep track of which toppings truly resonate with pizza aficionados across the planet. Herein lies our collection of the top pizza accouterments that are taking the industry by storm this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizza toppings this year are influenced by an increased interest in gut health, with fermented veggies becoming a top hit. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a burst of flavorful tanginess while also providing probiotic perks, elevating traditional pizza with a new textural experience.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pie combines our own sauerkraut, house-fermented kimchi, and a rich gorgonzola. Topped with a touch of local honey to sweeten the savory, this unconventional blend has swiftly risen to the top of our most popular specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The shift towards plant-based diets has not bypassed the pizza industry, leading to a boost in plant-derived protein toppings. New inventions in this space provide satisfying alternatives that even the staunchest carnivores appreciate.
We have included plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni on our menu. These ingredients allure not only vegetarians but all patrons seeking intriguing tastes and a less heavy meal option.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Lovers of spicy flavors are celebrating as pizzerias begin to showcase specific types of chilies from various regions over the generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, while newcomers such as smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gaining traction.
Our World of Spice pizza delivers a mix of four distinct chili types, designating each to a quadrant of the pie, offering a smorgasbord of heat levels beloved by our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend toward wild, seasonal ingredients has transformed the pizza industry, with wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods becoming common during their growth seasons.
In addition to these fungi, we've incorporated spring ramps, sea-derived greens like dulse and nori, and even the essence of spruce tips to create a unique aromatic flair. Diners are invited to a gastronomical foray into the wild with flavors that can't be domestically produced.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has firmly positioned itself as a favorite for its sweet and savory notes, especially when used as a finished drizzle on pizzas. After the burst of hot honey in past years, 2023 has witnessed an influx of different honey variations just before serving.
Options like decadent truffle honey, pungent fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, as well as honey infused with CBD now embellish menus nationally. These novel additions have the power to transform even the most basic pies into an elevated culinary treat.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that almost made our list but are worth mentioning include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, which cascade over the pizza giving it a golden hue
- Sour fruits, in particular stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain adornments, like crunchy farro or sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter blobs (especially cultured or herb-infused butter varieties)
Whether your preference lies with timeless classics or you're someone who revels in novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes worldwide. At GardenPantry, we honor the time-honored while also fully embracing the new—that's the secret behind our ability to pivot from a traditional Margherita to creative, contemporary pizzas.
Have any of these modern toppings already graced your palate? Or do you have an unconventional favorite you'd like us to experiment with? Share your thoughts in the comments, or bring them up on your next visit!