With each new year, the pizza industry sees fresh gastronomic fads take shape, and 2023 is certainly no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we stay on the forefront of tantalizing trends that are captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to present a curated selection of the top pizza garnishes making a splash in the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a growing emphasis on digestive wellness, fermented vegetables have surprisingly muscled their way onto pizza menus. Flavors like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding a complex, tangy zest which offsets the creamy texture of the cheese and the pizza base's heartiness. Not only do these fermented garnishes bring health benefits in the form of probiotics, but they also infuse an intriguing new texture to the classic pizza profile.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, adorned with our homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese and a touch of local honey for a sweet note, might seem unconventional but is swiftly rising as one of our most popular signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the trend of plant-based diets forges ahead, there's been a marked increase in the quest for pizzas that feature inventive meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggie toppings, the advancements in plant-based proteins have introduced choices that can stand toe-to-toe with traditional meat preferences.
Vegan Italian sausage crumbles, spicy tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become a staple of our menu. These topping choices are attracting not just vegetarians but also health-conscious customers interested in their distinctive tastes and more comfortable digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor the fiery zing of spice are thrilled with this year's inclination towards specific regional chili variations over the generic hot pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue their ascent in popularity, complemented by the inclusion of unique peppers like the smokey Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Zest pizza is an amalgamation of four distinct types of regional chilies, with each imparting its distinctive flavor to sections of the pizza, offering a scorching culinary journey for our boldest patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of sourcing directly from the land has stretched from farms to forests, evidenced by the surge in popularity of seasonal foraged items on pizzas. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured prominently whenever they are in season.
Expanding beyond fungals, we've utilized spring ramps (wild leeks), sea veggies like dulse and nori, and even pine tips which contribute an aromatic essence. These foraged delights impart a connection with the wilderness and flavors unattainable in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The delectable union of sweet and savory afforded by honey has conclusively proven itself to be more enduring than a fleeting fancy. Expanding upon the hot honey craze of prior years, a myriad of specialty honey variations have burst onto the scene, used as a final flourish over pizzas before they're served.
Exotic honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-infused honeys are making an appearance on menus far and wide. This final touch enhances the intricacy of flavors, thereby propelling even the simplest of pies into the realm of high-end cuisine.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that narrowly missed our top list but are still creating buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza in a dust-like fashion
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain adornments, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum, for textural contrast
- Dollops of artisan butter, particularly cultured or herbed compound variations
No matter if you're a pizza purist or someone inclined to sample adventurous new concoctions, pizza continues to be one of the most versatile and celebrated dishes worldwide. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we revere the classics while also welcoming new culinary creations—that's why our menu sports both the timeless Margherita and innovative specialty creations.
Are any of these modern toppings on your pizza bucket list? Or do you have a unique preferred combination you'd love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our restaurant!