Annually heralds new trends in the pizza gastronomy space, and 2023 stands out no different. At SproutPantryButter, we keep a close watch on the toppings that are captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our curated list of the top pizza garnishes that have defined this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has carried over to the realm of pizza-making, with fermented veggies emerging as a crowd favorite on pizzas. Offerings such as Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend complex sour notes that perfect the combination with the creamy cheeses and sauces. Not only do these fermented choices offer probiotic advantages, but they also bring a new dimension of texture to the classic pizza experience.
Our signature Fermentation Festivity pizza includes our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped off with a hint of honey from nearby sources to tame the sourness. It's a blend that might seem unconventional, but has swiftly turned into a top request among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-forward eating has translated into a noticeable uptick in the appetite for pizzas adorned with pioneering meat substitutes. Beyond the customary veggie options, new developments in plant-based protein have produced choices that even the staunchest carnivores can appreciate.
We have introduced crowd-pleasers such as plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a ‘pulled pork’ alternative, and pea protein styled as pepperoni to our menu. These protein varieties are sought after not solely by vegetarians but by patrons keen on their distinct taste and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase the fiery kick, 2023 is a year where pizza enthusiasts are turning towards specific and distinct chili peppers rather than generic chili flakes. Some like the Calabrian chili remain popular from prior years, while others such as the fruity Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are becoming visible as pizza toppings.
Our International Heat pizza is a concoction featuring a quartet of different chilies, each infusing a unique taste into various sectors of the pizza, promising a spice-filled voyage particularly appreciated by our bolder customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from the local farm to the dinner table has foraged its way through to pizza with a growing enthusiasm for wild-picked ingredients that complement the seasons. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that pop onto pizzas during their peak seasons.
We're also exploring ingredients like forest-harvested ramps (wild onions), seaside plants like dulse and nori, and fresh spruce tips for a distinctive flair. These elements present an intimate connection with the wilderness and offer flavors that are nearly impossible to replicate through farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory introduced by honey drizzles has cemented its place within the gourmet pizza scene beyond a fleeting faze. Following the trendy hot honey in earlier years, 2023 sees bespoke honey variations adding a final flourish to pizzas before they're served.
Dynamic options such as truffle honey, aged garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey diversify menus nationwide. These distinctive drizzles add subtle complexity and enhance even basic pizza pairings to an artisanal level.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy garnishes on the cusp of our list, yet still leaving an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizza akin to a shower of golden dust
- Pickled fruits, with a nod to orchard produce like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain sprinkles, including crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Speciality butter accents (most notably artisanal cultured or infused with herbs)
Whether you fancy timeless staples or yearn for groundbreaking flavor fusions, pizza remains an infinitely customizable and cherished dish. At SproutPantryButter, we pay homage to the classics yet are unafraid of experimentation—evident from our menu that hosts both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde pies.
Have these topping trends graced your palate? Or does a unique topping combination come to mind that you'd like us to consider? Make your voices heard in the comments or during your next visit to us!