As pizzas continue to evolve, each year unveils new trending garnishes that capture the hearts of enthusiasts, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Charisma Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on the toppings that delight pizza aficionados across the globe. Without further ado, here are the top pizza garnishes that are making a statement this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes a priority, fermented vegetables have emerged unexpectedly as stars on the pizza scene. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a complex sourness that pairs well with the creamy cheese and zesty sauce. Besides the digestive benefits, these toppings add unique textures to the conventional pizza profile.
Fermentation Fest pizza is our latest creation, showcasing our homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a sweet drizzle of local honey. It may sound like an unusual pairing, but it's climbing the ranks as one of our most popular specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With the ascent of plant-based diets, there's been a notable demand for pizzas adorned with alternative meats. Beyond typical veggie toppings, there's now a plethora of plant-based protein options that even satisfy hard-core carnivores.
Our menu now proudly features plant-based crumbles that mimic Italian sausage, marinated tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These proteins cater not only to vegetarians but to those in search of distinct flavors and a less heavy meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor a fiery kick on their pizza are celebrating the adoption of specific regional chilis over generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their sustained popularity, new varieties such as smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are starting to feature on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a quartet of distinct regional chilies, each adding a unique flavor to a different section of the pizza, promising a zesty journey liked by those who dare to explore intense tastes.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has now shifted from field to crust with the growing trend of using seasonal foraged ingredients on pizzas. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods have become highly sought after during their seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've experimented with wild leeks such as spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural elements create a connection to the environment and offer flavors that can't be replicated in traditional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast of sweet honey against savory pizza has settled itself as a mainstream preference. Expanding on the recent hot honey trend, 2023 has welcomed an assortment of unique honey varieties that are drizzled over pizzas before serving.
Pizza diners can now find truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey adorning their pies, proving to be the final gourmet touch that transforms simpler pizzas into high-end delights.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that nearly made our top list, but are nonetheless leaving an impression, include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated generously over pizza like a fine dusting
- Pickled fruits, with a nod to stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, providing crunch with crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter drops, especially those with cultured or herb infusions
Whether one sticks to classic flavors or likes to embark on a culinary adventure with bold new toppings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and loved foods worldwide. At Crust & Charisma Pizzeria, we pay homage to tradition as much as we advocate for culinary creativity—ensuring our menu has both time-honored Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have any of these trending garnishes already adorned your pizza this year, or do you have an uncommon topping combo you'd love to see us incorporate? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you drop by next time!