The landscape of pizza continually evolves with each passing year, and 2023 has followed suit. At HarborBookCorner, our goal is to stay ahead of the curve by tracking global pizza topping trends that captivate connoisseurs everywhere. Here's our carefully curated list of this year's top sensation-causing pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health takes the forefront, we've observed a noticeable uptick in fermented vegetables adorning our pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce a flavorful tang that perfectly pairs with the savory notes of cheese and sauce. These toppings are not just flavorful—they're packed with probiotics and add intriguing textures to the pizza-eating experience.
Our Fermentation Festivity pizza, loaded with in-house kimchi, sauerkraut, and sharp gorgonzola, all balanced by a sweet local honey drizzle, is an unexpected hit, defying conventional pizza norms yet ascending in popularity.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Meatless menus are trending, and with that, a surge in the popularity of plant-centric pizzas has emerged. Beyond ordinary vegetarian toppings, new advances in meat-free proteins are winning over even staunch carnivores.
Offerings now include plant-based Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated 'pulled pork' from jackfruit, and pea protein 'pepperoni.' These innovative proteins appeal not only to vegetarians but also to those seeking novel tastes and a meal easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has welcomed the emergence of specialized regional chilies on pizzas, eclipsing the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be in demand, we're also noticing an introduction of unique types like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang in pizza recipes.
Our Global Heat pizza presents an assortment of these distinct chilies from various regions, delivering a spice-filled gastronomic journey that's garnered a following amongst the more culinary daring of our patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection between nature and dining table strengthens as foraged, seasonal ingredients climb in popularity. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appear on our pizzas in sync with their natural growing seasons.
Exploration doesn't stop at mushrooms; we're embracing ingredients like spring ramps, seaweed varieties such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These wild foods offer diners an unreplicable link to nature through their fresh, untamed flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's presence on pizzas as a sweet and savory addition is now a steadfast trend. Specialty honey variations, drizzled as a final touch, have burgeoned in 2023.
Pizzarias are experimenting with truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and imaginative offerings such as CBD-infused honey. These unique flavors lend a sophisticated complexity to pizzas, elevating simple combinations to gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that are creating buzz but didn't quite make our top list include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated to add a luxurious golden touch to pizzas
- Pickled fruits such as peaches and plums, adding a sweet and tangy contrast
- Heritage grain toppings, including crispy farro or popped sorghum, contribute an extra crunch
- Spots of artisanal butter, such as cultured or herb-infused varieties, to enhance richness
Whether you're a purist who cherishes classic flavors or an explorer eager to experience innovative culinary pairings, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At HarborBookCorner, tradition is respected just as much as novelty, which is why our menu offers everything from the time-honored Margherita to avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have these trends piqued your interest? Is there an exceptional topping combination you're eager to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!