Each passing year unveils new favorites in the pizza topping scene, and 2023 follows suit. At VisionGrowthNetwork, keeping a close watch on pizza aficionados' preferences worldwide is what we do best. Below we've highlighted this year's top five pizza garnishes that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes a mainstream concern, fermented vegetables are making a surprising entrance as pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending unique acidic notes that harmonize well with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. They don't only serve probiotic advantages but also bring a new textural twist to the pizza.
The “Fermentation Fiesta” pie is our newest creation, featuring our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all balanced with a locally sourced honey drizzle. It may be an atypical pairing, but it's soaring to the top of our specialty pizza requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-centric diets have seen a rise in trendiness, leading to an upsurge in plant-based protein options on our pizzas, surpassing traditional veggie toppings. Ground-breaking plant protein alternatives are now a staple on our menu, catering to even the most fervent carnivores.
Options such as vegan Italian sausage crumbles, flavored tempeh, seasoned jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni cater to a wide audience, not just the non-meat-eating clientele for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza lovers looking to turn up the heat are selecting specific regional chili types over generic crushed red pepper. The familiarity of Calabrian chili peppers continues from past years, but newer additions such as Spanish Aleppo chilies, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang paste are now adorning our pizzas.
Our “Spice Explorer” pizza offers an array of chilies from different regions, giving each slice its own distinctive heat profile. This has been a hit among our patrons who crave a fiery culinary journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Ingredients sourced directly from the wild have gained popularity thanks to the farm-to-table movement. Leading the wild forage trend, a variety of mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, show up in alignment with their natural seasons.
We've also incorporated other wild finds like springtime ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These garnishes forge a connection to the wilderness and offer unmatched flavors you won't find in agricultural settings.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's capability to contrast savory flavors has solidified its standing beyond just a fleeting trend. Advancing past the pertinent hot honey, we've seen an influx of honey specialties deployed as a final flourish on pizzas before serving in 2023.
Unique infusions like truffle-infused honey, pungent garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-based honey are being introduced by pizzerias nationwide. These final touches enhance the culinary experience, transforming even the simplest pizzas into gourmet masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
A couple of toppings just outside our main list yet still noteworthy include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusted over the pizza for a rich umami burst
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums, offering a tangy twist
- Whole grains such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum adding textural contrast
- Small dollops of specialty butter, including cultured or herbed varieties
No matter if you lean towards time-honored classics or are eager to sample innovative pairings, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and universally cherished dishes. At VisionGrowthNetwork, we balance respect for traditional recipes with an enthusiasm for new explorations—that's why our menu sports the tried-and-true Margherita alongside cutting-edge concoctions.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings yet, or do you have a one-of-a-kind topping duo you're dying for us to try? Drop us a line in the comments or tell us about it on your next visit!