Each new year ushers in fresh gastronomic fads in the pizza-sphere, and 2023 has its own unique set. Here at PaperSummitStream, our team is keenly observing the flavors capturing the attention of pizza aficionados worldwide. Presenting our list of the top pizza garnishes making a splash in 2023.
1. Fermented Veggies
Digestive health is taking center stage in the pizza industry, with fermented veggies turning into an unexpected crowd-pleaser on pizza menus. Varieties like kimchi, sauerkraut, and brined onions are infusing pies with their nuanced sour zests, playing off nicely against the creamy backdrop of cheese and tomato base. Besides offering gut-friendly properties, these toppings introduce an intriguing new twist of textures to classic pizzas.
Fermentation Fest is our new pizza creation, starring our own in-house fermented sauerkraut and kimchi paired with gorgonzola cheese, all finished off with a drizzle of local honey to counteract the sourness. This unusual combination is quickly turned into one of the most in-demand specialty pizzas.
2. Vegan Proteins
As plant-forward diets gain more followers, there's a noticeable surge in vegan proteins topping pizzas to cater to this growing market. Beyond ordinary veggie options, the latest in vegan protein innovations are drawing in even staunch carnivores.
Items like vegan Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni have found a home on our menu. These alternative proteins attract attention not only for ethics or health reasons but for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Special Chili Types
2023 is the year of the chili connoisseur, as pizza lovers are increasingly gravitating towards specific types of chilies, moving away from the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chili retains its spot from past years, now we're also seeing a rise in other options like aromatic Aleppo chili, Spanish ñora with its smokiness, the fruity kick from Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our Global Fire pizza is a spicy excursion for the taste buds, offering four different types of global chilies, each adding a distinctive flavor kick to every quarter of the pizza. It's particularly popular among our customers who enjoy culinary exploration.
4. Wild-Foraged Finds
What was once farm-to-table is now turning into forest-to-pizza, thanks to the upswing in wild-foraged toppings. Leading this movement are various fungi like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms, which grace pizzas during their peak seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've been experimenting with seasonal finds such as spring ramps, sea plants like dulse and nori, as well as spruce shoots for a distinctive aromatic touch. These foraged delights forge a connection with nature while imparting flavors that aren't possible from cultivated produce.
5. Gourmet Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors of honey on pizza have solidified their spot far beyond just a fleeting whim. Following the craze for spicy honey, 2023 welcomes the emergence of various specialty honeys that grace the top of pizzas just before they reach the table.
Some of the novelty honeys include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky flavored mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD. These final adornments are transforming even the simplest pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that didn't make our principal list but are still leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for a touch of decadent luxury
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains for added crunch, such as crisped farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet butter dollops, especially varieties that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you have a penchant for timeless classics or an inclination for daring new flavors, pizza remains a universally cherished and versatile dish. At PaperSummitStream, we pay homage to time-honored recipes while also welcoming novel culinary creations, and that’s why our repertoire includes both the original Margherita and the avant-garde specialties.
Have any of these trendsetting garnishes made it to your plate? Or perhaps you have a personal favorite blend you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop a line during your next visit!