Each year delivers fresh foodie trends to the pizza scene, and 2023 is brimming with innovation. At BalancedInsightlab, we pride ourselves on keeping our finger on the pulse of what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here’s our curated list of this year's standout pizza garnishes that are causing a stir.
1. Fermented Vegetables
A surge of interest in digestive wellness has seen a rise in fermented vegetables gracing pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are introducing a vibrant tang that pairs well with the rich flavors of traditional pizza ingredients. These toppings aren't just flavorful but also boast probiotic qualities and add new textural layers.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza comes topped with in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and a gorgonzola blend, all gently kissed with local honey to soften the sharpness. This quirky mix has swiftly become a sought-after choice.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The traction of plant-based diets has not overlooked pizzerias, with a marked uptick in alternative protein toppings. Pizzas are now being adorned with innovative meat substitutes that entice even staunch carnivores.
You'll find items like plant-based sausage chunks, spiced tempeh, jackfruit prepped as pulled pork, and pea protein-based “pepperoni” on our menu. These aren't just for vegan or vegetarian patrons; they're chosen by numerous customers who enjoy their distinct flavors and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are discovering new pleasure in distinct regional chili types over generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be favored, other varieties like the smoldering Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are adding their signature heat to pizzas.
We offer the Global Heat pizza, a spicy globe-trot that spotlights four unique chili breeds, each accentuating one quarter of the pie. It’s particularly well-received by our bravest patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraging's allure has moved beyond the woods and onto the pie, with seasonal finds getting the limelight. Premiering are elusive wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake.
We're also seeing greens like woodsy ramps (wild leeks), aquatic botanicals such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, which contribute an unusual scent. These foraged presents allow customers to taste the essence of the untamed, delivering flavors beyond what's commercially available.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's knack for melding sweet with savory has taken a firm stand in the pizza world. Expanding on the well-received spicy honey, this year has introduced a diversity of honey types that are lavishly poured over pizzas.
Options now include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and honey varietals that contain CBD. These garnishes serve to deepen the taste experience, transforming even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings nearly making it to our top list but still worth a mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami finish
- Brined fruits such as peaches and plums for a tart contrast
- Textures from heritage grains, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- Dabs of artisan butter, including cultured or compounded with herbs
Whether your preferences lean toward venerable classics or you're keen to explore gutsy new flavors, pizza remains one of the most customizable and endeared dishes. At BalancedInsightlab, we balance respect for tradition with the thrill of the new, offering everything from timeless Margherita to our latest creations.
Have any of these current toppings caught your eye? Or do you have a distinctive blend you'd wish to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!