Each new year introduces novel food preferences in the pizza scene, and 2023 follows suit. At StoneGarden Pizzeria, our team keeps an eye on global pizza trends that entice the palates of enthusiasts. Here we share the year's most thrilling and crowd-pleasing pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive health has taken root in pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as this year's unexpected topping choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with intricate, zesty flavors that blend well with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These garnishes also deliver a probiotic boost while adding new textures to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Festival pie is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a finish of local honey to soften the sharpness. Although it may appear unconventional, it's rapidly becoming one of our frequently ordered specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-forward diets has led to a heightened demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins are now offering choices that even staunch carnivores can appreciate.
Options such as plant-derived Italian sausage bits, herbed tempeh, jackfruit treated to mimic pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni now appear regularly on our menus. These alternatives appeal to all types of eaters for their distinct tastes and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor spice are thrilled that 2023 has welcomed a preference for distinct regional chili peppers over homogeneous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their hold on popularity, we now encounter Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora, fruit-like Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on assorted pizzas.
Our Spice Trail pizza offers a selection of four unique chilies, each contributing its own flavor notes to different pizza sections. It has been particularly well-received by our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has evolved to forest-to-pizza, with the growing trend of using seasonal foraged items. This trend is led by wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which make their way onto our pizzas during their peak seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, our explorations include wild ramps (leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic touch. These elements offer a connection to the wilderness and flavors that aren't available in cultivated forms.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought by honey has become more than just a fleeting fancy. Following the success of spicy honey, 2023 has unveiled a variety of unique honeys applied to pizzas just before they're served.
Distinct honeys such as truffle infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-enhanced varieties are garnishing pizzas far and wide. These distinctive touches contribute to the complexity and can transform even simple pizzas to a more gourmet creation.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't make our top five but are still earning accolades include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza for a touch of luxury
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for a crunchy texture, including crisp farro and popped sorghum
- Specialty butters, particularly cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you're someone who holds fast to classic tastes or are open to exploring bold new flavor combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At StoneGarden Pizzeria, we honor the foundations of traditional pizza while also embracing the new—that's why our menu features both timeless Margherita and pioneering specialty pizzas.
Ever tried any of these ascending toppings? Or perhaps you have a unique topping combo you'd like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you drop by next time!