As with every year, the pizza industry sees a shift in consumer preferences, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on the trends captivating pizza aficionados everywhere. Here’s our curated list of top pizza garnishes that are stealing the show this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has taken the pizza world by storm, as fermented vegetables have emerged as a top topping choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a dynamic, tangy edge to the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings go beyond flavor, offering probiotic advantages and introducing a new play on texture.
Our very own “Fermentation Fiesta” pizza combines house-prepped sauerkraut, kimchi, and Gorgonzola cheese with a drizzle of locally sourced honey for the perfect sweet-tangy balance. This unconventional pairing is fast becoming a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend for plant-based diets is on the rise, prompting an increased demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat-free alternatives. Rather than just conventional veggie toppings, we're now offering things like plant-based Italian sausage, herbed tempeh, marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni—ingredients gaining traction with both vegetarians and meat enthusiasts alike.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a bit of burn, 2023 has welcomed a passion for specific regional chili types over the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, other varieties like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have also found their way onto our pizzas.
Our “Global Heatwave” pizza is an adventure on a plate, featuring these four diverse chilies and their distinct flavor profiles across different sections of the pizza, a hit amongst our thrill-seeking customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forging results in nature-to-pizza ingredients, with foraged seasonal greens becoming increasingly popular toppings. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods when in season.
Our chefs have also been experimenting with wild leeks, sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These foraged items offer a connection to nature and bring irreplicable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey with savory elements has become a mainstay, with 2023 witnessing a variety of specialty honeys being drizzled on pizzas at the point of serving.
Exquisite variants such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey have been making their way into pizza establishments, offering complexity and sophistication to an array of pizza profiles.
Honorable Mentions
Some other accouterments that didn't quite make the top five but are still distinguished include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusted over the pizza for a luxurious effect
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Textures from heritage grains, including crisp farro or popped sorghum
- Touches of artisan butter, like cultured or herbed compound varieties
Pizza remains one of the most versatile and beloved dishes, whether you're a purist or someone who delights in inventive flavors. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we pay homage to the classics while also embracing innovation, which is why you'll find both time-honored Margherita and avant-garde pizzas on our menu.
Curious about these trending garnishes? Have you got a unique blend you'd like us to try? Share with us in the comments or when you drop by for a slice!