Each new year brings its own set of gastronomic fashions in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is certainly no different. At DoughVinci's Pizza, keeping tabs on the flavors that are delighting pizza aficionados worldwide is our priority. Here is our curated list of the top pizza garnishments that are currently setting trends.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to digestive wellness has transitioned from health food stores to local pizzerias, with fermented veggies emerging as the unexpected star on pizzas. Elements like kimchi, sauerkraut, and puckered onions are contributing rich, sour flavors that nicely offset the creamy zest of cheese and tomato sauce. Not only do these toppings boast digestive benefits from probiotics, but they also infuse a novel texture to the classic pizza palate.
Take for instance our Fermentation Fiesta pie, showcasing our own sauerkraut and kimchi with a topping of gorgonzola, then finished with a drizzle of regional honey for a sweet counterbalance to the sour vibe. It may seem like a peculiar mix, yet it's swiftly become a sought-after choice on our specialty pizza roster.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the wave of plant-based diets continues to surge, so has the clamor for pizzas decorated with inventive non-meat options. Beyond the typical veggie garnishes, the advancement of plant-derived proteins has introduced varieties capable of pleasing staunch carnivores.
Proteins such as herb-seasoned tempeh crumbles, barbequed jackfruit standing in for pulled pork, and pea-derived pepperoni have now become staples on our menu. These are not only catered to the vegetarians but also regularly chosen by our clientele for their distinctive tastes and more agreeable effects on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor a fiery taste, 2023 has been welcoming to connoisseurs opting for distinct regional chili varieties as opposed to the standard red pepper zest. The Calabrian chili continues to be a crowd-pleaser like in years past, but we are now witnessing a rise in chilies like the smoky ñora from Spain, the sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and zesty Korean gochujang making their mark on pizzas.
Our International Heatwave pizza is a blend of these diverse chilies, allocating each one to a quadrant of the pizza, presenting a four-part spicy gastronomic voyage that's become notably favored by our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
As an extension of the farm-to-table concept, there's an increasing enthusiasm towards foraged seasonal ingredients for pizza toppings. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are being spotlighted during their growth seasons.
Apart from these fungi, ingredients such as early spring ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips have been implemented with success. These natural elements not only bring diners closer to nature but also give a flavor profile that farmed products may not replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The delectable contrast of honey has solidified its place in the pizza domain. Expanding on the previous attraction of spicy honey, the year has brought a diversity of honey types that chefs are drizzling atop pizzas just before they are served.
Connoisseurs can now find pizzas graced with the likes of truffle honey, pungent fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite variety, enhancing the gourmet experience of even the simplest pizza creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that nearly made our primary list but are still worth noting include:
- Preserved egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza like a fine cheese
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Whole-grain crunch, including items like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Unique artisan butters, including cultured or blended herb butters, applied in dollops
Whether you are someone who holds fast to time-honored tastes or are willing to explore novel topping combinations, pizza remains among the most versatile and universally cherished foods. At DoughVinci's Pizza, we revere the classics while wholeheartedly pursuing new flavors—this is why our menu features both the quintessential Margherita and pioneering specialty pies.
Have any of these topping trends caught your taste? Or do you have an exclusive topping fusion you'd love for us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit with us!