Every new calendar year introduces novel pizza garnishing trends, and 2023 has its own share of novelties. Here at QuietWillowBloom, we keep a close watch on the global preferences of pizza aficionados. Below is our curated list of the freshest and most sought-after pizza garnishes that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is a growing concern, and this has spilled over into the pizza segment, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected topping choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending intricate sour flavors that enrich the creamy consistency of cheese and savory notes of the sauce. These toppings don't just support gut health with probiotics but also introduce a new texture to the standard pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie boasts a combination of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all balanced out with a local honey drizzle. This may seem like an offbeat mix, but it has swiftly become a top choice among our guest-customized pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend towards plant-based dieting doesn't show any signs of slowing, leading to a significant boost in pizzas dressed with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond commonplace veggie toppings, the rise of plant-derived proteins offers alternatives that even ardent carnivores appreciate.
We offer plant-based alternatives like Italian sausage substitutes, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni on our pizzas. These protein choices appeal not just to vegetarians but also to patrons who prefer their flavor profiles and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor spiciness are celebrating the increased use of specific regional chili varieties over basic red pepper flakes on their pizzas. While Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, now we're also seeing the inclusion of chilies like smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang as pizza toppings.
Our International Spice pizza offers a combination of four distinct chilies, imparting unique flavors to each portion of the pizza. This piquant offering has been particularly well-received by our clientele with a taste for culinary exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The movement towards locally-sourced ingredients has spread to the pizza industry, with the upsurge in popularity of seasonal foraged items. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront of this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms during their specific seasons.
We're also utilizing ingredients like wild ramps (leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, providing a distinctive aromatic essence. These naturally harvested components not only bring unique flavors but also connect customers to the wilderness around them.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought by honey has secured its place beyond the fad phase. In 2023, a plethora of specialty honeys is topping pizzas right before serving, continuing the trend set by spicy honey in past years.
We're seeing truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-inflected honeys featured on pizza menus nationwide. These honeys aren't just toppings—they're a gourmet flourish that can elevate even the most basic pizza to a delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
Other garnishes that narrowly missed making our top list but are still leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and plums leading the pack
- Ancient grains for texture, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet butter dabs, particularly those infused with cultured dairy or herbal mixtures
Whether you're someone who stays true to age-old favorites or a gastronome eager for novel tastes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At QuietWillowBloom, we hold to tradition but aren't afraid to experiment—that's why our menu features timeless classics like the Margherita alongside progressive, specialty creations.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or maybe there's a distinctive combination you'd love to see added to our offerings? Share your thoughts in the comments or by visiting us!