Each new year introduces fresh gastronomic fads in pizza cuisine, and 2023 is specatcularly keeping up. At NorthCircuit, we are vigilant in tracking the latest preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is a synopsis of the year's most compelling and liked pizza garnishes that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Probiotic foods have emerged as top choices at pizza places, with fermented vegetables becoming an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are now popular for their complex sour profiles that mix surprisingly well with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Besides offering probiotic pluses, these toppings introduce an intriguing textural aspect to the standard pizza experience.
Our innovative Probiotic Powerhouse pie is garnished with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, capped off with a swirl of local honey to balance out the sourness. Initially, perceived as unorthodox, this mixture has rapidly turned into a frequently sought-after choice.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more consumers lean towards plant-based diets, there's been a noticeable increase in pizzas topped with pioneering meat substitutes. No longer limited to typical veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based proteins has introduced choices that even die-hard carnivores can enjoy.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, herbed tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni are all now part of our offering. These alternatives are enticing, not solely for vegans and vegetarians but also for customers interested in unique flavors and a lighter digestive experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are in for a treat, as connoisseurs of pizza are showing a preference for distinctly regional chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to enjoy widespread acclaim, while other varieties such as Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, the sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang are joining the mixture.
The Heat Map is our offering where diverse chilies from around the globe deliver distinct flavors, each assigned to a distinct quadrant of the pizza. This fiery delicacy has been particularly well-received by our bolder clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from foraging ground to pizza crust has strengthened with the increasing popularity of seasonally foraged components. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, that grace the pizza during their peak seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we've been showcasing wild ramps, sea-harvested greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These elements foster a bond with the wild while imparting irreplaceable flavors that aren't replicable in farm-raised counterparts.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in enlivening the savory pizza pallet has become more than just a quick trend. Expanding on the well-received spicy honey of past years, 2023 has brought an assortment of unique honey varieties that are drizzled atop pizzas just before serving.
Exotic truffle honey, aromatic fermented garlic honey, smokey mesquite, and even CBD honey adorn the pizzas, adding nuanced flavors to even the most simplistic pie, raising it to epicurean heights.
Honorable Mentions
Some other notable toppings on the fringe of our top five, yet still making a considerable impact, include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizzas to resemble a dusting of golden snow
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes such as crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Handcrafted butter spots, notably cultured or herb-infused butters
Whether your taste aligns with timeless pizza classics or you're an experimenter open to contemporary blends, pizza endures as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At NorthCircuit, we celebrate historical recipes while also exploring modern culinary craft—that's why you'll find both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have any of these trendy toppings made it to your plate? Or perhaps you harbor a distinct flavor blend you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next feast with us!