As we journey through the year, pizza variations keep offering new and exciting flavors. At PantryChefPlate, we're dedicated to discovering the tastes that captivate pizza aficionados everywhere. We present a guide to this year's most sought-after and innovative pizza add-ons.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on a healthy digestive system has extended into pizza shops, where fermented veggies have emerged as a surprising favorite atop pies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing complex sour notes that pair well with the creamy cheese and sauce. These tangy ingredients aren't just tasty—they offer probiotic health perks and introduce new textures to your standard pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our shop combines homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a splash of local honey to offset the sharpness. Though the mix might seem unexpected, it has swiftly climbed the ranks to become a top-requested specialty pizza.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-forward dining has driven a vast interest in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. More than just your typical veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based protein have spawned options sure to delight even staunch carnivores.
Meat-free Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These plant proteins aren't exclusively for vegans and vegetarians—our patrons pick them for their distinctive tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who prefer their pizza with a kick are in for a treat! The year 2023 has welcomed a new appreciation for distinct chili varieties from various regions, moving away from the common crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies continue to enjoy their reign, while spices like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are beginning to grace our pizzas.
Global Heat, our new pizza offering, incorporates a quartet of unique regional chilies, each enhancing a different section of the pie. This zesty journey has been highly popular among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table philosophy has matured into a forest-to-pizza phenomenon thanks to the burgeoning trend of seasonal foraged toppings. Leading the way are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured prominently during their peak seasons.
We're also experimenting with wild spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic twist. These wild-gathered additions offer a connection with nature along with flavors that can't be replicated in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between savory and sweet achieved with honey has definitely proven its endurance. Expanding on the hot honey craze of prior years, the current year has sparked a trend for distinctive honey types to be drizzled on pizzas just before they're served.
Options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enhanced honey are finding their way onto pizza menus nationwide. These final drizzles contribute depth and can transform even the simplest pies into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some other additions that didn't quite make our top list but are still creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a cascade of savory flakes
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and plums standing out
- Heritage grains for a crunchy bite, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, particularly those infused with cultures or herbs
Whether you lean towards the time-honored toppings or you're eager to explore new flavor frontiers, pizza remains a versatile and much-loved dish. At PantryChefPlate, we pay homage to tradition while heartily adopting new trends—that's evident in our menu that showcases both the classic Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these current topping trends? Or is there an offbeat combination you'd love to see us feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!