Each year presents fresh culinary fads in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is no different. At SunFlarePanel, we're keeping a close eye on flavors that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. This is our list of this year's most thrilling and sought-after pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has transitioned into pizza eateries, with fermented veggies emerging as this year’s unexpected stars. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions are adding intricate sour flavors that enhance the creamy taste of cheese and tomato base. These fermented additions not only add probiotic qualities but also bring new textural elements to classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes home-crafted pickled cabbage, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped off with a drizzle of regional honey to counteract the tartness. Although the mix may seem novel, it’s swiftly becoming one of our top specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-focused diets has led to an increase in plant-based protein toppings as meat substitutes on our pizzas. Beyond traditional veggies, new plant protein innovations now offer alternatives that appeal to staunch carnivores as well.
We're now serving up pies with plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, herbed tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein salami. These toppings cater not just to vegetarians but to a consumer base keen on the distinctive tastes and a less heavy post-meal feeling.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
The heat lovers are in for a treat! Pizza enthusiasts in 2023 are selecting specific and regional chili variants over bland crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue their steadfast popularity, we're also witnessing the use of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, exotic Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
For those who dare, our Around the World Heat pizza combines four unique chilies, each imparting distinct flavors to different parts of the pizza. This spicy journey has garnered favor with our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of using picked-from-nature ingredients has matured into the concept of wild-to-pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms, appearing on our menus in sync with their natural growth seasons.
Expanding beyond mushrooms, we've explored wild spring leeks, ocean plants like dulse and seaweed, and even new shoots of spruce for their unique scent. These components provide a connection to nature and offer tastes that can't be found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Sweet and savory contrast from honey has established itself in the pizza realm. Following the influential trend of spicy honey, this year has introduced a variety of special honey types used as a drizzle atop pizzas before serving.
Drizzles such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and CBD-enriched honey are popping up in pizzerias nationwide. These finishing touches add a layer of sophistication and transform even basic pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings didn't make our top five but are certainly leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over the pizza to create a shower of gold
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits like apricots and cherries
- Ancient grains used as toppings, such as crisp farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Specialty butter dollops, like cultured or herbal compound butters
Whether you favor timeless classics or are eager to explore brave new flavor combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At SunFlarePanel, we pay homage to classic techniques while also welcoming culinary creativity—that’s the reason our menu proudly presents both the beloved Margherita alongside avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these buzzworthy toppings? Or perhaps you have a personal blend you'd enjoy seeing on our menu? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!