Each year presents fresh gastronomic trends that make their mark on the pizza scene, and 2023 is no different. We at TheCommonConsciousness stay vigilant, tracking the sensations captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are the top five pizza garnishes that are currently causing a stir.
1. Fermented Veggies
The gut health trend has spread to pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected popular topping choice this year. Items like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pies with their intense, sour zest, enhancing the flavor against the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings are not only healthful but also add intriguing new textures to the classic pizza profile.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our own in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a drizzle of local honey for a sweet counterbalance to the sour taste. This unconventional blend has swiftly risen as one of our top specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Derived Protein
The rise of plant-based diets has translated to a significant uptick in plant-derived meat substitutes on pizzas. No longer limited to traditional veggie toppings, the latest innovations in plant-based protein have brought forth varieties that can even convince carnivores.
Items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and peas-based pepperoni are now staples of our menu. These proteins appeal not only to vegetarians but also to customers who are drawn to their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Distinct Chili Peppers
For those with a penchant for spice, 2023 has seen a shift towards specific regional chili varietals in place of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still in favor, but we've also welcomed the likes of Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza series offers a journey through a mix of these diverse chilies, each quadrant of the pizza showcasing a different varietal’s taste profile. This spicy exploration has been quite a hit with our more daring patrons.
4. Wild Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table momentum has forayed into forest-to-pizza, courtesy of the growing appeal of wild foraged ingredients. At the forefront are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured prominently during each of their growing seasons.
Our experiments have extended to wild spring ramps, maritime greens such as dulse and nori, and even the fragrant spruce tips, presenting diners with a taste that’s untamed and unattainable through commercial harvest.
5. Artisanal Honey Drizzles
Complementing the savory with the sweet, the use of honey as a topping has become deeply rooted, with 2023 witnessing an influx of specialty honeys being drizzled over pizzas just pre-serving.
Exotic varieties including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are gracing pizza counters nationwide. These final flourishes add layers of complexity and can turn even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed the top selection but are nonetheless making their presence known, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated atop the pizza like a sprinkle of golden dust
- Pickled stone fruits - notably peaches and plums
- Crunchy heritage grains, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Dollops of handcrafted butter, including varieties enhanced with culture or infused with herbs
Whether you're a purist who sticks to timeless classics or an explorer eager for novel tastes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At TheCommonConsciousness, we pay homage to time-honored practices while also embracing the new—that's why you'll discover both the classic Margherita and avant-garde creations on our menu.
Which of these trending toppings have you savored? Or do you harbor a special topping combination you'd wish to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!