Each year introduces fresh gastronomic fashions in the realm of pizzas, and the year 2023 is no different. At SharedCommonsBoard, our goal is to stay at the forefront of the flavors that pizza aficionados around the planet are enjoying. We present to you our selection of the top pizza garnishes that are the talk of the town this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in digestive health has spread to the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as an unforeseen favorite topping this year. Offering probiotic goodness and a new twist on texture, toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide a complex, sour punch that enhances the lush taste of cheese and tomato base.
The distinctive Fermentation Fiesta pizza with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, topped with a swirl of artisanal honey to tame the sourness, is rapidly becoming one of our most in-demand signature pizzas, despite its unconventional flavor mix.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The hang in diet toward plant-based alternatives has resulted in an uptick in requests for pizzas adorned with inventive non-meat proteins. These plant-based toppings, including crumbled vegan Italian sausage, marinated tempeh, jackfruit as a pulled pork substitute, and pea protein pepperoni, provide unique tastes and a lighter gastrointestinal experience, enticing not only herbivores but also a broader audience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase after fiery flavors, the preference in 2023 has shifted to distinctive regional chili varieties over standard pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a hot choice, varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora, Aleppo pepper, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang paste are being sprinkled onto pizzas for an exotic kick.
The International Fire pizza, a quadrant of separate regional chilies added to each section, presents a piquant journey that has been particularly well-received by our bolder clients.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table trends have transitioned into a forest-to-table approach, highlighted by the allure of seasonally foraged ingredients like an assortment of wild mushrooms—chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their peak seasons.
In addition to fungi, other wild edibles such as ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips have been included in our experiments. These wild elements deliver unbeatable flavors connecting aficionados directly with nature.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The fusion of sweet and savory through honey has now become a steadfast fixture in the pizza culinary scene. This year has seen eclectic honey variations being drizzled over pizzas just before they're served, enhancing the pizzas' gourmet appeal. Variants such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-enhanced honeys are becoming widespread.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that are gaining popularity, though not making the top five, include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pie, adding a velvety texture and a hit of umami
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains for a crispy texture, including items like farro and popped sorghum
- Gourmet butters, like artisanal herbed or cultured butters, added in small dollops
Whether your tastes are rooted in tradition or inclined towards experimental flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. With a menu featuring both the forever-loved Margherita and adventurous distinctive pies, SharedCommonsBoard aims to reconcile time-honored recipes with inventive modern twists.
Have you had a chance to try these trending garnishes yet? Or perhaps you have a unique pizza topping combination in mind that you’d love for us to try? Drop us a comment or inform us during your next visit!