Each passing year introduces new fads in the pizza universe, and 2023 is no different. At CooperativeCommons, we consistently track what garnishes are captivating pizza enthusiasts across the planet. Below is our curated list of this year's buzz-worthy and highly requested pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizza has embraced the health-conscious trend, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite topping. Ingredients like kimchi, pickled cabbage, and tangy marinated onions are providing a complex, zesty flavor that perfectly accents the sumptuousness of cheese and pizza sauce. These toppings are not just tasty but pack a probiotic punch and add a fresh thrill to the pizza's texture.
The Fermentation Fest pizza is our newest addition, topped with our in-house pickled cabbage, spicy kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a sweet local bee syrup drizzle. It's an unconventional blend, yet it's swiftly become one of our signature requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-centric diets has led to increased demand for pizzas that showcase innovative meat substitutes. Aside from the usual veggie options, the advent of plant proteins has birthed alternatives pleasing even steadfast carnivores.
Substitutes like veggie-based crumbled Italian sausage, savory marinated tempeh, jackfruit in a 'pulled pork' style, and pea protein 'pepperoni' have become staples on our pizza list. These toppings are chosen by patrons not just for dietary reasons, but for their distinctive tastes and more digestible nature.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor a fiery taste, 2023 has been the year of appreciating specific chili peppers over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilis continue their long-standing popularity, the inclusion of Aleppo peppers, the smokiness of Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang has been added to the mix on our pizzas.
The Spicy World Tour pizza boasts a mix of four distinct regional chili peppers, each bringing its exclusive taste to different sections of the pie. This piquant voyage is particularly popular among our keen tasters.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Pizza has followed the farm-to-table trend, now incorporating wild, foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that appear when in season.
We've been experimenting with wild forest ramps (leeks), sea greens including dulse and nori, and even conifer tips to introduce an enticing scent. These wild picks offer an immediate connection to nature and provide tastes that are impossible to find in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has proven its worth on pizza with its combination of sweet and savory notes, a trend that has persisted into 2023. Drawn from the popularity of spicy honey, this year has witnessed a flurry of unique honey types making their way onto pizzas just before they're served.
Selections such as luxurious truffle honey, aged garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are popping up on menus nationwide. These final drizzles contribute a refined complexity and raise even the simplest pizza pairings to an upscale level.
Honorable Mentions
Some other garnishes that didn't quite make the top five but are still causing a stir include:
- Salted egg yolk shavings, adding a sprinkle of rich flavor
- Marinated fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as apricots and nectarines
- Crunchy ancient grains like crispy farro or puffed sorghum adding a new textural element
- Drops of artisanal butter, especially those blended with culture or radiant herb mixtures
No matter if you're one for classic flavors or eager to explore audacious new blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and acclaimed dishes worldwide. Here at CooperativeCommons, we honor timeless recipes while also welcoming the new, which is why you'll spot both the revered Margherita and contemporary novelty pizzas on our menu.
Have you had a taste of any of these trending garnishes? Or maybe there's a unique mix you'd like to recommend? Drop us your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!