As trends in the culinary arts constantly evolve, so too does the realm of pizza toppings, with 2023 witnessing some novel additions. At CanvasPaperLane, we keep a close eye on global preferences shaping pizza enthusiasts' palate. Here's a lineup of the top favored pizza garnishes that have gained prominence this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprisingly favored topping for pizzas this year due to the increasing emphasis on digestive health. Adding a sophisticated sour taste, options like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions enhance the creamy cheese and robust sauce flavors, while conferring a probiotic boost and adding a new textural dimension to classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a celebration of gastronomic alchemy, blending house-prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and robust gorgonzola, balanced perfectly with a swirl of regional honey. This fusion, though unconventional, is swiftly becoming an in-demand fixture of our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
In step with the growing trend of plant-centric diets, there's a notable upswing in requests for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Not just commonplace vegetable toppings, but also recent breakthroughs in plant-based protein fabrication have birthed alternatives that win over staunch carnivores.
We're now embellishing our pizzas with options like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, 'pulled pork' fashioned from jackfruit, and 'pepperoni' informed by pea protein. These alternatives captivate a broader audience, not solely vegetarians, due to their distinct taste profiles and lighter gastrological impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those favoring a spicy kick, 2023 has embraced specialized regional chilies in lieu of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes on pizzas. While Calabrian chilies continue to be in demand, other chilies like the Spanish smoked ñora, the aromatic Aleppo pepper, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and flavorful Korean gochujang are becoming popular toppings.
Our International Fiery Delight pizza caters to adventurous palates, featuring a quartet of distinct chilies from various regions, each infusing its quadrant of the pizza with its unique essence of spiciness.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of 'forest-to-pizza' is extending the farm-to-table movement, driven by the popularity of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing on pizzas during their growth seasons.
We're also ambitiously incorporating wild ramps (leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. Such wild-harvested ingredients establish a connection to nature and present incomparable flavors that cultivated produce cannot replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The allure of honey as a sweet counterpoint to savory flavors secures its place beyond fleeting fashions. Following the success of spicy honey, 2023 sees a variety of novel honey drizzles applied to pizza just before they're served.
We embellish our pizzas with gourmet honeys like truffle-flavored, fermented garlic, the vivid smoke of mesquite, and a range of other specialized honeys. These final drizzles contribute depth and turn even the most simple pizza variants into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Slightly outside our top list but still noteworthy are the following toppings:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas, likened to a luxurious golden shower
- Quick-pickled fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes, like toasted farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Bespoke butter additions, especially cultured or herb-infused compound butters
Whether your palate leans towards time-honored classics or craves the excitement of novel combinations, pizza retains its title as one of the most versatile and heartily adored dishes worldwide. Here at CanvasPaperLane, we pay homage to long-standing traditions as well as innovations—our menu is where you'll find the quintessential Margherita side by side with avant-garde creations.
Have you ventured to taste any of these trendy toppings? Or perhaps you harbor a unique topping combination you'd like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you drop by!