With each year come new flavors trending in the pizza universe, and 2023 is rich with innovation. Here at CalmBranch, our pulse on the global preferences of pizza aficionados remains steadfast. Presenting our list of the most captivating and beloved pizza garnishes currently in vogue.
1. Pickled Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive wellness has propelled the inclusion of pickled veggies atop pizzas, offering a delightful shock of tartness. Variants like kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are now joining forces with the creamy textures of traditional cheese and tomato bases. These zesty ingredients not only dish out probiotic goodness but also add an enticingly new mouthfeel to the age-old pizza base.
Our unique Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, with a sweet honey drizzle to counterbalance the sour notes. This might seem like an odd pairing, but it's rising to be one of our most sought-after signature dishes.
2. Meatless Protein Options
Given the burgeoning trend of plant-based diets, a surge in requests for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes has been noted. Pioneering the move beyond typical veggie toppings, breakthroughs in meatless proteins have unveiled alternatives that even hardcore carnivores find appealing.
Options such as plant-crafted Italian sausage bits, spiced tempeh, tropical jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These proteins cater not only to vegans but also to patrons looking for distinct tastes and a less heavy eating experience.
3. Distinctive Spicy Peppers
Those with a penchant for piquancy are celebrating, as 2023 has welcomed a newfound appreciation for specific chili varieties on pizzas, steering away from the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies sustain their appeal, peppers like the aromatic Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and fiery Korean gochujang are also gaining popularity.
Our Worldly Spiciness pizza offers a concoction of these diverse regional chilies, each imparting its distinct spiciness to different sections of the pie. This piquant voyage is particularly well-received by our daring clientele.
4. Wild-Harvested Seasonal Ingredients
The ethos of farm-to-fork dining has morphed into gathering from forests to garnish our pizzas, with wild-harvested produce gaining favor. Leading the trend are forest-gathered mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which are featured prominently during their peak seasons.
We're also integrating ingredients like wild leeks (spring ramps), marine greens including dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce shoots. These elements offer patrons a connection to the wilderness and flavors unreplicated by farm cultivation.
5. Unique Honey Infusions
The sweet and savory balancing act provided by honey has secured its position as more than just a fleeting fad. Capitalizing on the success of the prior year's spicy honey, 2023 has seen a surge in specialty honey varieties used as a final flourish on pizzas.
Gourmet varieties like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, rich mesquite honey, and have begun adorning dishes nation-wide. These final drizzles add a layer of sophistication and can elevate even the simplest of pizzas to a deluxe level.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that are garnering attention, though not making our main list, include:
- Preserved egg yolks, grated over the pizza like a cascade of yellow flurries
- Citrus-infused fruits, particularly orchard gems such as apricots and cherries
- Ancient cereals, like crunchy kamut or puffed amaranth, adding a textural twist
- Handcrafted butter varieties (like cultured or mixed herb butters) in small dollops
Whether you favor timeless classics or seek out the thrill of bold and eclectic tastes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At CalmBranch, we honor timeless recipes while seeking out new culinary delights—that's how our menu caters to both purists and innovators alike.
Have these on-trend toppings made their way to your plate already, or is there a particular combo you're eager for us to craft? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!