With each new year, the pizza scene is graced with fresh flavor trends, and the year 2023 stands firm in this tradition. At BroadLanding, keeping tabs on what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. We're excited to present a list of this year's most trendy and sought-after pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains popularity, fermented vegetables have emerged as an unexpected favorite on top of pizzas. Tart flavors like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions not only add a probiotic boost but also bring a novel texture and taste to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie at our eatery, with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and delicately balanced with local honey atop gorgonzola cheese, is becoming one of the go-to specialty pizzas for those in search of new culinary adventures.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people embrace a plant-forward diet, there's been a marked increase in plant-based protein toppings on pizzas. We're going beyond the usual veggies, offering mouth-watering alternatives to satisfy meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Options like plant-based sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh bites, jackfruit styled as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni are not only on our menu but are also chosen by our customers for their distinctive flavors and easy digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor heat will celebrate the burgeoning love for specific regional chilis over the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies retain their draw, we're incorporating distinctive varieties like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang into our pizzas.
Sample a dynamic spice journey with our Global Heat pizza, which is adorned with these various regional chilies, each quadrant of the pizza showcasing a different one. This pie is an instant hit with our thrill-seeking customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from woodland to pizza is growing thanks to the mounting appeal of seasonally foraged items. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles and morels; their availability is welcomed on pizzas during their peak seasons.
We're also innovating with ingredients like wild ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These bring an authentic wilderness flavor that is unparalleled in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey, with its ability to contrast sweet and savory elements, has become a long-term component in pizzas. The latest trend for 2023 is the emergence of unique honey varieties drizzled over pizzas just prior to serving.
This year, we have seen the rise of honeys such as truffle, garlic-fermented, smoky mesquite, and even honey infused with CBD. These not only add an extra layer of depth but also elevate simple pizza recipes to the level of gourmet cuisine.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few additional toppings that have narrowly missed our top list but are also making waves:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks, adding a luxurious texture similar to a dusting of gold
- Pickled fruits that add a tangy twist, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Crunchy heritage grains such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum for additional texture
- Dollops of handcrafted butters, including those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you sway towards timeless classics or are in the mood to experiment with bold new flavors, pizza stands as an incredibly versatile and cherished dish. At BroadLanding, we pay homage to traditions while also fostering creativity, which is evident as our menu showcases both the classic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Maybe you have a distinct favorite topping combination you'd like to see on our list? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next stop by our establishment!