With each passing year, new tastes emerge in the pizza universe, and 2023 has its share of novelties. Here at MellowCorner, we keep our finger on the pulse of what's entrancing pizza enthusiasts far and wide. These are the top pizza garnishes causing a buzz this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has reached pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected topping of choice. Adding a zesty complexity with options such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions, they pair wonderfully with usual pizza staples like cheese and tomato sauce. They're not just tasty—they also offer probiotic perks, introducing a new textural layer to classic pizza fare.
We've crafted our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a final drizzle of local honey to offset the sharpness. While this might seem like an unconventional combo, it's swiftly turned into one of our top-requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The plant-based diet trend is going strong, witnessed by a spike in demand for pizzas donning alternative meat options. Moving beyond standard vegetable toppings, the latest plant-based proteins manage to win over even staunch carnivores.
Our menu now often includes alternatives like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork with a marinade, and pea protein slices resembling pepperoni. These toppings cater not only to vegans but also to those who prefer their unique tastes and gentler digestive impact.
3. Specific Chilies from Different Regions
For those who enjoy a bit of fiery kick, 2023 has embraced distinct chili types from across the globe, moving away from the staple red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have kept their allure from recent years, new varieties like smoky Spanish ñora chilies, flavorful Aleppo pepper, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now being spotted on pizzas.
The International Heatwave pizza comprises four unique regional chilies, each lending its special taste to different segments of the pizza, which has become particularly famous among our more daring customers.
4. Wild, Seasonal Ingredients
The local food movement has progressed to incorporate wild, seasonal ingredients straight from forests to pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured prominently when in season.
We've also experimented with wild garlic known as ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an intriguing aromatic twist. These ingredients not only create a connection with nature but offer flavors that cultivated ingredients can't match.
5. Unique Honey Drizzles
The delightful contrast added by honey has proven its staying power in the pizza world. Expanding upon the well-loved spicy honey, there's been a surge in distinctive honey types making their way onto pizzas just before serving this year.
Exotic variations such as truffle-infused honey, smoked mesquite honey, honey fermented with garlic, and even honey infused with CBD are finding their place in pizzerias nationwide. These gourmet touches enhance and bring sophistication to even basic pizza recipes.
Honorable Mentions
While they didn't make it into our top five, these additional toppings deserve a mention for their growing popularity:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza's surface
- Brined fruits, notably stone fruits such as plums and peaches
- Ancient grains for a crunchy texture, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Special butter varieties, like those cultured or blended with herbs
Whether you're someone who sticks with the tried-and-true classics or you're eager to explore new, bold topping mixes, pizza remains as versatile and universally cherished as ever. At MellowCorner, we respect the legacy of pizza while also welcoming new ideas, which is why our menu includes everything from the timeless Margherita to our avant-garde creations.
Have these current toppings caught your attention, or is there a distinct topping combo you'd love for us to introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know during your next visit!