The pizza scene yearly ushers in novel gastronomic fads, and the year 2023 is no anomaly. At BrackenFord, keeping our finger on the pulse of global pizza aficionados' preferences is our forte. Below lies our compilation of the year's most sought-after and thrilling pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has strutted from health stores right into pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as this year's unexpected pizza topping stars. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bestowing their piquant zest to pizza, beautifully offsetting the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings are more than just probiotic powerhouses; they're introducing new textural experiences to the beloved classic.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie, topped with our homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, drizzled with local honey, may seem avant-garde yet has swiftly climbed the ranks to become a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Amidst the surge of plant-powered diets, the appeal for meat alternative-laden pizzas has skyrocketed. Diving beyond typical veggie toppings, there's been a burst of innovation in plant proteins that's pleasing even the most die-hard carnivores.
Our menu now proudly presents plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit 'pulled pork,' and pea protein 'pepperoni.' These aren't just vegetarian options; they're chosen for their distinctive taste and less taxing digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Chili aficionados are in for a treat! The year 2023 has welcomed an enthusiasm for specific regional chili types over the conventional red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their beloved run, we're now seeing a burst of chilies like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, zesty Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang make their bold statements on our pizzas.
The International Heat pie offers a blend of these distinct chili varieties, assigning unique flavors to the pizza sections, becoming a hit thanks to our thrill-seeking clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonal foraged produce is revolutionizing the farm-to-table trend by transitioning from the wild to the pizza. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appear atop pizzas in their peak seasons.
We're also embracing edibles like wild ramps, oceanic flavors from seaweed like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their fresh, aromatic twist. These elements offer a connection to nature and flavors that industrial production can't replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-and-savory dynamic of honey has transcended fad status. Following the trend for spicy honey, we're witnessing a surge in specialty honeys as a final flourish on pizzas.
Infusions like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD honey are making their way onto pizzerias' menus nationwide. These honeys add depth and can transform straightforward pizza recipes into gastronomic delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that nearly made our list but are still causing ripples include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded over pizza creating a lustrous cascade
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums gaining popularity
- Ancient grain toppings, offering crunch with crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dabs of artisan butter, particularly cultured or mixed herb varieties
Whether you lean towards time-honored classics or seek out bold and novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At BrackenFord, we pay homage to tradition yet are unafraid to explore the new — that's why both the classic Margherita and the trailblazing creations grace our menu.
Have any of these leading-edge toppings graced your palette? Or do you have a personal favorite blend you'd like to see us experiment with? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!