The pizza landscape is constantly evolving, and the year 2023 has brought its own flavorful twists to the scene. Here at BistroSupperFern, we're tuned in to the global pizza aficionado's evolving palate. We're excited to share the triumphant pizza garnishes that are dominating this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzas have embraced the gut health movement, with fermented veggies emerging as a surprising star topping. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a complex, tangy zest that pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses and savory sauces. These toppings aren't just tasty; they offer the benefits of probiotics and add intriguing new textures to your pizza's profile.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we've crafted includes our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a bold gorgonzola, all brought together with a sweet drizzle of local honey to offset the sour notes. While it may sound unconventional, it's fast becoming a favorite among our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets is on the upswing, resulting in greater demand for meat substitute toppings. Going past the expected veggie toppings, the world of plant proteins has brought forth options that even die-hard carnivores are finding irresistible.
Our menu now regularly includes toppings like Italian-style plant-based sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a pulled pork alternative, and pea protein crafted into a pepperoni. These offerings appeal not just to vegetarians but also to customers looking for unique tastes and a meal that's easy on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor spice are finding joy in the trend of pizzas adorned with distinct regional chili types instead of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their run of popularity, spices like the Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and gochujang from Korea are now gracing the tops of our pizzas.
For those looking for a fiery culinary journey, our Global Heat pizza is a must-try with its assortment of four regional chilies, each quarter of the pizza featuring a different variety to provide an exploration of spice.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Pizza has gone wild with the growing enthusiasm for seasonally foraged toppings, leading the charge in the forest-to-pizza movement. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are becoming staples, making their appearance depending on the season.
Our experimentation doesn’t stop with fungi; we've also incorporated wild leeks (spring ramps), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an aromatic flair. These natural ingredients connect our customers to the wild and offer a flavor experience that cultivated ingredients simply cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory brought by honey has carved its place as a true favorite, far from a fleeting fad. This year has exploded with varieties of specialty honeys being drizzled over pizzas. Offerings such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey have made their way onto pizza parlors nationwide. These not only add a sophisticated touch but turn even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some topping contenders that nearly made our top list but deserve recognition include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated for a rich topping
- Pickled fruits, including stone varieties like peaches and apricots
- Whole grain garnishes like crispy farro or sorghum pops for crunch
- Gourmet butter spots, specifically cultured or imbued with herbal blends
Whether your preference lies with timeless favorites or if your taste leans towards the adventure of novel topping mixes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At BistroSupperFern, we pay homage to conventional recipes while also heralding the new with our spectrum of offerings from classic Margheritas to avant-garde creations.
Have these top toppings crossed your palate this year? Or perhaps you have an innovative combo you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!