Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza scene, and 2023 follows suit. At RidgeHaven, keeping tabs on the global palate preferences of pizza aficionados is our forte. Allow us to present a curated selection of this year's most buzzworthy pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut-health-conscious toppings have taken their place in pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as a top choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a new flavor profile with a piquant zest, enhancing the creamy texture of cheese and sauce. These toppings are not just tasty but are celebrated for their probiotic advantages and adding a novel textural twist to the classic pie.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie is crowned with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, followed by a honey sourced locally to counter the sourness. It may sound unconventional, yet, it's swiftly climbing the ladder as a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The climb of plant-based dining shows no sign of slowing, and this has translated into a heightened request for meatless pizza options. From common veggie toppings to the latest in plant protein innovations, these alternatives are convincing even staunch carnivores.
We're now humming with options like plant-based Italian sausage chunks, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These savory choices are a hit not just with those on plant-based diets but also with those who enjoy their distinctive tastes and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a fiery bite, 2023 is a treat with a newfound preference for specific chili variants over the all-too-common crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies continue their stronghold, while we now see a presence of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Spice Traveler pizza is garnished with an assortment of these regional chilies, assigning each a spot, to offer a distinct palate expedition. It's been a hit with our daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonal, foraged items have gone from the forest to the pizzeria, championed by the wild mushroom varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods. These elements are celebrated during their specific growth periods.
We are not just sticking to mushrooms—our exploration includes wild ramps, marine greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. Such components create a bridge to nature and contribute singular flavors unattainable in farm-produced goods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of savory and sweet via honey has secured its place in the heart of pizza gourmet, not as a fad but a staple. Expanding on the fervor for spicy honey from past years, 2023 has witnessed a surge in special honey varieties gracing pizzas at the finishing stage.
Sophisticated varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and various infusions are becoming stars on pizza menus, adding a refined twist and transforming even simple pizzas into premium experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that didn't make our main list but are still worth mentioning include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated to sprinkle like a rich dusting over the crust
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains like the crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Special craftsman butters, including those infused with herbs or cultures
Whether your preference lies in the time-honored options or in the exploration of avant-garde combinations, pizza remains an infinitely adaptable and universally cherished dish. At RidgeHaven, we pay homage to tradition while boldly innovating—that's why our menu features both the iconic Margherita and our inventive signatures.
Have any of these contemporary toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have your own singular topping blend in mind that you’d fancy seeing on our menu? Share with us in the comments, or drop by and tell us about it on your next visit!