Each year, new food enthusiasms surface in the pizza-sphere, and the trends of 2023 are no different. Here at QuietRidge, we closely track which flavors are enthralling pizza aficionados worldwide. We present you with the most thrilling and beloved pizza garnishes that are all the rage this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in digestive well-being has found its way to pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a standout choice atop pizzas. Ingredients such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with rich, robust flavors that harmonize perfectly with the creamy cheeses and savory sauces. These fermented options aren't just bursting with flavor—they also add a probiotic boost and new textural layers that reinvent the pizza experience.
The Probiotic Party pizza we offer includes in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a finishing touch of local honey to offset the sour notes. Though the mix may seem out of the ordinary, it's quickly risen to the top as one of our most popular request-driven recipes.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has extended to the realm of pizza, resulting in increased demand for inventive meat substitutes. Not limited to conventional veggie toppings, the latest advances in plant-based protein have brought forth options that even the staunchest carnivores enjoy.
Alternatives like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein made to imitate pepperoni are now staples in our kitchen. These proteins appeal not just to vegetarians, but to those who enjoy their distinctive taste and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a bit of spice, this year has been all about favoring specific chili types from various regions over the more generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain in-demand, we're also witnessing a surge in popularity for the smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruit-like Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang making their way onto pizzas around the world.
Our Worldwide Heat pizza is a sampling of four distinct regional chilies, giving each slice its own distinctive spicy note. It's a fiery quest that has become a favorite for our boldest customers.
4. Seasonally Foraged Ingredients
From forests and fields to pizza, the trend of using foraged ingredients has only grown stronger. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods which are frequent toppings during their prime seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our culinary trials have included wild spring ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients promise a connection to nature and offer a unique taste you won't find in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The dynamic balance of sweet and savory achieved with honey has solidified its role in the world of pizza. Expanding upon the recent trend of spicy honey, this year has witnessed a burst of special honey varieties being used as finishing drizzles on pizzas right before they’re served.
Distinctive honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-infused unlock new layers of flavor and upgrade even the simplest of pizza recipes to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few other garnishes that almost made it to our top five but are still creating a buzz:
- Cured egg yolks that are finely grated over the pizza forming a luxurious topping
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Whole grain additions such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for an extra bite
- Dollops of high-quality butter, be it cultured or blended with fine herbs
Whether you have a preference for timeless classics or wish to explore daring new combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and beloved dishes globally. At QuietRidge, we celebrate both the heritage and the innovative aspects of pizza; thus, our menu showcases both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialty creations.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your interest? Or perhaps there's a special flavor combo you'd like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to us!