The pizza scene annually ushers in fresh trends, and 2023 stands out no differently. At WindPaperPort, we're on top of the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Allow us to present the top pizza garnishes that have made a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The wellness trend focusing on the gut has hit pizzerias, with fermented veggies emerging as a popular choice. Tangy tastes like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions blend beautifully with the creamy cheeses and sauces, adding not only a kick of flavor but also unique textural elements and probiotic goodness to every slice.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and a special gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet touch provided by a drizzle of local honey. It's an unconventional mix but one that's racing to the top of our best-seller list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise in plant-centric diets has fueled the inclusion of creative meat substitutes on pizzas, continuing the plant-forward trend. We're not just talking about your garden variety of toppings but novel vegetarian proteins that even hard-core carnivores would appreciate.
Our pizzas now feature plant-derived Italian sausage bits, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein-crafted pepperoni. These toppings are adored not solely by vegetarians but also by patrons seeking distinctive flavors and a lighter dining experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who fancy a spicy kick, 2023 has brought a preference for select regional chilies over generic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a mainstay on the spice front, this year welcomes the likes of aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora from Spain, the bright aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang.
The heat levels are turned up with our Global Heat pizza, where we have sprinkled a medley of chilies from various regions across the pizza, giving an individual flavor profile to each bite. It's an exotic and spicy journey that's especially hit it off with our bold-tasting clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients have made their way from the forest floor to the pizza crust as part of the evolution of the farm-to-table wave. Leading this wild trend are mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which pop up on our pizzas in sync with their growing seasons.
Aside from these fungi, spring's wild leeks, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even pine-derived spruce tips have found their place on our pies, adding a dose of nature’s own flavors that go beyond what traditional cultivation can offer.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey drizzles have gone beyond a fleeting fad, offering a sweet counterpoint to savoriness. We've watched as varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey have heightened the palate of pizza lovers, transforming even the simplest of pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
There are other toppings that barely missed making it to our top five but deserve a mention for their popularity:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami taste
- Pickled fruits with a nod to summery stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Grains with a heritage twist, adding crunch with crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, including cultured and herb-infused varieties for an extra burst of flavor
No matter if you favor classic tastes or seek out innovative flavor blends, pizza remains one of the food world's most enduring and versatile favorites. At WindPaperPort, we respect age-old traditions while exploring the exciting frontiers of culinary artistry, which is why our menu features both beloved Margheritas and inventive creations.
Have you indulged in any of these trending toppings yet, or have your own favorite combos you'd love to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!