Each new year introduces exciting food trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 has its own unique offerings. At MapleStream, we keep our fingers on the pulse of what's enticing the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our curated list of the top pizza garnishes that are setting trends this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has found its way into pizza kitchens as fermented vegetables have turned into an unexpected hit on pizzas in this year. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing intricate sharp tastes that harmonize with the comforting flavors of cheese and sauce. These fermented choices offer not only probiotic perks but also add new textures to traditional pizzas.
Our innovative Fermentation Festivity pizza includes in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finalized with a dash of local honey to offset the acidity. Though it may seem a little off-the-wall, it's swiftly become a frequently ordered creation on our specialty menu.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets grow more widespread, there's been a notable leap in demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Surpassing the usual vegetables, advancements in plant-based proteins have unleashed options that can appease the staunchest carnivores.
You'll now find plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni as established components of our variety. These substitutes aren't exclusively for vegetarians—countless customers opt for them owing to their distinct tastes and more agreeable post-consumption experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who chase fiery flavors have celebrated the advent of dedicated regional chilies over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes in 2023. The Calabrian chili has kept its renown from preceding years, yet now we also see Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang spice up our pizzas.
Our Spice Trek pizza is designed with a selection of four diverse chilies, granting a unique flavor note to each quadrant of the pie. This zesty culinary voyage has garnered favor particularly with our most intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from wild nature to pizza plate is growing through the usage of seasonally foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up in their peak season.
In addition to mushrooms, we've been experimenting with early spring ramps, marine plants like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a uniquely aromatic twist. These foraged components bring diners closer to the environment and provide unique flavors that aren't available in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a sweet-and-savory balance has taken hold as more than a fleeting fad. Expanding on the trend of spicy honey in recent times, 2023 has seen a surge in special honey varieties that are lightly poured over pizzas before they're served.
Honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-enhanced honey are becoming regular inclusions on culinary lists. With these touches, pizzas gain a depth of flavor converting even basic recipes into refined cuisine.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a couple other toppings that didn't quite make it into our prime five but are nevertheless leaving a mark:
- Preserved egg yolks, grated finely over pizza like a flurry of golden dust
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Heritage grains for crunch, like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Boutique butter drops, notably cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you're a pizza purist or an epicurean looking for the next flavor thrill, pizza remains one of the most versatile and loved dishes worldwide. At MapleStream, we pay homage to time-honored practices while also embracing novelty—that's why our menu hosts the quintessential Margherita as well as the most avant-garde concoctions.
Have these trending toppings made it to your plate yet? Or do you have an exceptional favorite that you'd want us to include? Share with us in the comments or when you drop by!