As we progress through the year, the realm of pizza is continually enhanced by emergent gastronomic fads. At AmberCrest, our commitment includes staying abreast of what pizza aficionados worldwide find irresistible. We present a curated list of this year's most captivating and prevalent pizza garnishments.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented toppings are making a surprising splash on pizza as an emphasis on gut health emerges in the pizza scene. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with a depth of tangy flavors that beautifully counterbalance the creamy cheeses and robust sauces. Offering probiotic advantages, these toppings also bring new textural dynamics to the time-honored pizza.
Our Fermentation Celebration pie is a showcase of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, harmoniously topped with locally-sourced honey to offset the tang. While it might seem an unconventional pairing, it's fast turning into one of our renowned specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascending trend of plant-based diets has led to an increased interest in pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substitute options. We're seeing a pivot beyond ordinary veggies, with innovative plant proteins that sway even staunch carnivores.
Variations like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, savory marinated tempeh, jackfruit transformed into a pulled pork experience, and pea protein spawned pepperoni have all found their home on our selections. These offerings cater to anyone looking for distinct tastes and a meal that's easier on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who want to turn up the heat on their pizzas, diverse specific regional chili types have overtaken the generic red pepper flakes in 2023. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, there's also a buzz around Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
The Global Heat creation on our menu is a quadrant-segregated tour of these four distinctive chilies, each lending its own flare. This particular pie has been a favorite amongst our bolder customers seeking an exhilarating gastronomic journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locally-sourced movement has grown into a pizza trend with the introduction of seasonal foraged finds. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including the likes of chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods which make an appearance depending on the season.
In addition to mushrooms, we've introduced wild ramps, marine greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients create a bond between our customers and the wilderness, imparting irreplicable flavors not found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The pursuit of the perfect sweet and savory combination has been elemental to the pizza industry, and honey drizzles have exceeded the mark of a fleeting craze. This year, an array of unique honey types such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey have surfaced, enhancing pizzas just before they're served.
These eclectic honeys improve the final taste, transforming simplistic pizza recipes into culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that didn't quite make our top five but have nonetheless been gaining attention include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza, creating a dusting of golden hues
- Pickled fruits with a special emphasis on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, contribute unique textures
- Scoops of artisanal butter, including cultured or herbed compound variations
Whether you're someone who honors the classic tastes or a culinary explorer willing to experiment with novel toppings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. Here at AmberCrest, we celebrate tradition and welcome innovation, which is why our menu boasts both the traditional Margherita and innovative specialty pies.
What are your thoughts on these trending toppings? Do you have a distinct favorite topping that you'd love us to include? Share with us in the comments section or on your next visit!