Each new year introduces the culinary scene to innovative trends in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no different. At SunnyBench, keeping a close watch on what delights the palates of pizza aficionados internationally is imperative. Here is our latest compilation of the top pizza garnishes that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing digestive health has found its way into pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite on pies. Varieties like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with layers of tangy flavors that splendidly complement the decadent cheese and tomato base. These toppings pack probiotic punches and introduce an exciting array of textures to traditional pizzas.
Featuring on our menu is the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all balanced with a sweet drizzle of locally sourced honey. While it may sound offbeat, it's swiftly turned into one of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-centric diets has translated into increased demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond basic veggie toppings, advancements in plant proteins have created options that even convince the staunchest of carnivores.
A variety of non-meat proteins such as crumbled Italian-style plant-based sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit styled as “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni” have found their way onto our culinary roster. These proteins appeal to a wide range of customers for their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for piquancy are celebrating, as 2023 has witnessed connoisseurs preferring specific chili varieties from different regions over ordinary red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, yet now there's a growing presence of special peppers such as the aromatic Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang gracing pizzas.
The International Heat pizza offers a blend of four distinct regional chilies, each adding a differential flavor to the quadrants of the pie, providing a fiery gastronomic journey that's been a hit among our daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The linkage from wilderness to table has sprouted an interest in pizzas garnished with naturally foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods which surface as toppings in concordance with their respective harvest seasons.
We're also embracing ingredients like wild garlic ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips, providing an organoleptic connection to the wild and flavors that cultivated counterparts cannot replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory with honey has carved itself as a mainstay rather than a fleeting fancy. Expanding on the foundation laid by hot honey in previous years, 2023 showcases a burst of specialty honeys used as a final flourish on pizzas before service.
Diverse variants like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey grace many menus nationwide. These final drizzles introduce a complex layering of flavors, transforming simple pizzas into gourmet masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Several other garnishes that didn't quite make our top list yet are still making notable impacts include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for a rich umami effect
- Preserved fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain additions, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butters, including cultured butter or herbed compound butter
No matter if you're someone who adheres to time-honored classics or if you're someone willing to explore audacious new flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At SunnyBench, we pay homage to the traditional while also eagerly pursuing the new—that's why you'll find everything from the quintessential Margherita to the innovative creations on our menu.
Have any of these trendsetting toppings caught your attention? Or perhaps there's a distinct topping mix you'd like to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or tell us during your next visit!