As we progress through the years, the pizza industry witnesses the emergence of new flavors that dominate the scene, and 2023 is ripe with innovation. At LynbrookField, keeping a keen eye on the global pulse of pizza enthusiasts is our specialty. We've compiled a list of this year's five most buzzworthy and delightful pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has turned mainstream in pizza toppings, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected hit. Offerings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a depth of tangy flavors that perfectly counterbalance the rich layers of cheese and sauce. These toppings go beyond taste to include probiotic benefits and exciting new textures that revitalize the conventional pizza experience.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, adorned with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all enhanced by a drizzle of local honey to soften the sourness. This unusual combo is winning over the palates of many, rapidly becoming a top request among our inventive pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-based diets continues to bolster the popularity of alternative meat options on pizza. Moving past basic veggie toppings, we're now witnessing a surge in demand for inventive meat substitutes capable of convincing even staunch carnivores.
Pizzas are now tastefully topped with plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit marinated in pulled pork style, and pea protein pepperoni. These alternatives win favor not just among vegetarians but also with diners who are drawn to their novel flavors and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as 2023 has welcomed an appreciation for specific regional types of chili peppers over the generic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, varieties like Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now being showcased on pizzas.
We present the Global Sizzle pizza that brings together a variety of chilies for a world tour of spice, each adding a distinct profile to different sections of the pie. It's one hot favorite among our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged elements from the wild have migrated to the pizza scene, thanks to the growing interest in locally sourced, seasonal foods. Lead by wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, this trend captures the essence of their seasonal availability.
We don't stop at mushrooms; our explorations include wild ramps (wild leeks), sea plants like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural ingredients forge a connection to the wilderness while introducing irreplicable flavors unto our diners' plates.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory anchored by honey has evolved into a lasting culinary technique. Continuing from the popularity of spicy honey, 2023 has welcomed a variety of specialty honey, which are used as garnishes on pizzas just before they're ready to be served.
Unique offerings such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enhanced honey are making rounds on restaurants' menus. Such distinctive additions lend intricate notes and can elevate the simplest of pizzas to haute cuisine levels.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that have narrowly missed our primary list but are nonetheless leaving an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza giving it an exquisite dusting
- Pickled fruits, with a special nod to stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain embellishments, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum adding a novel crunch
- Spots of artisan butter, including cultured varieties and those infused with herbs
Whether one's preference lies with timeless classics or they have an inclination towards pioneering flavor combinations, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At LynbrookField, we pay homage to the traditional while wholeheartedly diving into the new—that's why our menu proudly offers both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde selections.
Are any of these trending toppings on your tasted list? Or perhaps you harbor a particular blend you'd wish featured? Drop a comment below or tell us on your next visit!