Colorado-Style Pizza: What Makes it Special?
Curious about what makes Colorado-style pizza stand out? This unique pizza is known for its honey-infused crust that offers a delightful twist on traditional flavors. Originating from the mountainous regions, it combines classic ingredients to create a fresh and hearty experience.
Beau Jo’s Management Company and its pizzerias have become a landmark for this pizza style, drawing both locals and visitors.
The Origins of Colorado-Style Pizza
Colorado-style pizza has its beginnings in Idaho Springs, a charming town in the Rocky Mountains. This pizza style emerged to meet the needs of miners and outdoor enthusiasts who flocked to the area, seeking a filling and flavorful meal. The local culture, rich in community spirit and innovation, played a significant role in shaping this unique and delicious pizza.
In the 1970s, Beau Jo’s, a now-famous pizzeria, became instrumental in bringing Colorado-style pizza to the forefront. The founder aimed to create a dish that resonated with the hearty appetites of Colorado’s residents and visitors.
Beau Jo’s established the hallmark of Colorado-style pizza by using quality ingredients and introducing a honey-infused crust. This creation not only embodies the rugged essence of the region but also highlights the diverse flavors that make Colorado’s culinary scene special.
Unique Characteristics of Colorado-Style Pizza
Colorado-style pizza stands out with its hand-rolled crust and use of honey, two signature features that differentiate it from other regional pizzas. Most pizza crust varieties use sugar to help the yeast ferment and the dough brown.
The honey in Colorado-style pizza crust keeps the dough golden and maintains the crust’s moisture while giving the pizza a distinctive flavor. However, if you prefer something other than the crisp deliciousness of a Colorado-style pizza crust, Beau Jo’s has you covered with cauliflower and other crust alternatives.
Another hallmark of this pizza style is the emphasis on superior ingredients heaped onto the fresh crust. The generous and hearty toppings are designed to satisfy even the most powerful appetites.
Each pizza offers a balanced yet indulgent meal with various cheeses, meats, and vegetables designed to be dipped or eaten as is. The combination of a unique crust and abundant, fresh toppings creates a distinctive taste that captures the adventurous spirit of Colorado.
How Colorado-Style Pizza Compares to Other Regional Styles
When talking about the thickness of the crust, Chicago-style pizza is famous for its deep-dish, buttery crust and hearty layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings. In comparison, the Colorado-style tends to favor a thinner, crispier crust.
New York pizza is known for its large, foldable slices with a thin, chewy crust and a simple yet flavorful balance of sauce and cheese. While the crust for a Chicago-style pizza may be thinner than Chicago’s deep-dish, it is often more substantial than New York’s paper-thin base. Beyond that, the flavor profile and texture of Colorado-style pizza crust are entirely different from New York pizza.
What really sets Colorado-style pizza apart is its emphasis on piled toppings, reflecting the state’s ethos. Colorado-style pizzerias often feature an array of toppings, from robust meats to bold vegetables, setting it apart from New York’s more traditional, minimalist approach or Chicago’s dense, indulgent options.
Beau Jo’s: The Home of Colorado-Style Pizza
Beau Jo’s is synonymous with Colorado-style pizza, drawing both locals and tourists to its iconic location in Idaho Springs. Since the 1970s, this pizzeria has been pivotal in making this unique style a staple of the region. Nestled in a scenic mountain town, Beau Jo’s offers a culinary experience that pizza lovers shouldn’t miss.
The menu showcases their signature Colorado-style crust, complemented by fresh toppings. Their commitment to authenticity and sustainable business practices has earned Beau Jo’s its reputation as the go-to place for Colorado-style pizza.
For those curious about Beau Jo’s offerings, the menu is accessible online, making it easy to explore the diverse flavors that set this pizzeria apart. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to Beau Jo’s promises a true taste of Colorado.