What is a Mountain Pie? Colorado’s Iconic Pizza
American ingenuity doesn’t just drive technological innovation; we always seem to take widely-known foods and craft them to match our regional lifestyles and tastes. You’ve likely heard about or enjoyed a New York slice or Chicago deep dish. Still, those of us in the Mile High State have our delicacy: Mountain Pie is a unique type of pizza, also known as a Colorado-style pizza, with a thick, hand-rolled edge crust made with honey instead of sugar. The hand-rolled crust prevents the numerous toppings from spilling over its sides.
Beau Jo’s is a famous restaurant and go-to place for people who want to create custom pies. You can select from a variety of toppings to create different combinations. We make the dough fresh throughout the day. In addition, we use fresh ingredients and vegetables, making them nutritious and healthy!
What is Colorado Mountain Pie?
According to the legend, the Colorado Mountain Pie was invented at Beau Jo’s pizza restaurant in Idaho Springs by our founder Pete ZaPigh. The restaurant expanded into several municipalities around the state because of the success of inventing the mountain pie. In 1973, the first Colorado Mountain Pie was presented to the public. Each year, the restaurant uses more honey to make the dough for this delicacy, and consumers have the choice to pour it on their whole pizza.
The history of this pizza began in the late 19th century when Charles Shields established a small building. It would house a few tenants throughout the years on Miner Street in the little mountain town. Still, the culinary scene shifted when Beau Jo’s initial owner purchased the property.
It was a difficult first few years for the company and its innovative pizza. The owner often carried a sleeping bag to his pizzeria to sleep on the floor. He ate pizza for virtually every meal to save money. When surrounding skiers found his new Rocky Mountain location, the Colorado-style pizza became a word-of-mouth sensation. Although several of the company’s new sites have closed down over the years, this pie is still available at a half-dozen locations around the state.
The outdoor environment around the Colorado Mountain Pie is integral to the whole attraction. After a day of experiencing all the Rocky Mountains have to offer, you may stop by your favorite pizza restaurant for a warm meal. Then, you may go on your next journey feeling revitalized and content due to your eating experience.
What’s the Difference Between a Colorado pizza and Chicago deep-dish?
When looking at a Colorado-style pizza’s thick crust, it is easy to consider it similar to Chicago’s deep-dish version. However, our Colorado pizza crust is only thick on the edges. In contrast, Chicago deep-dish pizza crusts are thick all the way around.
What Makes a Colorado Mountain Pie Unique?
A Colorado Mountain Pie is unique because of the following reasons;
1. Pizza Dough made with Honey instead of Sugar
Baking the pizza does not include adding sugar to the dough. Honey infusions instead provide a distinct taste to the pie. You can (and should) use the honey bottle on your table and discover why other Coloradans are obsessed.
2. Crispy Pizza Crust to Enjoy
The baking process used to prepare the Colorado Mountain Pie contributes to the crisp crust underneath the toppings. The hand-rolled edge on the exterior of each slice then remains soft and chewy on the inside.
3. Local High-Quality Ingredients for Our Mountain Pies
When you experience the sweetness of the Colorado-style pizza, its flavor comes from honey from the Rocky Mountains. That means you are getting a genuine taste in your pie, and you are also helping to support local businesses.
4. Variety of Pizza Toppings
You can create your pizza using a Colorado Mountain Pie if you desire. In addition, you may sample the local specialties if you prefer them. Beau Jo’s has various toppings to choose from, making your pizza more delicious.
Enjoy the Best Colorado Mountain Pie at Beau Jo’s!
Mountain pies are one of the most flavored food types. A Colorado Mountain Pie is tasty with natural ingredients like honey from the Rocky Mountains. At Beau Jo’s, we offer delicious Colorado-style pizzas in numerous locations and online ordering in some regions. Contact us today and get all the information you need about a Colorado Mountain Pie!