Colorado, a state known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures, also has its unique style of pizza. While most people are familiar with traditional Italian, New York, Chicago deep dish, and Greek pizzas, Colorado-style pizza, also known as Mountain Pie, is a lesser-known but equally delicious option.
This pizza style is characterized by its thick, braided crust made with honey instead of sugar. The crust’s elasticity helps keep all the toppings in place, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting Denver or Colorado, as it captures what makes this state great.
Beau Jo’s, a pizza joint in the Rocky Mountains, is credited with inventing Mountain Pie. At Beau Jo’s, customers can create their pizzas from over 50 different topping options. Once you’ve finished your pizza, you can dunk the leftover crust in honey, traditionally served on the side. Honey bottles are available on every table.
While Mountain Pie is often compared to Chicago deep-dish pizza, some notable differences exist. Mountain Pie is baked in a gas-powered oven for about 10 minutes, whereas deep-dish pizzas can take up to 40 minutes to cook. Mountain Pie also typically has a lot of toppings, and it’s sold by weight.
Aside from Beau Jo’s, you can try Mountain Pie in several other places in Colorado. High Mountain Pies in Leadville serves their version of the Colorado Classic, and Hops & Pie in Denver is another great option. Rocky Mountain Pizza Co. in Glenwood Springs is another excellent choice, with a wide range of toppings and a crust made with Caputo Flour, water, olive oil, yeast, and Colorado Mountain Honey.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to give Colorado-style pizza a try. It’s a unique and delicious twist on a classic favorite.
