Austin Embraces Potato Pizzas at Local Pizzerias
Austin, Texas, is turning its attention to a unique ingredient on pizza that may not be the first thought for many: potatoes. While this root vegetable is often overlooked in the world of pizza, a few local pizzerias are spotlighting it this fall, offering some mouthwatering creations that showcase just how delicious potato pizzas can be.
Small’s Pizza: The East Coast Influence
First up is Small’s Pizza, a popular pop-up in Austin known for its New Haven-style pies. Chef Kelsey Small is bringing a taste of the East Coast to Texas with her take on the mashed potato pizza. This pie is not just your ordinary pizza; it features a creamy blend of fluffy mashed potatoes layered atop the crust. Instead of bacon, Kelsey opts for pancetta, enhancing the flavor significantly.
The combination of garlic cream, mozzarella, and fontina cheese creates an indulgent taste that is hard to resist. Added to this rich filling are tender roasted onions that pop with flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Small’s Pizza is certainly pushing the boundaries of traditional pizzas and proving that potatoes can be an amazing topping.
Palm Pizza: A New Approach to Potato Toppings
Next in line is Palm Pizza, an East Austin pizzeria that has recently unveiled a new potato-filled pie. This round pizza features large, thin slices of Yukon Gold potatoes, which provide a wonderful texture against the rich mozzarella. The addition of shaved fontina cheese, parsley, and zesty garlic gives the pizza a fresh, vibrant flavor.
But that’s not all. Sweet caramelized onions offer a hint of sweetness while a drizzle of rosemary oil rounds out this unique creation. Palm Pizza’s parent restaurant, Bufalina, has previously served potato pie specials, paving the way for this exciting new menu item. It’s clear that this pizzeria understands that potatoes can bring something special to the table.
Baldinucci Pizza Romana: A Taste of Rome
For those craving an authentic Italian experience, Baldinucci Pizza Romana is the go-to destination. Specializing in Roman-style pizzas, this spot creates long, rectangular pies that are both visually appealing and delicious. Their pizza con patate is a classic that should not be missed. This pizza employs sliced potatoes paired with layers of mozzarella and thick provolone cheese, garnished with grated Romano cheese, rosemary, and a drizzle of garlicky olive oil.
Each component is thoughtfully selected to enhance the overall flavor, creating a comforting dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. The use of sliced potatoes on this pizza is a nod to traditional Italian cooking and serves as an excellent choice for those looking to try something different.
The Growing Trend of Potato Pizzas
These three pizzerias in Austin are tapping into the delicious potential of potato pizzas and proving that the classic starchy vegetable is a fantastic pizza topping. The appeal of potatoes is clear; they bring a comforting quality to any meal, whether it’s mashed, roasted, or fried. Combining them with pizza only seems like a natural fit, and one can only hope that more pizza shops will embrace this creative approach.
As the seasons change and cooler weather settles in, now is the perfect time to explore these appetizing potato pizzas that are sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Next time you’re in the mood for pizza, why not give these unique potato-topped creations a try?
