As the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., Casey’s pizza is no longer that Midwest best kept secret. Even though that infamous slice is found in a gas station, the freshly made dough and quality ingredients make this pizza sought after. Chef Andrew Zimmern has teamed with Casey’s to bring back a fan favorite pizza, BBQ Brisket Pizza.
While breakfast pizza is iconic and pepperoni is always a classic, the limited time, specialty pizzas have people running for that first slice. From interpreting food trends to bringing a popular Midwest appetizer to a pie, the Casey’s culinary team is always willing to push the boundaries with flavor.
This summer, Casey’s is bringing back the BBQ Brisket Pizza. The contrast between the smoky brisket, spicy jalapenos, red onion, ranch, and the freshly made dough ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
Since the BBQ Brisket Pizza is an unexpected but delicious combination, Casey’s turned to a chef who appreciates big, bold food choices. Andrew Zimmern has traveled the world to explore curious culinary creations. What some may consider bizarre, he finds thought provoking, innovative, and life changing.
During a recent conversation with Zimmern, he shared his thoughts about hidden food gems that pop-up across America. It might not be the big sign calling from the highway, but some local food treasures can be found in unlikely places.
He said, “I’ve spend my life in a van making television all around world and a lot of that has been in America. We tend to elevate certain types of hidden treasures. Gas station food is celebrated regionally across the country. From places in Florida, which serve fresh conch fritters, to Central Louisiana, with the best boudin, to Mississippi, with some amazing fried chicken, these places might be known to locals, but they may not be the subject of mainstream food publications.”
Zimmern recalled family road trips across the Midwest where he and his son ate pizza on the side of the road, off the roof of his car. Those simple, delicious moments make that slice even more memorable. Additionally, it is even more tasty when the pizza is from Casey’s.
At Casey’s, which is the fifth largest pizza chain, people make a point to enjoy it. Zimmern shared, "hundreds of stores are making pizza from scratch, with their own dough. A real human makes every pizza with wholesome, good ingredients.” That focus on craft and attention to detail ensures that every pizza is delicious.
As Zimmern explained, the key to a great pizza is all about the foundation. He said, “it starts with the platform, which is the dough. Everything starts with the platform that a dish is built on.” At Casey’s, that freshly made dough allows the chef’s to be creative with the toppings and stretch the pizza flavor possibilities.
With the BBQ Brisket Pizza, the dough allows the toppings to take center stage. Zimmern believes that Casey’s was smart to showcase a slow, smoked brisket on a pizza. The growing enthusiasm for barbecue, specifically brisket, proves that it is not just a Texas favorite.
Additionally, the use of freshly sliced red onion balances the richness of the brisket. Again, each pizza is made with care by the staff who takes pride in the food that is being served. In a way, it is celebration of the community.
While some people might scoff at the idea of gas station pizza, the reality is that these locations are the heart of the community. Zimmern believes that it is a blend of Midwestern and the company’s culture. He believes that Casey’s has built a community, both locally and more broadly. When this box of gas station pizza is opened, the other secret ingredient is the pride served with ever slice.
Although there are plenty of reasons to head to a Casey’s to enjoy one of its many pizzas, one question remains. On that summer road trip, is pizza a good food to enjoy in the car or do you need to pull over to eat that slice? Zimmern offers this advice.
“The fun thing is to get the food and not eat it in the car. Whether I am driving an hour down the road or some place further, I like to find a rest stop or a scenic overlook. Or, maybe we are stopping for activity. Personally, a road trip is all about stopping and not staying in the car. But, if it is late and you need to get to your last stop of the night, by all means eat that slice in the car.”
This summer make a detour to enjoy a slice of Casey’s BBQ Brisket Pizza. Whether the trip is long, short, or something in between, the food flavors the fun memories that will last far longer than the hours logged in the car.