California Pizza Kitchen launches an unexpected pizza collaboration
After a summer of grilling pizza, California Pizza Kitchen stretches its dough in a new direction. Joining the swicy food trend, this unexpected pizza collaboration will have people talking.
While pizza might be a favorite food, the slice usually stays in a traditional lane. Pepperoni, sausage, and even some veggies are often the common toppings for those pies. Even though some dough can stand up to a bounty of ingredients, the concepts rarely stray from the tried and true offerings.
California Pizza Kitchen has never been scared to push pizza flavors forward. Long before people imagined concepts like Original BBQ Chicken, Thai Chicken, and California Club, the restaurant brand rose to the occasion and served those pies.
The newest, limited edition pizza is California Pizza Kitchen’s take on the swicy trend as well as a twist on a favorite sandwich. Ready for a big bite of Nashville-Style Hot Honey Pizza?
As Chef Paul Pszybylski, VP of Culinary Innovation at CPK said, “We’re long time fans of Mike’s Hot Honey, which is why we set out to give our guests an unexpected pizza collaboration like no other. Since we love fusing flavors and cuisines together, we knew hot chicken and hot honey should come together to make the next great pizza!”
Available now through September 30, the Nashville-Style Hot Honey Pizza is a take on the traditional chicken sandwich. The classic CPK dough is topped with CPK’s signature hand-battered crispy chicken, ranchito sauce, and fresh Mozzarella cheese. Then, the pizza is dressed with dill pickles, cayenne seasoning, and Mike’s Hot Honey.
There are two items that will make this pizza conversation starter. First, pickles always get people to choose sides. In some ways, pickles might be the modern anchovy debate. But, pickles are a traditional part of a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. That tangy, briny note is key to balance the other flavors.
The Mike’s Hot Honey is a curious option to capture the Nashville Hot flavor. While the sprinkle of cayenne seasonings will hit first, the swicy Mike’s Hot Honey lingers. It is the slow burn that makes people want to take another bite. Hopefully, guests can get a bottle as a condiment to ensure that every bite has that burst of sweet heat.
In a way, this Nashville-style Hot Honey Pizza is quite approachable. Even the spice adverse person could handle this heat level.
The new CPK pizza is available now through September 30. Check with restaurants for pricing and availability.