Pizza is one of the most beloved foods globally, and it’s no secret that people are always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors. Over the years, the culinary world has been buzzing with unique pizza toppings that push the boundaries of traditional flavors. From BBQ chicken to mac and cheese, pizzas are no longer confined to the usual tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Enter the pickle pizza — an unconventional creation that has taken the food world by storm. But the question is: Does Hungry Howie’s have a pickle pizza?
Introduction: The Rise of Pickle Pizza
Yes, Hungry Howie’s has joined the bandwagon of the pickle pizza trend, and it’s kind of a huge dill! If you haven’t heard, pickle pizza has become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to indulge in a mix of savory and tangy flavors. Pickles, known for their vinegar-based zing, pair surprisingly well with cheese and crust, creating a delightful experience for pizza lovers.
Hungry Howie’s, known for their Flavored Crust® pizzas, was quick to jump on this trend, offering their own version of the pickle pizza in mid-2022. This launch was a strategic move to cater to a growing number of foodies who enjoy experimenting with different flavors. And boy, did it work! Taste of Home listed pickle pizza as one of the most unique pizza recipes, and Hungry Howie’s sure capitalized on that uniqueness.
Hungry Howie’s Pickle Pizza: A Brief Overview
Hungry Howie’s is no stranger to innovation. Their Flavored Crust® pizzas have been a hit for years, offering flavors like garlic herb, butter cheese, and ranch to enhance the traditional pizza base. So, when the pickle pizza trend started gaining traction, it made perfect sense for Hungry Howie’s to join the fray.
Their pickle pizza, which was launched in June 2022, quickly became a limited-time favorite. Topped with pickles, cheese, and a savory blend of spices, this pizza brought a whole new meaning to creative pizzas. The crust is customizable, with popular options like garlic herb or butter cheese, which perfectly complement the tangy pickles. Pickle Pizza Craze also cited this particular pizza trend as an unexpected hit in several regions across the U.S.
What’s On Hungry Howie’s Pickle Pizza?
So, what exactly can you expect when you order this flavorful creation? The main ingredients include:
- Freshly sliced dill pickles
- Mozzarella cheese for the perfect balance of creaminess
- Savory garlic sauce or ranch as the base (instead of traditional tomato sauce)
- Flavored Crust®, which could include options like garlic, butter cheese, or ranch
- A sprinkle of dried herbs and spices for that extra burst of flavor
The combination of the creamy cheese and tangy pickles, paired with the savory crust, creates a pizza that is both indulgent and refreshing at the same time. The pickles add a zing that cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite a delightful contrast of flavors.
Customer Reactions and Reviews
Since its debut, Hungry Howie’s pickle pizza has garnered mixed reactions — though the overall consensus has been positive. Food enthusiasts and bloggers alike have taken to social media to share their thoughts, with many praising the innovative combination of ingredients.
- Some have described the pizza as a “refreshing twist” on traditional flavors, highlighting the balance between the tangy pickles and the rich cheese.
- Others have noted that the Flavored Crust® really elevates the experience, with garlic herb being the most popular choice.
- A few, however, have admitted that pickle pizza isn’t for everyone, especially those who aren’t fans of pickles in general.
Hungry Howie’s received praise for stepping outside the box and offering something that caters to a niche but growing market of food adventurers.
What Makes Hungry Howie’s Pickle Pizza Special?
There are several reasons why Hungry Howie’s pickle pizza stands out from the competition:
1. The Flavored Crust® Difference
One of the most distinguishing features of Hungry Howie’s pizzas, in general, is their Flavored Crust®. With options like ranch, garlic herb, and sesame, these crusts add an extra dimension to the pizza experience. For pickle pizza specifically, the garlic herb crust complements the tartness of the pickles while adding a layer of savory goodness.
2. Pickles as a Key Ingredient
Pickles are undoubtedly the star of this pizza. The pickles used on Hungry Howie’s pickle pizza are freshly sliced, ensuring they retain their signature crunch and tang. Unlike other pizzas where pickles might be an afterthought, they are the main event here.
3. Customizability
Like most of Hungry Howie’s menu, the pickle pizza is fully customizable. Customers can choose from a variety of crust flavors and even add additional toppings to suit their preferences. Whether you want to stick to the traditional dill pickles or mix it up with some bacon or jalapeños, Hungry Howie’s gives you the freedom to make the pizza your own.
Comparison: How Does Hungry Howie’s Pickle Pizza Stack Up?
As the pickle pizza trend continues to gain popularity, other pizza joints have started offering their own versions of the dish. How does Hungry Howie’s pickle pizza compare?
1. Regional Variations
In some parts of the U.S., other pizza chains have experimented with pickle pizzas, but none have incorporated the Flavored Crust® element that Hungry Howie’s is famous for. This gives Hungry Howie’s a distinct edge, as the crust plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall taste of the pizza.
2. Ingredient Quality
Hungry Howie’s prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and their pickles pizza is no exception. The pickles are fresh, the cheese is rich, and the Flavored Crust® is made with premium ingredients that elevate the overall experience.
3. Uniqueness in Toppings
While other pickles pizzas may use similar ingredients, Hungry Howie’s offers a unique combination of customizable crusts, sauces, and toppings that allows customers to make the pizza their own. Plus, with the addition of the savory garlic sauce or ranch as the base, this pickles pizza sets itself apart from other versions.
The Growing Trend of Pickle Pizzas
Pickles pizza may seem like an oddity to some, but its rise in popularity is undeniable. More and more pizza joints across the country are beginning to offer their own versions of this unique dish. In fact, pickle-flavored foods, in general, are seeing a rise in demand. From pickle chips to pickle-flavored ice cream, the obsession with pickles has taken hold of the culinary world.
Here’s why pickles pizza is becoming a trend:
- Pickles offer a tangy, briny flavor that contrasts well with the richness of cheese and pizza dough.
- It’s a natural progression from other tangy ingredients like pineapple, which has long been a popular pizza topping.
- The growing trend toward unique pizza flavors has made pickles pizza a niche yet popular choice among adventurous eaters.
Pickle Pizza Outside Hungry Howie’s
Pickle pizza has also made its way to several other restaurants across the country. For example, some pizzerias have taken it up a notch by adding ingredients like bacon or sriracha to create a fusion of flavors. However, Hungry Howie’s remains one of the few chains to offer pickles pizza with a customizable crust option, making it a unique player in this growing trend.
How to Order Hungry Howie’s Pickle Pizza
If you’re interested in trying Hungry Howie’s pickles pizza, you’re in luck! The pickles pizza is available for a limited time at participating locations. Ordering is simple, and there are several options available for you:
- Online Ordering: You can order the pizza directly from Hungry Howie’s website or mobile app. Simply select the Flavored Crust® and choose the pickle pizza from the specialty pizza menu.
- Delivery Options: Hungry Howie’s offers delivery through DoorDash® for added convenience. Whether you’re ordering for yourself or for a group, you can enjoy the pickles pizza from the comfort of your home.
- In-Store Pickup: Prefer to pick up your pizza in person? Many locations offer in-store pickup, allowing you to enjoy your pizza fresh out of the oven.
Hungry Howie’s pickles pizza is available at locations nationwide, though some stores may offer it only for a limited time.
FAQs About Hungry Howie’s Pickle Pizza
As pickle pizza gains popularity, more questions are being asked about this unique offering. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Does Hungry Howie’s still offer pickle pizza?
Yes, as of mid-2023, Hungry Howie’s still offers the pickles pizza at select locations. It started as a limited-time item, but due to its popularity, some locations may have extended its availability.
Is Hungry Howie’s pickle pizza available nationwide?
Hungry Howie’s pickles pizza is available at most locations, but its availability can vary. It’s best to check with your local Hungry Howie’s or visit their website to see if the pickle pizza is available near you.
Can I customize Hungry Howie’s pickle pizza with other toppings?
Absolutely! Hungry Howie’s pickles pizza is fully customizable. You can add extra toppings like bacon, onions, or jalapeños to enhance the flavor and make the pizza your own.
How does the Flavored Crust® work with the pickle pizza?
The Flavored Crust® options at Hungry Howie’s allow you to choose from a variety of flavors, including garlic herb, ranch, and butter cheese. These flavors pair perfectly with the tangy pickles and savory cheese, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Is pickle pizza a limited-time offer or part of the permanent menu?
Pickles pizza started as a limited-time offer, but due to its popularity, some locations have kept it on the menu for longer. Availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Hungry Howie’s.
Conclusion: The Future of Pickle Pizza at Hungry Howie’s
So, does Hungry Howie’s have a pickles pizza? Absolutely! And it’s not just a gimmick — it’s a flavor-packed experience that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many pizza lovers. With its combination of tangy pickles, rich cheese, and customizable Flavored Crust®, Hungry Howie’s pickle pizza is a must-try for anyone looking to step outside their pizza comfort zone.
Whether or not the pickles pizza becomes a permanent fixture on Hungry Howie’s menu remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure — it’s a pizza that has left a lasting impression. If you’re a fan of creative pizza flavors, the pickles pizza should definitely be on your list.