Breakfast pizza is more than just a trendy morning meal—it’s a unique dish that has become a beloved staple in the Midwest. Whether served at gas stations, diners, or homemade for Sunday brunch, this savory pizza has roots deeply embedded in Midwestern food culture. But the question remains: is it really a Midwest phenomenon, or has it gained a following outside the heartland?
The Midwest Connection: Is Breakfast Pizza a Midwest Thing?
In the Midwest, especially in rural towns, the availability of breakfast pizza at popular gas stations like Casey’s General Store has made it a go-to option for those seeking a quick yet hearty breakfast. Known for its loaded toppings of scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and a choice of sausage or bacon, Casey’s breakfast pizza has grown to legendary status in states like Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The availability of breakfast pizza throughout the region has led many to wonder whether it is an exclusively Midwestern delicacy.
Casey’s General Store has played a significant role in popularizing breakfast pizza across the Midwest. The chain’s version is an indulgent and comforting take on the classic pizza, featuring a base of traditional pizza crust, a layer of cheese sauce, scrambled eggs, and various breakfast toppings. You can even explore Casey’s breakfast pizza menu here to see why it has become such a hit among Midwesterners.
Although Casey’s may have led the charge in making breakfast pizza popular, other Midwestern chains like Kwik Trip and Hy-Vee have also jumped on the bandwagon. This has created a diverse range of breakfast pizza offerings across the region. Each chain brings its own spin, from simple versions with eggs and cheese to more elaborate creations featuring ingredients like hash browns, jalapeños, or sriracha sauce.
Why Has Breakfast Pizza Become So Popular in the Midwest?
Several factors have contributed to the rise of breakfast pizza as a staple food in the Midwest. Here are a few key reasons:
- Convenience: Breakfast pizza is a grab-and-go option for busy commuters, truck drivers, and families needing a quick breakfast. It’s often found at gas stations, making it easily accessible.
- Affordability: Breakfast pizza is typically inexpensive, allowing it to appeal to a wide audience. It’s a budget-friendly meal that provides a lot of food for the price, making it popular among people in both urban and rural areas.
- Customizability: Midwesterners love their pizza, and breakfast pizza offers endless customization options. Whether you prefer bacon over sausage, extra cheese, or spicy toppings, there’s something for everyone.
- Regional pride: In states like Iowa, breakfast pizza has become a symbol of Midwestern food culture. People often talk about it in the same breath as other regional favorites like corn on the cob, tenderloins, or casseroles.
Casey’s is often hailed as the unofficial inventor of the Midwest breakfast pizza, but you can find similar offerings at Hy-Vee and Kwik Trip. With so many varieties to choose from, it’s clear that breakfast pizza has become deeply embedded in the Midwest identity.
Origins of Breakfast Pizza
Where did breakfast pizza come from? The answer is not entirely clear, but we know that Casey’s played a crucial role in bringing it to the forefront of Midwestern cuisine. However, some argue that breakfast pizza originated in Pennsylvania, where home cooks and small-town pizzerias were experimenting with breakfast-style pizzas long before it became popular in the Midwest.
The Pennsylvania Connection
There are claims that breakfast pizza was first created in Pennsylvania, particularly in small towns where pizzerias experimented with different toppings for morning customers. Early variations may have included local ingredients like scrapple or even breakfast gravy as a base instead of tomato sauce. These pizzas gained popularity in local diners and cafes, where they quickly became a breakfast favorite.
Although the Midwest took the idea and ran with it, Pennsylvania still holds onto its claim as the birthplace of breakfast pizza. The dish grew in popularity in both regions simultaneously, with different spins on the recipe. While the Midwest gravitated toward a hearty, cheesy version loaded with eggs and bacon, other areas like the Northeast and East Coast may have leaned toward simpler versions, sometimes using ingredients like cream cheese or lox.
Rise of Gas Station Food and Breakfast Pizza
In the Midwest, gas stations are more than just places to fill up your tank—they’ve evolved into convenient food stops for those on the road. During the 1980s and 1990s, gas stations expanded their offerings to include quick meals like sandwiches, hot dogs, and, eventually, pizza. As more people began commuting longer distances for work, gas stations started catering to the growing need for easy breakfast options.
It wasn’t long before stations like Casey’s started adding breakfast items to their pizza menus. Their breakfast pizza, featuring scrambled eggs, cheese, and various breakfast meats, quickly became a popular item. What was once considered an experimental food became a Midwest breakfast staple, adored by locals and travelers alike.
This history of breakfast pizza shows how a simple idea can take off and become a cultural phenomenon. While its exact origins are unclear, its connection to the Midwest is undeniable.
Popular Midwest Chains Known for Breakfast Pizza
Several chains across the Midwest have embraced breakfast pizza and made it part of their regular offerings. Each has a slightly different take on the dish, but they all share a common love for hearty, breakfast-inspired flavors. Here are some of the most notable chains known for their breakfast pizzas:
1. Casey’s General Store
The king of Midwestern breakfast pizza, Casey’s General Store is widely credited with introducing this dish to the masses. Known for its generous toppings and cheesy base, Casey’s offers a variety of breakfast pizzas that can be customized with ingredients like sausage, bacon, or ham. Their secret? A layer of cheese sauce under the eggs, which adds an extra layer of richness to the pizza. You can explore their menu options for more ideas.
2. Kwik Trip
Kwik Trip, another popular Midwestern chain, offers its own version of breakfast pizza, which tends to be more affordable and simpler in terms of toppings. Kwik Trip’s pizza often includes basic ingredients like scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage. The simplicity of their pizzas makes them a quick and easy option for busy mornings.
3. Hy-Vee
A major grocery store chain in the Midwest, Hy-Vee offers a variety of breakfast pizzas through its prepared foods section. Customers can customize their pizzas by selecting different toppings, such as extra cheese, jalapeños, or vegetables. Hy-Vee’s pizzas tend to cater to families who want to grab breakfast items while doing their regular grocery shopping.
4. QuikTrip
Another contender in the breakfast pizza game, QuikTrip offers its own spin on the dish. Similar to Kwik Trip, they provide a more straightforward version with minimal toppings but with a focus on convenience and accessibility.
5. Culver’s (Unofficial)
Though primarily known for their famous ButterBurgers and frozen custard, there have been murmurs of Culver’s testing breakfast pizza at select locations. It’s yet to be widely adopted, but the possibility of Culver’s expanding into the breakfast pizza market is exciting for Midwestern food lovers.
Is Breakfast Pizza Exclusively a Midwest Thing?
While breakfast pizza is undeniably linked to the Midwest, it’s not strictly a regional food. In fact, versions of breakfast pizza are cropping up in other areas of the U.S. and even abroad. However, the Midwest holds a unique place in the development and popularization of this dish. It is in the Midwest where breakfast pizza has been fully embraced as part of the local food culture.
In the South, for example, variations of breakfast pizza may incorporate local ingredients like grits or chorizo. On the East Coast, breakfast pizza is often found at cafes that offer a more sophisticated take on the dish, using ingredients like smoked salmon or cream cheese as toppings.
Why Other Regions Have Adopted Breakfast Pizza
Other regions of the U.S. have embraced breakfast pizza for the same reasons it became popular in the Midwest: convenience, affordability, and customizability. Whether it’s a small-town diner or a large franchise, restaurants across the country have started incorporating breakfast pizza into their menus.
Several major pizza chains, like Domino’s and Papa John’s, have also experimented with breakfast pizzas, offering them as limited-time specials. While these versions may not have the same level of Midwestern charm, they demonstrate how breakfast pizza has transcended regional boundaries and entered mainstream food culture.
How the Midwest Differentiates Its Breakfast Pizza
Despite its growing popularity in other regions, the Midwest still claims ownership of breakfast pizza due to its widespread availability in local gas stations and grocery stores. The dish is so common in the Midwest that it’s not unusual to see it served at family gatherings, tailgate parties, or even holiday brunches.
In contrast, breakfast pizzas outside the Midwest often have more gourmet or trendy ingredients, such as pesto or goat cheese. While these variations are tasty in their own right, they lack the hearty, down-home qualities of their Midwestern counterparts.
DIY Breakfast Pizza Recipes: Bringing the Midwest Home
One of the best things about breakfast pizza is its versatility. You can easily make your own version at home, whether you live in the Midwest or not. If you’re looking to replicate the flavors of a Midwestern breakfast pizza, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 large eggs, scrambled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or sausage, ham, or veggie toppings)
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cheese sauce or gravy (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Roll out the pizza dough on the baking sheet, stretching it to your desired thickness.
- Spread a layer of cheese sauce or gravy over the dough (optional).
- Evenly distribute the scrambled eggs over the dough, followed by the shredded cheese.
- Add your cooked bacon, sausage, or preferred toppings.
- Sprinkle with onions and bell peppers if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
This Midwest-inspired breakfast pizza is perfect for weekend brunches or even dinner. You can also check out this detailed sheet pan breakfast pizza recipe to get more tips on how to prepare it perfectly.
Healthier Variations of Breakfast Pizza
If you want to make a healthier version of breakfast pizza, here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Gluten-free crust: Use a gluten-free pizza crust for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.
- Vegetarian: Replace bacon or sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables.
- Low-carb: Opt for a cauliflower crust and load it up with eggs and veggies for a low-carb breakfast alternative.
- Lighter cheese: Use reduced-fat cheese or opt for non-dairy alternatives to cut back on calories and fat.
You can get creative with your breakfast pizza depending on your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
Cultural Significance of Breakfast Pizza in the Midwest
Breakfast pizza holds a special place in the hearts of Midwesterners. It’s not just a convenient breakfast item; it’s a dish that symbolizes the region’s love for comfort food, community, and family. In the Midwest, food is often about bringing people together, whether it’s at a family gathering, a local diner, or a roadside gas station.
In small towns across the Midwest, breakfast pizza is a common feature at community events, church breakfasts, or family reunions. It’s served at everything from early-morning tailgates during football season to holiday brunches where friends and family gather around a warm slice.
Breakfast Pizza as Comfort Food
The Midwest is known for its hearty comfort foods, and breakfast pizza is no exception. Like casseroles or pot roast, breakfast pizza offers a combination of flavors that are both satisfying and nostalgic. The combination of cheese, eggs, and crispy bacon or sausage brings back memories of weekend breakfasts or holiday mornings spent with family.
Breakfast Pizza at Family Gatherings and Events
It’s common to see breakfast pizza served at larger family gatherings in the Midwest. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a casual get-together, or a birthday celebration, breakfast pizza offers an easy, shareable dish that everyone can enjoy. It’s a convenient way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tailgating events before local sports games, especially in college towns, often feature breakfast pizza as one of the main dishes. Its portability and ability to be eaten on the go make it a popular option for fans attending early-morning games.
Real-Life Examples of Midwest Traditions Involving Breakfast Pizza
1. The Iowa State Fair
One of the largest and most famous state fairs in the country, the Iowa State Fair showcases everything that represents the Midwest—from butter sculptures to deep-fried foods. Breakfast pizza has been featured in various food competitions and demonstrations, solidifying its status as a Midwestern classic. Vendors sell breakfast pizzas that feature local ingredients, such as pork sausage from Iowa farms or locally-made cheese.
2. Casey’s General Store Anniversary
Every year, Casey’s celebrates its anniversary by offering special deals on its breakfast pizza, which draws long lines of customers eager to grab a slice. This tradition has become something of a local celebration, with people reminiscing about their favorite breakfast pizza memories. It’s not uncommon for families to drive long distances just to enjoy a discounted breakfast pizza on this special day.
3. Family Recipes Passed Down Through Generations
In many Midwestern households, breakfast pizza has become a family tradition, with recipes passed down through generations. Families often tweak the basic recipe to reflect their own preferences—whether that means adding unique toppings like jalapeños or using a special homemade cheese sauce. For many, making breakfast pizza at home is a way to bring the family together and carry on a beloved tradition.
FAQs
Is breakfast pizza only a Midwest thing?
While it’s most closely associated with the Midwest, breakfast pizza has become more popular across the U.S. and even abroad. It’s a dish that appeals to many because of its versatility and convenience.
Where did breakfast pizza originate?
The origins are debated. Some claim it originated in Pennsylvania, while others believe the Midwest, particularly gas stations like Casey’s, popularized the dish.
What is Casey’s breakfast pizza, and why is it famous?
Casey’s breakfast pizza features a base of pizza dough topped with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a choice of breakfast meats like bacon or sausage. It’s famous for its convenience, affordability, and indulgent flavors, making it a favorite in the Midwest.
Can I find breakfast pizza outside the Midwest?
Yes, breakfast pizza is becoming more popular in other regions, but it remains most common in the Midwest.
What are the main ingredients in a breakfast pizza?
Common ingredients include pizza dough, scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats like bacon, sausage, or ham. Some versions may also include vegetables, cheese sauce, or even gravy.
Are there healthier versions of breakfast pizza?
Yes, you can make healthier versions by using gluten-free or cauliflower crusts, vegetarian toppings, or reduced-fat cheeses. Adjusting the toppings allows you to create a more health-conscious breakfast pizza.
conclusion
Breakfast pizza has grown from a simple experiment in small-town pizzerias and gas stations to a full-fledged Midwestern food icon. Whether you’re in Iowa grabbing a slice from Casey’s or making your own version at home, breakfast pizza embodies the essence of Midwestern comfort food. Its versatility, convenience, and hearty flavors have made it a beloved dish not only in the Midwest, but across the country.