Casey’s General Store has long been a staple in the Midwest, offering more than just gasoline and snacks. One of their most beloved items is their breakfast pizza, a combination of traditional breakfast ingredients with the convenience and flavor of pizza. This article takes a comprehensive look at what Casey’s breakfast pizza is made of, including its ingredients, nutritional value, variations, and how to make it at home.
Breakfast pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of convenience, comfort, and the perfect fusion of breakfast favorites with the universally loved pizza format. Let’s dive deep into the composition of Casey’s breakfast pizza and explore every detail that makes it special.
The Ingredients of Casey’s Breakfast Pizza
The ingredients in Casey’s breakfast pizza are what make it stand out. Each component works harmoniously to create a balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional content. Whether you’re a fan of savory sausage or crispy bacon, Casey’s breakfast pizza offers something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of its ingredients.
1. The Crust: The Foundation of Flavor
The crust is the base of any pizza, and Casey’s breakfast pizza is no different. The dough is soft, chewy, and provides the right texture to hold all of the breakfast toppings.
- Type of Dough: The crust used for Casey’s breakfast pizza is similar to a traditional pizza dough. It’s made from flour, water, yeast, and oil, which creates a fluffy, chewy base.
- Thickness: The crust is generally a medium thickness—thicker than a thin-crust pizza but not quite as thick as deep dish. This allows the dough to remain sturdy enough to hold the weight of the eggs, cheese, meats, and sauces.
- Flavor and Texture: The dough is lightly seasoned with salt, which adds flavor to each bite. After baking, the outer edges become crispy, while the inside remains soft and airy.
The dough serves as a neutral base that allows the toppings to truly shine. The texture of the dough complements the rich toppings by providing structure, ensuring that each bite is well-balanced between the chewy crust and the soft toppings.
For tips on making the perfect pizza crust, you can refer to King Arthur Baking’s Guide to Pizza Dough, which explains techniques to create a great texture and flavor.
2. The Sauces: A Key Differentiator
One of the unique aspects of Casey’s breakfast pizza is its sauce options. The sauces are what give this pizza its “breakfast” identity, moving away from traditional tomato-based sauces.
Cheese Sauce
One of the primary sauce options for Casey’s breakfast pizza is a cheese sauce. This sauce is rich and creamy, providing a smooth, cheesy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Ingredients: Typically made from cheddar or processed cheese, butter, and milk, this sauce is slightly tangy with a velvety texture.
- Flavor Profile: The cheese sauce offers a mild, creamy flavor that blends with the eggs and meats without overwhelming them. Its richness complements the lighter flavors of scrambled eggs and cheese, while enhancing the savory notes from the meat.
Sausage Gravy
Another iconic sauce option for Casey’s breakfast pizza is sausage gravy. This sauce is made from ground sausage, flour, milk, and seasonings, and it’s a common breakfast staple on its own. However, adding it as a pizza sauce transforms the experience.
- Ingredients: Sausage gravy typically consists of browned ground pork sausage, butter, flour, milk, and black pepper for seasoning.
- Flavor Profile: The sausage gravy has a robust, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the eggs and meats. It has a peppery kick that adds depth to the overall flavor of the pizza, making it feel more like a classic breakfast dish.
The choice of sauce can significantly change the overall experience of Casey’s breakfast pizza. The cheese sauce offers a creamier, more indulgent option, while the sausage gravy brings a heartier, more savory flavor.
One of the unique aspects of Casey’s breakfast pizza is its sauce options, such as cheese sauce and sausage gravy. To explore how different sauces can elevate your cooking, Serious Eats’ guide to making sausage gravy is an excellent resource to learn more.
3. The Toppings: Breakfast Classics Meet Pizza
The toppings are where the magic happens on Casey’s breakfast pizza. Instead of the typical pizza toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms, Casey’s uses classic breakfast ingredients to complete the meal.
Scrambled Eggs
At the heart of Casey’s breakfast pizza is scrambled eggs, a staple breakfast food. The eggs are pre-cooked and lightly scrambled before being spread evenly across the pizza.
- Preparation: The eggs are lightly cooked, which allows them to stay soft and tender even after baking in the oven.
- Flavor Profile: Eggs provide a mild flavor that acts as the perfect canvas for the bold flavors of sausage, bacon, or ham.
Eggs are the foundation of the breakfast pizza. They provide a soft, fluffy texture that balances the crispness of the crust and the saltiness of the meats.
Cheese
No pizza is complete without cheese, and Casey’s breakfast pizza is no exception. The cheese on this pizza is typically a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, both of which melt beautifully and complement the other ingredients.
- Mozzarella: This cheese provides a creamy, mild flavor and a stretchy texture. It melts into a gooey layer that holds the other toppings in place.
- Cheddar: Cheddar cheese offers a slightly sharper taste, adding depth to the overall flavor. Its rich, tangy profile balances the creaminess of the cheese sauce.
The combination of mozzarella and cheddar creates the perfect cheesy topping. Together, these cheeses melt into the eggs, creating a luscious, flavorful layer that ties the entire pizza together.
Meat Options: Sausage, Bacon, and Ham
One of the best aspects of Casey’s breakfast pizza is the variety of meat options. Whether you prefer the savory flavor of sausage, the crispness of bacon, or the sweetness of ham, Casey’s has something for everyone.
- Sausage: Sausage is one of the most popular meat toppings on Casey’s breakfast pizza. It provides a rich, savory flavor with a slight kick from the seasonings. The sausage is crumbled and evenly distributed over the eggs and cheese, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to the pizza. The bacon is cooked until crispy and crumbled over the pizza, adding a contrast in texture to the softer eggs and cheese.
- Ham: For a milder option, ham is a great choice. Ham is slightly sweet and tender, offering a lighter alternative to the heavier flavors of sausage and bacon. It’s diced into small pieces and scattered across the pizza.
Each meat option brings something different to the pizza. The sausage is bold and hearty, the bacon is crispy and smoky, and the ham is sweet and tender. The variety of meat options allows you to customize your pizza to your taste preferences.
Casey’s breakfast pizza uses scrambled eggs, cheese, and a variety of meats. For a deeper understanding of how to scramble eggs to perfection, check out this detailed guide from Food Network.
4. Optional Toppings and Customizations
While Casey’s breakfast pizza comes with standard toppings, customers have the option to customize their pizza with additional toppings. Here are some popular customizations:
- Vegetables: Although the traditional breakfast pizza doesn’t come with vegetables, you can add ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, you can request extra mozzarella or cheddar for an even creamier, cheesier experience.
- Hot Sauce or Salsa: Some people enjoy adding a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa to their breakfast pizza for a spicy kick.
Customization allows you to tailor your pizza to your personal preferences. Whether you prefer more vegetables, extra cheese, or a hint of heat, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Casey’s breakfast pizza.
Nutritional Information: A Balanced Meal?
While Casey’s breakfast pizza is undeniably delicious, it’s important to consider its nutritional value, especially if you’re mindful of your diet. Breakfast pizza offers a mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a relatively balanced meal. Here’s a closer look at the nutrition breakdown of Casey’s breakfast pizza.
Calories
Each slice of Casey’s breakfast pizza contains between 300 to 450 calories, depending on the toppings. Here’s a general breakdown of calorie content based on different topping choices:
- Sausage breakfast pizza: Higher in calories due to the sausage and sausage gravy. A slice can range from 400 to 450 calories.
- Bacon breakfast pizza: Slightly lower in calories, with each slice containing approximately 350 to 400 calories.
- Ham breakfast pizza: The lightest option, with each slice containing around 300 to 350 calories.
The calorie count may also vary based on portion sizes and additional toppings. Adding extra cheese or meats will increase the calorie content.
Protein
One of the benefits of Casey’s breakfast pizza is its high protein content. The combination of eggs, cheese, and meats provides a protein boost, making this pizza a filling option for breakfast.
- Protein Content: Each slice contains between 12 to 18 grams of protein, depending on the meat choices. Sausage and bacon offer more protein compared to ham, but all options provide a significant amount.
Protein is an important macronutrient that helps keep you full and satisfied, making this pizza a good option for those looking for a hearty, protein-rich breakfast.
Fats
Due to the cheese, meats, and eggs, Casey’s breakfast pizza is relatively high in fat. However, it’s the type of fats and portion control that matter most.
- Fat Content: Each slice contains approximately 15 to 25 grams of fat, depending on the toppings. Sausage and bacon-heavy slices tend to have more fat compared to the ham variety.
While fats are essential for a balanced diet, it’s important to enjoy Casey’s breakfast pizza in moderation, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.
Carbohydrates
The crust provides most of the carbohydrates in Casey’s breakfast pizza. Carbs are a quick source of energy, which is especially important in the morning.
- Carb Content: Each slice contains approximately 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates. The dough and the cheese sauce contribute to the carb count.
Pairing the carbs with protein and fats from the eggs, meats, and cheese helps create a balanced meal that sustains energy throughout the morning.
While Casey’s breakfast pizza is tasty, you may wonder about its nutritional profile. If you’re interested in learning how to balance your diet, Mayo Clinic’s guide to healthy eating provides a thorough overview.
Variations of Casey’s Breakfast Pizza: Something for Everyone
One of the things that make Casey’s breakfast pizza so popular is the variety of options available. Whether you prefer sausage, bacon, or ham, or you’re looking for a limited-time flavor, Casey’s has something to suit your tastes. Let’s explore the different variations of Casey’s breakfast pizza.
1. Sausage Breakfast Pizza
The sausage breakfast pizza is one of the most popular choices at Casey’s. It features crumbled pork sausage, scrambled eggs, and a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce or sausage gravy.
- Flavor Profile: The sausage provides a bold, hearty flavor that’s enhanced by the peppery sausage gravy. The eggs and cheese balance out the spiciness, creating a well-rounded breakfast pizza.
- Popularity: Sausage is a classic breakfast meat, making this pizza a favorite among customers looking for a traditional breakfast experience.
This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a savory, filling breakfast with a bit of spice.
2. Bacon Breakfast Pizza
For bacon lovers, the bacon breakfast pizza is a must-try. This pizza is topped with crispy bacon pieces, scrambled eggs, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Flavor Profile: The bacon is crispy and smoky, providing a satisfying crunch in each bite. The richness of the cheese sauce complements the saltiness of the bacon, making this pizza incredibly flavorful.
- Texture: The crispy bacon provides a contrast to the softer eggs and cheese, creating a multi-textured experience.
This variation is ideal for those who love the classic combination of eggs and bacon but want to enjoy it in pizza form.
3. Ham Breakfast Pizza
For those who prefer a lighter, sweeter option, the ham breakfast pizza is a great choice. This pizza features diced ham, scrambled eggs, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The ham adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Flavor Profile: Ham is slightly sweet and tender, offering a more delicate flavor compared to sausage or bacon. The sweetness of the ham pairs well with the creamy cheese and eggs, creating a more balanced, lighter breakfast pizza.
- Popularity: While sausage and bacon are the more popular choices, ham offers a delicious alternative for those who prefer a milder meat option.
This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, less savory breakfast pizza.
4. Ultimate Beer Cheese Breakfast Pizza
For the more adventurous eaters, Casey’s occasionally offers the Ultimate Beer Cheese Breakfast Pizza as a limited-time option. This variation features a beer cheese sauce instead of the traditional cheese or sausage gravy, creating a unique twist on the breakfast pizza.
- Beer Cheese Sauce: The beer cheese sauce is made from cheddar cheese and beer, creating a tangy, slightly bitter flavor. This sauce adds depth to the pizza and complements the eggs and meats beautifully.
- Flavor Profile: The beer cheese sauce provides a bold, tangy flavor that’s different from the traditional options. It pairs well with the savory sausage or bacon, adding a unique twist to the classic breakfast pizza.
This limited-time offering is perfect for those who want to try something different and enjoy the bold flavors of beer cheese.
How to Make Casey’s Breakfast Pizza at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re craving Casey’s breakfast pizza but don’t have a store nearby, don’t worry! You can easily recreate this delicious breakfast pizza at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy a homemade version of Casey’s breakfast pizza.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own Casey’s breakfast pizza at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch. The dough will serve as the base of the pizza, so choose one that’s soft and chewy.
- Scrambled eggs: Lightly scramble eggs to use as a topping. The eggs will form the foundation of the breakfast pizza.
- Cheese: Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for the best results. These cheeses melt beautifully and provide a creamy, cheesy layer.
- Meats: Choose from sausage, bacon, or ham for your meat toppings. You can use one or a combination of meats for extra flavor.
- Sauce: Choose between cheese sauce or sausage gravy for the base. The sauce will add richness and flavor to the pizza.
- Optional toppings: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to assemble your breakfast pizza. Follow these simple steps to recreate Casey’s breakfast pizza at home:
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. You can make the dough thicker if you prefer a more substantial crust or roll it thinner for a crispier texture.
- Spread the Sauce: Choose your sauce (cheese sauce or sausage gravy) and spread it evenly across the pizza dough. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust to rise and crisp.
- Add the Scrambled Eggs: Evenly distribute the scrambled eggs over the sauce. The eggs should cover the entire surface of the pizza, acting as the base for the toppings.
- Top with Meats and Cheese: Sprinkle your choice of meats (sausage, bacon, or ham) over the eggs. Then, generously top the pizza with the mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve your homemade Casey’s breakfast pizza hot, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Pizza
- Use Pre-Cooked Meat: Make sure to cook the sausage, bacon, or ham before adding them to the pizza. This ensures that the meats are fully cooked and crispy when the pizza is done.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add vegetables for extra flavor or swap out the cheeses for something different like gouda or parmesan.
- Experiment with Sauces: While cheese sauce and sausage gravy are the traditional options, you can try using other sauces like Alfredo or even hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Making Casey’s breakfast pizza at home allows you to customize it to your liking and enjoy this delicious breakfast option anytime you want.
Where to Find Casey’s Breakfast Pizza
If you’re lucky enough to live near a Casey’s General Store, you can easily find their famous breakfast pizza on the menu. Casey’s is primarily located in the Midwest, with stores in states like Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Illinois. However, their popularity has grown, and you may find locations in other areas as well.
Ordering Options
- In-Store: You can visit your local Casey’s General Store and order a fresh slice or an entire breakfast pizza. Most stores offer the pizza during breakfast hours, but some locations may offer it throughout the day.
- Online Orders: Casey’s also offers online ordering for pickup or delivery. You can place your order through their website or app and have your pizza ready for you when you arrive or delivered to your door.
- Custom Orders: If you’re hosting a breakfast gathering or have a large family, you can order multiple pizzas with customized toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go or a delicious pizza to share with friends and family, Casey’s breakfast pizza is a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs on Casey’s Breakfast Pizza
What kind of sauce is on Casey’s breakfast pizza?
Casey’s breakfast pizza comes with two sauce options: cheese sauce and sausage gravy. The cheese sauce is creamy and mild, while the sausage gravy is savory with a peppery kick.
Does Casey’s breakfast pizza have eggs?
Yes, scrambled eggs are a core ingredient in all of Casey’s breakfast pizzas. The eggs are pre-cooked and spread over the pizza as the main topping.
What meats are available on Casey’s breakfast pizza?
You can choose from sausage, bacon, or ham as your meat toppings. Each meat offers a different flavor profile, so you can mix and match to your liking.
How many calories are in a slice of Casey’s breakfast pizza?
The calorie content varies based on the toppings, but a typical slice of Casey’s breakfast pizza contains between 300 to 450 calories.
Can I order Casey’s breakfast pizza all day?
Casey’s breakfast pizza is typically available during breakfast hours, but some locations may offer it throughout the day, depending on demand.
Conclusion: Why Casey’s Breakfast Pizza Stands Out
Casey’s breakfast pizza is more than just a pizza—it’s a perfect fusion of breakfast classics and pizza staples. With its soft, chewy crust, rich sauces, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory meats, this pizza offers a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for starting the day.
Whether you’re enjoying a slice in-store, ordering online, or making your own copycat version at home, Casey’s breakfast pizza is a must-try for pizza and breakfast lovers alike. Its versatility, variety of options, and unique flavors make it stand out as one of the best breakfast pizzas available.
So the next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious breakfast option, consider picking up a slice of Casey’s breakfast pizza. You won’t be disappointed!