How to Make Authentic Homemade Colorado-Style Pizza with Honey Crust: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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 If you’ve ever hiked in the Rockies and dreamed of bringing that rugged, mountain-sized appetite home, this is the pizza for you. Colorado-style pizza—also called Mountain Pie—isn’t your average thin-crust slice. It’s a hearty, thick-edged masterpiece loaded with toppings, sweetened with real honey in the dough, and finished with a drizzle of golden honey on the crust that turns the leftovers into a built-in dessert.

Think of it as the pizza version of the Rocky Mountains: big, bold, and unforgettable.

This homemade version captures the magic of the original from Beau Jo’s in Idaho Springs, Colorado, but you can make it right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a Denver local missing the taste of home or someone who just discovered this hidden gem of American pizza, this guide will walk you through every detail.

Let’s dive in and make some mountain magic.

The Best Colorado Mountain Towns – Mickey Shannon Photography

What Makes Colorado-Style Pizza So Special?

Colorado-style pizza was born in 1973 when Chip Bair took over a tiny pizzeria in Idaho Springs from owners Beau and Jo Ann Faulk. He upgraded everything—fresh vegetables, whole-wheat flour, and honey instead of sugar in the dough. The thick, hand-rolled (sometimes braided) crust acts like a “topping containment system,” holding mountains of cheese, sauce, and fillings.

The pizzas are sold by the pound (up to five pounds for a giant pie!), and the tradition is simple: eat the center, then drizzle the leftover crust with honey and enjoy it as dessert. It’s sweet, chewy, and utterly addictive.

Unlike New York’s foldable slices or Chicago’s deep dish, Colorado pizza is all about balance—thin enough in the middle to cook through, but with a dramatic, fluffy edge that steals the show.

Where to Try Colorado-Style Pizza From Denver to Fort Collins

Why Honey in the Crust?

Honey does more than add sweetness. It helps the dough brown beautifully (thanks to the natural sugars), keeps the crust tender, and gives it that signature golden color. Beau Jo’s has always used local Colorado honey, and the tradition stuck.

In your homemade version, just two tablespoons of good honey in the dough makes a huge difference. Skip the white sugar—honey brings depth and a subtle floral note that pairs perfectly with savory toppings.

Ingredients for One Generous 14–16 Inch Mountain Pie

For the Honey Crust Dough (makes one large pizza)

  • 1 ½ cups (223 g) whole-wheat flour
  • 1 ½ cups (187 g) bread flour (or all-purpose)
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (about 105–110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (local if possible—try Colorado wildflower honey!)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Simple Tomato Sauce

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste

Toppings (go heavy—Colorado style!)

  • 3 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2–3 cups cooked toppings: Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives—whatever you love
  • Extra honey for drizzling (about ¼ cup)
  • Optional: hot honey for a modern kick

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
  • 14–16 inch pizza pan or lipped baking sheet
  • Rolling pin
  • Fork for docking

Step 1: Make the Honey-Infused Dough

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for 3–5 minutes until it gets foamy.

Add both flours, salt, and olive oil. Mix on low speed (or with a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms. Then knead: 8–10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface, or 5 minutes on medium-low with a dough hook. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, and smooth.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours. It should double in size and look puffy.

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough (No Mixer Needed!) - Earth, Food, and Fire

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the dough rises, make a quick sauce. In a small saucepan, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. This sauce is simple so the honey crust and toppings can shine.

Step 3: Shape the Famous Thick Honey Crust

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a rack in the lower third.

Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch it into a 14–16 inch circle, leaving about 1–1½ inches of overhang around the edges of your pan.

Transfer the dough to your greased pan so the extra dough hangs over the rim. Use a fork to dock (poke holes in) the bottom to prevent big bubbles.

Now the fun part—create the mountain edge! Roll the overhanging dough inward to form a thick, raised lip. You can twist sections for a braided look or simply crimp it like a pie crust. The thicker the edge, the more crust you’ll have for honey dipping later.

Homemade Pizza Dough

Step 4: Assemble Your Mountain Pie

Spread the sauce generously over the center (leave the thick edge bare). Add a heavy layer of mozzarella, then Parmesan. Pile on your toppings—Colorado style means no skimping!

Bake for 18–22 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, the bottom is crisp, and the crust edges are deep golden brown. If the crust browns too fast, tent the edges with foil.

Step 5: The Honey Drizzle Tradition

As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle the thick crust edges with warm honey. Let it soak in for a minute.

Slice into big wedges (a knife and fork are perfectly acceptable). Eat the center first, then save the crust bones for last—drizzle extra honey straight from the bear bottle and enjoy the sweet, chewy finish.

Beau Jo's Honey Crust

Tips for Pizza Success at Home

  • Flour matters: Whole-wheat flour gives the crust that hearty Colorado texture and nutty flavor. Bread flour adds chew.
  • Honey quality: Use real honey, not the fake stuff. Local honey adds subtle floral notes that make the crust special.
  • Don’t skimp on toppings: The thick edge holds everything in—no sliding off like thinner pizzas.
  • Oven hot and low: 450°F on the lower rack gives the best bottom crust.
  • Make ahead: Dough can rise in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Beau Jo’s offers it, so experiment with a good gluten-free blend and a bit of xanthan gum.

Popular Topping Ideas Inspired by Colorado

  • Classic Colorado Combo: Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives.
  • Green Chile Mountain Pie: Add roasted green chiles, chicken, and a touch of ranch drizzle after baking.
  • Veggie-Loaded: Spinach, artichokes, roasted red peppers, and extra cheese.
  • Breakfast Mountain Pie (yes, really): Bacon, eggs, and potatoes for brunch.

Pairing Your Homemade Colorado Pizza

Serve with a cold Colorado craft beer (think Coors Banquet or a local IPA), a crisp salad, or even a simple apple crisp for dessert. The honey crust pairs beautifully with anything slightly sweet or spicy.

Why Make It at Home?

Homemade lets you control the ingredients, use the freshest toppings, and create memories with family and friends. Plus, there’s nothing quite like pulling a golden, honey-scented mountain pie out of your own oven.

Common Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour only?
Yes, but the crust won’t be quite as hearty. Whole wheat is what gives it that authentic Colorado chew.

Is hot honey required?
Traditional Beau Jo’s uses regular honey. Hot honey is a delicious modern twist—try it on the crust after baking.

How do I store leftovers?
The crust stays great for 2 days in the fridge. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp it back up.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. After the first rise, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Bringing the Rockies to Your Table

There’s something deeply satisfying about recreating a regional specialty at home. This Colorado-style honey crust pizza isn’t just food—it’s a little piece of the mountains on your plate. The sweet crust, the mountain of toppings, and that final honey drizzle create a meal that feels like an adventure.

Next time you’re craving something big, bold, and unforgettable, skip delivery and make this instead. Your kitchen will smell like a Colorado pizzeria, and your friends will beg for the recipe.

Now go preheat that oven, grab some honey, and start building your own mountain pie.

What are your favorite Colorado-style toppings? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear! And if you try this recipe, tag your creation.

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Enjoy every bite—and don’t forget the extra honey!

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