Nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge, Colorado, is a haven for outdoor lovers and food lovers alike. Among its culinary gems is Tin Plate Pizza, a family-owned pizzeria known for its handcrafted artisan pies. But what is artisan pizza, exactly, and what makes it worth seeking out? For where it fits in the wider dining scene, see our guide to the best restaurants in Breckenridge and our guide to the best pizza in Breckenridge.
What Is Artisan Pizza?
Artisan pizza is about craft over convenience. It starts with a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and a yeast or sourdough starter, then sets it apart through a long, slow fermentation, sometimes 72 hours or more, that builds a complex flavor and a light, airy crust. From there it is quality ingredients, often locally sourced, placed by hand, and baked hot in a wood-fired oven for a blistered char and a crisp finish. It is the opposite of mass-produced fast food pizza: fewer shortcuts, more time and care.
A Short History of Pizza
Pizza began in 18th-century Naples, where street vendors sold simple flatbreads topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and local cheese. The classic Margherita, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil for the colors of the Italian flag, followed in the late 19th century. Italian immigrants carried pizza to the United States, where it boomed after World War II, and the late 20th century brought an artisan renaissance that returned to quality ingredients, traditional methods, and wood-fired ovens. That is the tradition Tin Plate builds on.
Artisan Pizza at Tin Plate
Founded by James and Meagan Harris during the restoration of a 138-year-old mining cabin, Tin Plate brings New York and New Jersey artisan pizza culture to the high country. The sourdough is a labor of love, cold-fermented for a chewy, crisp crust with a rich, nuanced flavor. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, from house-made mozzarella and cultured butter to seasonal produce, and the menu balances the classics with inventive, creative pies. See the Tin Plate menu.
Beyond the Pizza
There is more than pizza on the table. Start with the house bread and cultured butter, made from fresh Colorado cream cultured for 24 hours then whipped into silky butter, with the leftover buttermilk turned into house ranch. Lighter options include the Golden Beet Salad with lemon ricotta and pistachio vinaigrette or a chopped Caesar with house dressing and parmesan crisps. Save room for dessert next door at the family’s cookie shop, Dynamite Cookies, home to sourdough cookies and the only soft serve in Breckenridge.
Next time you are in Breckenridge, come savor an artisan pizza at Tin Plate. Walk in, no reservations needed, and start with the menu.