Marcos Pizza is a popular pizza chain that is known for its white cheesy pizza. The white cheesy pizza from Marcos has a creamy white sauce instead of the traditional red tomato sauce. This white pizza is loaded with cheese and delicious toppings. But what exactly is on a Marcos white cheesy pizza? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and components that make this pizza so cheesy and delicious.
The Cheese
The star of the show on a Marcos white cheesy pizza is definitely the cheese. Marcos uses a special blend of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and white cheddar cheeses to give their white pizza an ultra creamy and cheesy flavor.
Here is an overview of the different cheeses on a Marcos white cheesy pizza:
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is the primary cheese used on a Marcos white cheesy pizza. Mozzarella has a mild, creamy flavor that melts beautifully in the oven. The mozzarella Marcos uses has a soft, fresh texture that adds stretchiness and gooeyness to each bite.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone is a aged cheese that has a sharper, tangier flavor than mozzarella. Provolone adds a bold, robust cheese flavor to balance the mildness of the mozzarella. Aged provolone also has a firmer texture that holds its shape nicely when baked.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese that is grated and added generously to Marcos white cheesy pizzas. Parmesan has a rich, nutty taste and slight crunch from the crystalline structure of the cheese. Parmesan adds a savory, salty accent to the blend of cheeses.
White Cheddar Cheese
White cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy cheddar flavor without the orange color that would tint the white sauce. The white cheddar punches up the flavor of the cheese blend without taking away from the white and creamy aesthetic.
The Sauce
In place of traditional red pizza sauce, a Marcos white cheesy pizza is topped with a creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce. This white sauce is made with butter, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and spices.
The butter and olive oil give the sauce a velvety smooth texture. The garlic adds a burst of flavor and aroma. The Parmesan cheese incorporates the nutty, salty flavor throughout the sauce. And spices like black pepper, oregano, and basil complement the garlic and cheese.
The Garlic Parmesan sauce has a rich, indulgent taste that forms the creamy foundation for all those cheese toppings.
The Toppings
In addition to piles of cheese, a Marcos white cheesy pizza comes with an array of delicious toppings. These toppings add layers of flavor and texture that complement the cheesiness of the pizza.
Here is an overview of some of the toppings you can expect on a Marcos white cheesy pizza:
Chicken
Savory shredded chicken is one of the most popular toppings added to a Marcos white cheesy pizza. The tender chicken adds a boost of protein and a meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.
Spinach
Fresh spinach adds nutrients as well as texture and earthy flavor. The spinach balances out the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms provide a meaty, umami flavor to the pizza. Mushrooms have a hearty texture that stands up well to all of the cheese.
Green Peppers
Crunchy green bell peppers add a fresh, peppery taste and extra crunch.
Onion
Chopped white or red onions give a bite of sharp allium flavor. Onions add tons of flavor without overpowering the other toppings.
Black Olives
Briny black olives offer pops of salty, fermented flavor amidst the creamy cheese and toppings.
Bacon
Crispy bits of smoky bacon is a popular topping choice for savoriness.
Pineapple
Sweet pineapple makes for a fun tropical twist on the classic white pizza. The tangy fruit balances the richness.
Broccoli
Like spinach, broccoli adds nutrition, color, and texture to the pizza. The crunchy florets pair nicely with the cheese.
The Crust
No pizza is complete without the crust! Marcos white cheesy pizzas are served on Marcos signature original dough crust.
This crust is made fresh in store every day from a simple recipe of flour, water, yeast, olive oil, salt, and sugar. The dough contains no animal products or cholesterol, so it is friendly for vegetarian and vegan customers.
The crust is rolled thin and baked to a crispy yet chewy and foldable texture. The outside has a toasted crunch while the inside remains soft and airy. The olive oil gives the crust a subtle savory flavor that perfectly complements the cheeses and toppings.
Marcos also offers a gluten free crust option for customers with dietary restrictions. The gluten free crust is prepared separately to avoid cross contamination and contains no wheat.
Nutrition Information
A Marcos white cheesy pizza is certainly an indulgent, calorie-dense food. But the nutrition content can vary considerably based on your topping choices.
Here is a table comparing the nutrition information in one slice of a small 6-inch Marcos specialty white cheesy pizza with different toppings:
| Toppings | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese only | 220 | 9 | 23 | 12 |
| Chicken | 260 | 12 | 23 | 18 |
| Veggie | 210 | 8 | 26 | 11 |
| Meat Lovers | 310 | 15 | 25 | 19 |
As you can see, loading up on the meats and cheeses will increase the calories, fat, and protein. Going for veggie toppings will cut down on calories and fat. But regardless of toppings, you can expect a Marcos white cheesy pizza to deliver lots of flavor in every bite!
How to Order
If you want to try a delicious white cheesy pizza from Marcos, here are some tips for ordering:
– Check the Marcos website or call your local store to view the menu and pricing for different sizes. Most stores offer take-out, delivery, and dine-in options.
– Be aware that specialty pizzas like the white cheesy come in predetermined recipes, but you can always customize with extra toppings.
– Order online for quick and easy pizza delivery right to your door. Build your perfect pizza and pay online.
– Stop by the Marcos store if you want hot, fresh pizza straight from the oven. You can also dine in and enjoy your pizza at the restaurant.
– See if any weekly specials or coupons are available to save money on your order. Marcos often offers great promotional deals.
– For a creamy, cheesy white pizza experience at home, Marcos sells take-and-bake pizzas that you finish cooking yourself.
Tips for Baking at Home
For those who want to recreate that signature Marcos taste at home, here are some baking tips:
– Start with a pre-made fresh pizza dough, Boboli crust, or pitas as the base. Or make your own dough if you prefer.
– Brush olive oil or butter lightly over crust before adding toppings to crispen up while baking.
– Load up cheeses first. The sauce will hold the cheeses in place as it melts.
– Drizzle the white sauce evenly over the cheeses. A blend of ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, and seasonings makes a good homemade sauce.
– Arrange desired toppings attractively over sauce and cheese layers.
– Bake pizza at 450°F for 10-15 minutes until the crust is crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Let pizza cool 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow cheeses to set.
– Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Storing Leftover Pizza
Like most foods, pizza tastes best when freshly made. But leftovers can be tasty too with proper storage. Here are some storage tips for Marcos white cheesy pizza:
– Let pizza cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
– Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents air exposure which can dry out the pizza.
– For best quality, eat refrigerated leftover pizza within 2-3 days. The crust may lose crispness over time.
– Frozen leftover pizza maintains its taste better. Freeze individual slices with a sheet of parchment between so slices don’t stick together.
– Seal frozen pizza in freezer bags or airtight containers. It will keep for 2-3 months frozen.
– Reheat refrigerated pizza slices in the oven until hot and crisp. Microwaving makes the crust soggy.
– Let frozen pizza thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. Microwaving frozen pizza can make it rubbery.
Conclusion
A Marcos white cheesy pizza certainly earns its name from the abundant creamy cheeses melted over the crispy crust. But the secrets to this pizza’s irresistible flavor are the tangy Parmesan sauce, tasty toppings, and fresh original dough crust. While it is an indulgent treat, you can customize with healthier toppings or split one pizza for a lighter meal. Marcos has perfected the ultimate white pizza experience that is worth enjoying right out of the oven or even as yummy leftovers. So next time you get a craving for pizza, consider sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey slice of Marcos famous white cheesy pizza.