Papa Murphy’s, renowned for its take-and-bake pizza concept, offers a unique dining experience where customers can personalize their pizzas before baking them at home. Their menu boasts a variety of classic and specialty pizzas, but a persistent question lingers among pizza enthusiasts: Does Papa Murphy’s offer a taco pizza?
This article delves deep into answering this question, exploring Papa Murphy’s current pizza offerings, and highlighting potential alternatives that capture the essence of a taco-inspired pizza experience.
The Quest for the Taco Pizza at Papa Murphy’s
While Papa Murphy’s is known for innovation and flavorful combinations, the current standard menu does not feature a dedicated taco pizza. A search through their official website, mobile app, and promotional materials confirms the absence of this specific menu item. Past limited-time offers may have included something similar, but nothing is consistently available.
Why the Craving for Taco Pizza?
The appeal of a taco pizza lies in its fusion of two beloved cuisines: Mexican tacos and Italian pizza. The combination of savory seasoned meat, vibrant toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and the tangy kick of salsa or taco sauce creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile. It’s a party in every slice! The textural contrast, from the crispy crust to the cool, fresh toppings, adds to the overall sensory experience. Many pizza chains have recognized this demand, resulting in taco pizza appearing as limited-time offers or regional specialties.
Papa Murphy’s Current Pizza Lineup: A Flavorful Exploration
To understand whether a taco pizza could potentially fit into Papa Murphy’s existing menu, let’s explore the different pizza categories they currently offer.
Signature Pizzas: A Foundation of Flavor
Papa Murphy’s Signature Pizzas are pre-designed flavor combinations crafted by their culinary team. These pizzas offer a convenient way to experience popular topping pairings. Examples often include:
- The Cowboy: Featuring creamy garlic sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and black olives.
- The Papa’s Favorite: Combining pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
- The Gourmet Delite: A lighter option with creamy garlic sauce, spinach, artichoke hearts, Roma tomatoes, and feta cheese.
These pizzas demonstrate Papa Murphy’s commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavor profiles, which are essential elements for creating a great taco pizza.
Create Your Own Pizza: Unleash Your Inner Chef
The beauty of Papa Murphy’s lies in the ability to completely customize your pizza. You can choose your crust, sauce, cheese, and a wide array of toppings to create your perfect pizza masterpiece. This opens up possibilities for creating a taco pizza-inspired creation.
Crust Options
Papa Murphy’s typically offers a variety of crust options, including:
- Original Crust: A classic, hand-rolled crust that’s thick enough to hold plenty of toppings.
- Thin Crust: A crispy and lighter option for those who prefer a less doughy pizza.
- Stuffed Crust: Featuring a cheese-filled border, adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
The crust choice significantly impacts the overall texture and flavor of your pizza. A thin crust might be ideal for replicating the crispy texture of a taco shell.
Sauce Sensations
The sauce is the foundation of any pizza, and Papa Murphy’s offers a selection of options, including:
- Traditional Red Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that’s a staple for many pizzas.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: A rich and flavorful sauce that adds a touch of garlic to your pizza.
- Olive Oil & Garlic: A simple and elegant sauce that lets the other ingredients shine.
For a taco pizza, you could potentially mix the red sauce with taco seasoning for a flavorful base.
Cheese Choices
No pizza is complete without cheese, and Papa Murphy’s offers a variety of options, including:
- Mozzarella: The classic pizza cheese, known for its mild flavor and stretchiness.
- Cheddar: A sharper cheese that adds a tangy flavor to your pizza.
- Feta: A salty and crumbly cheese that adds a Mediterranean touch.
For a taco pizza, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar might be the best choice.
Topping Treasures
The toppings are where you can truly customize your pizza and bring your taco pizza vision to life. Papa Murphy’s offers a wide selection of toppings, including:
- Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, bacon, chicken, and more.
- Vegetables: Onions, green peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, black olives, green olives, spinach, and more.
- Other: Pineapple, artichoke hearts, and more.
For a taco pizza, you’d want to focus on toppings like ground beef or seasoned chicken, onions, tomatoes, and potentially black olives.
Creating Your Own Taco-Inspired Pizza at Papa Murphy’s
Since Papa Murphy’s doesn’t offer a dedicated taco pizza, you can utilize their “Create Your Own” option to build a pizza that captures the essence of this flavor combination. Here’s how:
- Choose Your Crust: Opt for the original crust for a sturdy base or the thin crust for a crispier, taco-shell-like experience.
- Select Your Sauce: Ask if the store can add taco seasoning to the red sauce for a unique taco flavor. Otherwise, stick with the traditional red sauce.
- Pile on the Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar are excellent choices for a classic taco pizza flavor.
- Craft Your Taco Toppings: Add ground beef or seasoned chicken. Onions, diced tomatoes, and black olives are essential. Consider adding green peppers for a hint of sweetness.
- Bake and Finish: After baking your pizza according to Papa Murphy’s instructions, add cold toppings like shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream or salsa for the ultimate taco pizza experience.
Tips for the Perfect Taco-Inspired Papa Murphy’s Pizza
- Seasoning is Key: If possible, season your ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning before adding it to the pizza. This will enhance the taco flavor.
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to add all your favorite taco toppings, avoid overloading the pizza, as this can make it soggy.
- Consider a Two-Step Topping Approach: Bake the pizza with the meat, onions, and sauce, then add the lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream after baking for the freshest flavor.
- Experiment with Sauces: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a combination of red sauce and a drizzle of taco sauce after baking.
- The Right Cheese: Cheddar adds a sharper, more distinct flavor to your pizza which pairs well with taco seasonings.
Beyond Papa Murphy’s: Exploring Other Taco Pizza Options
While creating your own taco-inspired pizza at Papa Murphy’s is a great option, other pizza chains and restaurants may offer dedicated taco pizzas on their menu, either permanently or as limited-time offers. Research local pizzerias and check their menus online to see if they offer a taco pizza.
Potential Ingredients for an Amazing Taco Pizza
A great taco pizza goes beyond just slapping taco ingredients onto a pizza crust. Here’s a look at the key elements:
- Seasoned Ground Beef or Chicken: The star of the show, providing the savory base flavor.
- Taco Sauce: Offers the quintessential taco flavor and a touch of spice.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds a cool, crisp element that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Diced Tomatoes: Provide a juicy burst of freshness and acidity.
- Shredded Cheese: Usually a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for optimal flavor and melting.
- Onions: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Black Olives: Contribute a briny, slightly bitter flavor.
- Sour Cream or Guacamole: Optional toppings that add creaminess and richness.
- Jalapeños: For those who like a spicy kick.
Papa Murphy’s Commitment to Quality and Innovation
While Papa Murphy’s may not currently offer a traditional taco pizza, their commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations suggests that they are always exploring new menu options. Their ability to customize pizzas allows customers to create their own taco-inspired creations, showcasing their dedication to satisfying diverse customer preferences.
Keep an eye on their menu for future limited-time offers, as a taco pizza could potentially make an appearance. In the meantime, get creative and build your own taco pizza masterpiece!
Ultimately, while the answer to the question “Does Papa Murphy’s have a taco pizza?” is currently no, the possibilities for crafting your own taco-inspired pizza adventure are endless.
Does Papa Murphy’s Currently Offer a Taco Pizza?
No, as of the current date, Papa Murphy’s does not officially offer a “Taco Pizza” on their standard or limited-time menu. While pizza chains often experiment with different flavor profiles and themed pizzas, a dedicated Taco Pizza is not a current offering at Papa Murphy’s locations. It’s always a good idea to check their official website or contact your local store directly to confirm their current menu, as offerings can vary regionally.
However, you might be able to create something similar! Papa Murphy’s allows customers to customize their pizzas with a wide variety of toppings. By selecting ingredients like seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, onions, olives, and maybe even some jalapenos, you could construct a pizza that mimics the flavors of a taco. Don’t forget to ask for a salsa or taco sauce packet on the side to drizzle over your creation after baking!
What Pizza Toppings at Papa Murphy’s Best Mimic Taco Flavors?
To replicate the taste of a taco on a Papa Murphy’s pizza, focus on incorporating common taco ingredients. Ground beef or sausage, particularly if seasoned with taco seasoning at home before adding, serves as a base. Cheese, especially cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend, is crucial. Other excellent choices include diced tomatoes, onions (red or white), black olives, and jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Consider adding a drizzle of Papa Murphy’s creamy garlic sauce after baking for a touch of richness, or bring your own salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to enhance the taco experience. While Papa Murphy’s doesn’t offer lettuce on their pizzas, you could add shredded lettuce after baking for that authentic taco texture and freshness. The key is to balance the flavors and textures to emulate the taste of your favorite tacos.
Can I Customize a Papa Murphy’s Pizza to Make a Taco Pizza?
Absolutely! The beauty of Papa Murphy’s is the extensive customization options they provide. You are free to choose your crust, sauce, and a wide variety of toppings. This makes it easy to essentially build your own “Taco Pizza” to your exact specifications. Start with your preferred crust and sauce (perhaps their red sauce or a creamy garlic sauce as a base), then load it up with taco-inspired ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Consider adding a blend of cheeses, seasoned ground beef or sausage (you might need to pre-cook and season it yourself), onions, peppers, and black olives. For a spicier kick, include jalapenos or request a side of crushed red pepper. Remember, you can tailor the pizza to your preferred taco flavor profile, whether you enjoy a classic beef taco or something with a little more zest.
What are Some Popular Pizza Alternatives to a Taco Pizza at Papa Murphy’s?
While a Taco Pizza isn’t on the menu, Papa Murphy’s offers many flavorful pizzas that might appeal to those seeking a similar satisfying experience. The Cowboy pizza, with its combination of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions, is a popular choice. The Gourmet Vegetarian, loaded with fresh vegetables, is another great option that provides a hearty and flavorful meal.
Additionally, consider exploring their specialty pizzas like the Chicken Bacon Ranch or the Herb Chicken Mediterranean. These pizzas offer unique flavor combinations that are often a hit with customers. Or, again, take advantage of the ability to completely customize and build your own pizza with your favorite combination of Papa Murphy’s available ingredients, beyond just taco-inspired tastes.
Does Papa Murphy’s Ever Offer Limited-Time or Seasonal Pizzas?
Yes, Papa Murphy’s frequently introduces limited-time or seasonal pizzas throughout the year. These pizzas often feature unique flavor combinations and ingredients that are not typically available on their standard menu. These seasonal offerings can provide an opportunity to try new and exciting pizza creations.
Keep an eye on Papa Murphy’s website, social media channels, or in-store advertisements to stay informed about their current limited-time offerings. While they may not always have a “Taco Pizza,” they might introduce a pizza with a similar flavor profile or a complementary ingredient that you can incorporate into your own customized pizza.
How Can I Find Out About New Pizza Offerings at Papa Murphy’s?
The best way to stay up-to-date on Papa Murphy’s new pizza offerings is to visit their official website. They typically announce new menu items and limited-time offers on their website’s homepage or promotions section. You can also sign up for their email newsletter to receive exclusive deals and announcements directly to your inbox.
Another great way to stay informed is to follow Papa Murphy’s on their social media channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They regularly post updates about new products, promotions, and contests on these platforms. Additionally, you can inquire at your local Papa Murphy’s store for information about current and upcoming offerings.
If Papa Murphy’s Doesn’t Have a Taco Pizza, Are There Other Pizza Chains That Do?
Yes, while Papa Murphy’s doesn’t currently offer a Taco Pizza, several other pizza chains may have a Taco Pizza on their menu, either permanently or as a limited-time offering. Pizza chains like Pizza Hut, Domino’s (sometimes as a regional or test offering), and smaller regional chains sometimes experiment with taco-inspired pizzas. It’s best to check the menu of pizza restaurants in your area.
You can also search online for “taco pizza near me” to find local pizza restaurants that offer a Taco Pizza. Keep in mind that the ingredients and flavor profiles of Taco Pizzas can vary significantly between different chains. Some may use traditional taco toppings like seasoned ground beef and salsa, while others may opt for more unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.