What started as a viral pizza challenge turned into a menu mainstay for Smash Pizza Express in North Ridgeville. Three years ago, chef and managing partner Jenso Soto was repeatedly tagged in a trending pickle pizza post by friends and customers.
“They’re like, ‘You gotta make this pizza,’ and I’m like ‘No, that’s disgusting. I’m not doing that,’ ” says Soto. After giving in, Soto found the recipe online and tried it one night. Soon after, customers couldn’t get enough and the Dilly Dilly Pickle Pizza ($12.95-$16.95) was born. Since that day, Soto tweaked the viral recipe to make it his own. The crispy dill pickles pair perfectly with the pizza’s garlic butter base, whole-milk mozzarella cheese, bacon and spicy horseradish ranch.
“To me, it almost tastes like a cheeseburger,” says Soto. “You’re hitting that home base of one of the most iconic flavor profiles in the United States.” Made in five minutes, this pizza can be delivered straight to your car via their Zip Thru Drive Thru bar. 6349 Jaycox Road, North Ridgeville, facebook.com/smashnorthridgeville
Click here for more Best of Cleveland winners in food, drink, entertainment, shopping and more.