The great white is a pizza offered by the restaurant chain Mellow Mushroom. It is one of their signature pizzas and has been on the menu for many years. The great white is known for its unique combination of flavors and ingredients, which come together to create a tasty pizza experience. In this article, we will explore the history of the great white pizza, its ingredients, why it stands out on the Mellow Mushroom menu, and what makes it so popular with customers.
History of the Great White Pizza
Mellow Mushroom was founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia by three college students. They wanted to create a pizza restaurant with a laidback, hippie vibe that focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Mellow Mushroom has grown over the years into an iconic pizza chain with locations across the United States. The great white pizza has been on the menu since the very beginning. It was one of the original pizza recipes created by the founders and has gained a cult-like following over the decades. Fans of Mellow Mushroom often cite the great white as their favorite menu item.
Ingredients in the Great White Pizza
The great white pizza starts with Mellow Mushroom’s classic pizza dough that is made fresh in-house daily. From there, it gets topped with their rich, creamy garlic-alfredo white sauce. The white sauce is really the star of the show and provides a perfect base for the other toppings. The great white pizza is covered with a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, giving it a nice, gooey texture when melted. It is then topped with Applewood smoked bacon, fresh mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, and spinach. Finally, it is sprinkled with Mellow Mushroom’s signature parmesan and herb seasoning.
What Makes the Great White Pizza Unique
There are a few key factors that make the great white pizza stand out from more traditional pizza offerings:
The Garlic-Alfredo Sauce
The creamy, garlic-infused alfredo sauce provides a totally different flavor profile than typical tomato-based pizza sauces. It gives the pizza a richer, more savory taste that pairs perfectly with the mix of cheeses and other toppings. Mellow Mushroom’s alfredo sauce recipe is made in-house and isn’t available anywhere else, making the great white unique to their brand.
The Blend of Cheeses
Using both mozzarella and provolone cheese gives the pizza a complex, full-bodied mouthfeel. The provolone adds a distinctive sharpness and tang while the mozzarella provides that essential stretchy, gooey texture we all love on pizza. Other pizza chains tend to use only one cheese variety, but the blend is key to the great white.
The Topping Combination
In addition to the sauce and cheese, the mix of savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, robust Roma tomatoes, and fresh spinach make every bite of the great white pizza interesting and satisfying. These toppings work together to create layers of complementary textures and flavors.
Popularity of the Great White Pizza
The great white has earned a cult following over the years, becoming one of Mellow Mushroom’s most beloved and popular pizzas. Fans love the unique flavor profile that you can’t find anywhere else. Some key reasons why the great white is so popular include:
- Nostalgia – For long-time Mellow Mushroom customers, the great white brings back fond memories of their early experiences with the brand.
- Craveability – Patrons find themselves craving the specific taste combinations in the great white pizza.
- Instagrammability – The pizza photographs beautifully with its colorful ingredients and creamy white sauce.
- Customizability – Customers can request various ingredient substitutions and tweaks to make the great white their own.
Mellow Mushroom likely sells more great white pizzas than any other specialty pizza on their menu. Its nostalgic place in the brand’s history and unique flavor profile keep fans coming back for more.
Nutrition Information on the Great White Pizza
Many customers are interested in the nutrition facts, especially calories, when ordering restaurant menu items. Here is the nutrition information for the great white pizza, based on 1 slice which is 1/8 of a 14” large pizza:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 840mg |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 14g |
As you can see, while certainly high in calories and fat, one slice of the great white also provides a good amount of protein to help you feel full. The entire 14” pizza contains 2,640 calories and 112 grams of protein. When enjoyed in moderation, the great white can be part of a balanced diet.
Ordering the Great White Pizza
If you want to try this famous Mellow Mushroom specialty pizza, here are some tips for ordering:
- Size – The 14” large pizza is ideal for 4-5 people to share. You can also order a 10” small or 12” medium pizza.
- Crust – Choose between original or thin crust. The original has a soft, chewy texture while the thin provides a crispy crunch.
- Sauce – Request light, normal, or extra sauce depending on your preferences.
- Toppings – Feel free to customize by adding or removing toppings.
- Side Items – Complete your meal with salads, calzones, hoagies, or wings.
- Dine-In/Takeout – Enjoy your pizza at a Mellow Mushroom location or get it to-go.
The great white pizza is available at most Mellow Mushroom locations. You can order online for pick-up or delivery, or grab a seat and order at the restaurant. Expect to pay around $20-$25 for a large 14” pizza.
Conclusion
The great white pizza has been a Mellow Mushroom menu staple for over 40 years now. With its distinctive garlic-alfredo sauce, blended cheeses, and delicious toppings, the great white offers a unique take on pizza. It has amassed a loyal fanbase of customers who have fallen in love with the specialized flavor profile over the decades. From its nostalgic beginnings to its continued popularity today, the great white encapsulates everything fans adore about Mellow Mushroom. So next time you’re craving pizza, consider stopping by Mellow Mushroom and enjoy a hot, tasty slab of their iconic great white pizza. You won’t be disappointed!