I’ve never thought of – or given serious consideration to – pizza as a breakfast food. The very notion clashes with my concept of what breakfast should be. But the latest ‘innovation’ from Cici’s may be the ‘breakfast pizza’ concept that changes my mind…
One aspect of ‘breakfast pizza’ that has made me buck the concept until now is the possible presence of fussy, herby tomato sauce. But I love the other pop-ular pizza toppings for breakfast: sweet bell peppers, sausage, ham, bacon, onions…
I also balk at the usual pizza crust. Just not the starch vibe I crave for breakfast. Give me hash browns or home fries any day…
Pushing the envelope
I was skeptical about Cici’s new break-fast pizza at first – before I read the story. It’s billed simply as Chicken and Waffles on a pizza. And that’s what it is: a collab with Eggos Waffles (which have been showing up in many crossovers, lately). And there’s not even a hint of tomato products, herbs or hot peppers in sight. Cici’s pushes the ‘pizza’ concept a fair bit – but not too far, and in the right direction.
What it is
The pie is described as a classic pizza crust bushed with garlic butter, topped with Eggo’s Waffle bites, ‘crispy chicken tenders and a warm drizzle of maple syrup’. It’s touted as a ‘savoury-sweet’ treat.
You might think the garlic would violate my prohibition on non-breakfast ingredients in day-starters. But I’ve tasted the combo more than once before in Canadian-themed dressings and sauces. And I liked it.
Note, also: There’s no cheese involved in this pie. I have no problem with cheese in a breakfast dish – but it has no place in proper Chicken and Waffles.
Chicken and Waffles rule
My unassailable, go-to favourite, when breakfasting below the Mason-Dixon Line, is a triple order of Waffle House Hash Browns, smothered, covered, and scattered on the grill, with two sunny-side up eggs on top. And keep the coffee comin’.
The only thing I love more – but only if it’s done right – is Chicken and Waffles. I’ve tried many resto offerings, but approved of few. Nevertheless, there’s something about the simple authenticity of the CiCi’s version that appeals.
And I hope the maple syrup meets the apparent high standard of the rest of the dish.
My take
There are not many of breakfast dishes that encourage sharing. And I’ve always thought that ‘break-ing bread together’ was an important part of the dining experience. But now, this Cici’s Chicken and Waffles Pizza comes with that feature built-in. Bonus.
Only one downside… And it’s for Cici’s, not me. Anybody could up ante of this dish with a few simple home-hacks. I’d use my own pizza crust recipe and add more chicken then they appear to be invest-ing in their version. And I’d use real Canadian Maple Syrup, rather than that creepy imitation stuff they always seem to palm off on you at Fast Food joints…
~ Maggie J.