Beer And Pizza Have Become One At A South Carolina Restaurant

Beer and pizza go together like hot dogs and mustard, like French fries and ketchup, like Willie Nelson and weed. It's a bit surprising this didn't happen sooner. Do you know what the fastest-growing ingredient in pizza has been this year? No, not any kind of exotic meat or trendy vegetable. It's actually beer!

According to Nation's Restaurant News, many restaurants are adding beer to their pizza recipes. That includes beer in the crust, beer cheese on the pie, and proteins such as sausage or chicken cooked in beer as a pizza topping. Menu research firm Technomic says beer is the fastest-growing ingredient in pizza, up by 92.3% compared to last year.

Not only does the beer add flavor to the pizza, it also makes the crust crispier. Restaurants that have hopped on the beer-in-pizza trend are saying it makes their pizza unique and difficult to copy. One such establishment is Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, which has 22 locations including two in South Carolina (Greenville, Columbia). The East Coast chain puts their own house-brewed Vienna Red Lager in the barbecue sauce that goes on top of their Voodoo Chicken Pizza.

Other pizza-making businesses are doing similar things with beer and pizza. The trend really seems to have taken off in the Midwest. Short's Brewing Company in Michigan and Street-za in Milwaukee put beer in their respective pizza crusts. Chicago's famous Home Run Inn created a Beer Pizza last summer. By infusing the sauce with beer, they've created a pie that offers two flavors in every bite. I bet it's a hit at their two concession stands inside Wrigley Field. There's less to carry back to your seat!

Are you a beer lover? If so, then you probably know of a few cities that are worth the trip. All beer lovers have those favorite places where to visit for some great beer. Whether you like the small, quaint charming bars or the busy city view with a great beer, many cities are great for beer lovers. There are so many beer destinations to visit throughout the United States so you never know where you may end up.

Tasting Table is naming 26 of the best cities in the United States for beer lovers. From the mountains to the beaches to small towns, there are plenty of beer-loving cities for you to enjoy. But, did you know that there are three Carolina cities great for those who love beer? Two North Carolina cities and one South Carolina city specifically are great for those who love a good beer. Can you guess what Carolina cities made the Tasting Table list? Check out the Carolina cities below and if you want to know what cities made the full 26 list, click here.

Of course, Asheville had to make the list. It has some of the best beers that we all know and love in North Carolina. The area is home to more than 50 breweries to choose from plus they have an annual Beer Week where all the beer lovers can enjoy a sip. From special local beers to some of your classic favorites, Asheville is a good time for all of the beer lovers we know and love. Book a brewery tour while you're in the area and learn more about some of the famous local beers that Asheville has to offer.

Up next is the one and only, Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is home to some amazing food and drink specials you can have. The southern charm of Charleston has grown to become a spot for beer lovers over the years. The historic spot is becoming famous for the brewery options that have come over the years. You can go tasting on roof tops, breweries, or enjoy a cold beverage on the water whenever you're down in Charleston.

We're making another stop in North Carolina. This time we're heading to Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh is up there when it comes to having a lot of breweries per capita. The area is home to plenty of options from breweries with a beer garden and live music or local dive bars. With spots to enjoy like Clouds Brewing or Compass Rose Brewery that can allow you plenty of beers to enjoy and sip on while you're visiting.