Editor’s Note: We do our best to keep our stories up-to-date, but with the COVID situation being ever-changing and fluid, we suggest readers contact the farms directly to inquire on any new restrictions and closings prior to planning a visit.
You are not dreaming. Pizza farms really do exist. In Wisconsin, The State of Cheese, you’ll find they’re not only real but offer some of the best pizza in the world using fresh pasture-to-pizza ingredients. We’re Chicagoans. We’re serious about our pizza, but they will win over even the most discerning of us with the freshness of ingredients, delicious simplicity, authentic encounters, and sometimes even live music. Just in time for October’s National Pizza Month, read on to hear how Wisconsin is throwing us a new, social-distancing-approved way to enjoy a favorite meal in the great outdoors.
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Borner Farm Project
Borner Farm Project founder Diane Webster has a love for the great outdoors, no matter the temps, and contributing to the strength of the community surrounding her is a driving force and feeds her soul.
This working farm in the heart of Prescott, WI, uses organic methods to grow the variety of produce available in their on-site market and through their CSA program. During their semi-monthly community pizza nights where they make their own dough and use ingredients from their farm, you'll find Diane's husband Baard working the wood-fired brick ovens.
1226 Walnut St., Prescott, WI; Online: bornerfarmproject.com.
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The Stone Barn
If charm and ambiance is what you're looking for, then plant your eyes on The Stone Barn. Nestled in the Mississippi River Valley surrounded by forests and vast open fields, you'll find a low-key, welcoming spot to play yard games and have relaxed family time while you wait for your made-to-order pizza.
Their dough is made fresh daily (gluten-free also available) and the herbs are grown organically on property. The sausage, chorizo and lamb toppings are made in-house from meats purchased locally and then seasoned with their super-secret recipe. Try one of their rotating specials, or go for their tried-and-true standard menu.
S685 County Road KK, Nelson, WI; Online: thenelsonstonebarn.com
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The Stoney Acre Farm
Stoney Acre Farm is a third-generation family farm that's operated in North Central Wisconsin for 15 years. They offer a certified organic CSA program, vegetable, herb, fruit and flour production, grass-fed beef, pastured pork and eggs, organic grains and farm-to-table pizzas.
Their pizza nights offer families an opportunity to have a casual night exploring the organic farm, spending time outside and sharing food and drink with family and new friends. Along with simple seasonal pizzas, they offer a farmers market stand, craft brews and California organic wine.
245728 Baldwin Creek Rd., Athens, WI; Online: stoneyacresfarm.net
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Suncrest Gardens Farm
You're encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to slow it on down and enjoy life at a slower pace in Suncrest Gardens' backyard gardens located in the serenity of Yaeger Valley. Their wood-fired pizzas are cooked in a handmade Italian-style oven at 700 degress and take less than 2 minutes to cook. Perfect for any antsy kids in your group! Kids can explore the playground, not worry if they spill a bit of food and play while they eat. They even have a few games you can borrow while you enjoy live music, spy on farm animals in their natural setting and enjoy a picnic-style pizza dining experience.
Suncrest Gardens believes in sustainable practices, so pizzas come in a recyclable to-go box that has a perforated cover that becomes 4 plates and any leftovers can be folded into a small take-home box that fits in your fridge.
S2257 Yaeger Valley Rd., Cochrane, WI; Online: suncrestgardensfarm.com
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Winghaven Pizza Farm
Gorgeous views and stellar live music all season long is what you'll find at Winghaven Pizza Farm. Their stone-fired thin crust pizza is made fresh to order, regional beer craft beer and wine will wash it down and kids will enjoy locally-inspired snacks (squeaky cheese curds, anyone?).
N18057 Grover Ln., Galesville, WI; Online: winghavenpizzafarm.com
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Farm to Fork Retreat
Referred to locally as the "hippie farm", Farm to Fork's focus is to provide an escape from excess where there's less screen time and more face time. They exist in line with the pace of nature in 18 magical acres that's a mix of forest, river, garden and prairie in Mondavi, WI.
Farm to Fork's pizza nights are finished for the 2020 season, but we wanted to keep them on the list because, well, they're just that good. They're a solid option if you have a large group of up to 16 people who want to camp. Your crew can enjoy wood-fired pizza in a cool refurbished horse barn, beverages from their Milk-House Bar and everybody's favorite outdoor dining treat: s'mores.
S193 County Rd. BB, Mondovi, WI; Online: farmtoforkretreat.com
RECIPES
While some of these farms are quite a hike for Chicagoans, make a note to visit should you pass through the area. Until then, want to try to replicate some of the ooey-gooey cheesy, goodness at home? Give one of these recipes a go!
Wisconsin Alpine-Style Cheese & Prosciutto Flatbreads
The State of Cheese, Wisconsin, wins more awards than any other state, so bring the award-winning tastes of Wisconsin straight to your kitchen by incorporating Roelli’s Little Mountain alpine-style cheese into your next pizza dish! Little Mountain is a washed rind, alpine-style cheese that’s aged and has a smooth, nutty flavor. In 2016, this special cheese received top honors, winning Best of Show in the American Cheese Society’s competition!
This Alpine-Style Cheese and Prosciutto Flatbread recipe takes your pizza flatbread to the next level by incorporating delicious ingredients like arugula, honey and chili paste for an award-winning pairing your family won’t forget!
Wisconsin Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Pizza
No better way to elevate your next DIY pizza by topping with three Wisconsin delicious-gooey cheeses. The Wisconsin Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Pizza combines Renard’s Mozzarella, Cello Parmesan, and Wisconsin Ricotta has never tasted so good!
Wisconsin is home to one of only two Master Cheesemaking Programs in the world, and requires a license—yes license!—to make cheese, so there will be no surprise when you can taste the expertise in every bite! Be on the lookout for the Proudly Wisconsin Badge when shopping to ensure you are incorporating the very best!
Cheesemonger tip: The Ricotta cheese makes this pizza extra rich and creamy. Whey and part-skim ricotta have a firmer texture, and whole milk ricotta is softer and creamier.
— Maria Chambers
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