What do you have when you place Mexican street corn on a pizza? Irving does. Flavors in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area are big, and ideas are innovative. Elotes pizza in Irving is the stuff of legend. It pairs the smoky Mexican street corn with the comfort of a traditional pie. Envision blackened corn kernels, creamy cotija cheese, lime juice splash, and chili spice on top of a golden, hand-tossed crust. The toppings' sweet, tangy, and spicy harmony creates an unforgettable pizza.
Similar to Romano's Pizza Kitchen, where the dough is kneaded daily and cooked fresh, these insider tips allow you to duplicate this DFW favorite in your own kitchen. No matter if you're a professional chef or just a weekend pizza buff, this guide provides restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.
The Magic of Elotes Pizza: Why This Mashup Works
Elotes pizza reimagines a Mexican classic as a piece of heaven. How it is done: Take corn on the cob and convert it into a colorful, full-textured, and flavorful meal. Sweet corn is matched to perfection with zesty cheese and lime. Chili powder adds warmth and depth. Each bite is crunchy, creamy, and smoky, reflecting Irving's multicultural dining scene.
As of 2025, this combination is still one of DFW's best vegetarian selections. It is crispy outside, soft inside, and full of robust flavor.
Insider Tip #1: Begin with the Dough for Flawless Texture
The key to a great pizza is the dough. Romano's Pizza Kitchen uses hand-kneaded, slow-risen dough for taste and texture.
Making it at home:
Combine flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Knead to smooth the elastic. Rest it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Slow rising produces a chewy, airy crust that can withstand elote's toppings.
Before forming, dust your counter with semolina so the dough will not stick. Stretch the dough delicately instead of rolling it out. This keeps the air bubbles intact and has the crust remaining crunchy beneath creamy toppings.
Insider Tip #2: Develop Strong Toppings That Balance Taste
Toppings create the personality of your pizza. To make elotes pizza Irving-style, start with a base that captures Mexican street corn.
Spread Mexican crema or light tomato sauce for a touch of tang.
- Add charred corn kernels for smoky flavor.
- Use mozzarella or queso fresco for a melt that's just right.
- Top with cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili-lime seasoning before baking.
Keep toppings in proportion to prevent sogginess. Preheat oven to 500°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for uniform color. To produce a true Romano's flair, drizzle with hot honey once baked to balance heat and sweetness.
Insider Tip #3: Tools and Tweaks for Home Success
You don't need an oven made of wood to achieve pizzeria-quality. The same effect is achieved with a preheated pizza steel or stone. Preheat it for an hour before baking for a simulation of Romano's stone oven crust.
Transfer on a pizza peel with parchment for smooth, silky transfers. Keep 12-inch pies for the best effect. They're easy to handle and serve two to three people.
For a dairy-free or vegan option, replace crema with plant-based cheese and cashew sauce. The flavor is still rich and satisfying. These minor tweaks, inspired by Romano's Pizza Kitchen, bring gourmet pizza to your home kitchen.
Growing Your Pizza Repertoire with Regional Twists
The DFW metro area is filled with pizza creativity. Just beyond Irving, pizza in Carrollton has its own creative spin. Most artisan pizzerias, including Romano's, become masters of fresh dough, locally sourced ingredients, and creative toppings.
Try new iterations like:
- Potato-topped pizzas for the comfort factor
- Pepperoni and hot honey for a sweet and spicy bite
- Veggie-dominant pies with roasted peppers and mushrooms
Finish your elotes pizza with a crisp IPA or Mexican soda to balance richness. For dessert, roll over leftover dough to form cinnamon-sugar sticks for a churro-like snack.
Pizza perfection is within reach. With these behind-the-scenes tips from Romano's Pizza Kitchen, you can bring the richness of flavor of elotes pizza in Irving to your table. From hand-kneaded dough to creative toppings, every step adds texture and authenticity.
Preheat your oven, collect your ingredients, and toast the DFW tradition of fresh, bold pizza. Your next slice might be your best yet.