Forget maple syrup and Ben & Jerry’s for a moment.

Vermont’s got a secret weapon in its culinary arsenal: pizza that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about cheese and dough.

1. The Parker Pie Company (West Glover)

Nestled in the Northeast Kingdom, The Parker Pie Company is like finding a gourmet truffle in your backyard.

This red barn-turned-pizzeria is the epitome of “don’t judge a book by its cover.”

From the outside, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a quaint country store.

But step inside, and you’re transported to pizza paradise.

The rustic charm hits you like a warm hug.

Wood-paneled walls, mismatched chairs, and the aroma of freshly baked pies create an atmosphere that’s cozier than your favorite flannel shirt.

It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see a moose walk in and order a slice.

But let’s talk about the star of the show: the pizza.

These pies are so good, they could make a New Yorker question their loyalty.

The crust is thin and crispy, with just the right amount of chew.

It’s the perfect canvas for their locally-sourced toppings, which change with the seasons faster than a Vermont weather forecast.

Try the veggie pie if you want to taste the garden of Eden on a pizza.

Or go for the chicken and bacon ranch if you’re feeling particularly indulgent.

Either way, you’ll be plotting your next visit before you’ve finished your first slice.

And here’s a pro tip: grab a seat on the deck during summer.

The view of the rolling hills paired with a cold local brew and a hot pizza?

That’s what I call a Vermont trifecta.

2. Positive Pie (Montpelier)

In the heart of Vermont’s capital, Positive Pie is serving up slices with a side of good vibes.

This place is cooler than a polar bear’s toenails, with its exposed brick walls and funky art that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a hip Brooklyn joint – except everyone’s nicer and nobody’s trying too hard.

The name “Positive Pie” isn’t just clever wordplay; it’s a philosophy.

These folks are so upbeat, they could make a rainy day feel like a party.

But let’s be real, it’s hard not to be positive when you’re surrounded by the smell of bubbling cheese and fresh dough.

Their pizzas are like edible works of art.

The pesto chicken is a green dream that would make even the Hulk jealous.

And the BBQ pulled pork pizza?

It’s so good, it might just make you forget about those fancy Vermont cheese plates for a hot minute.

But here’s where Positive Pie really shines: they’ve mastered the art of the perfect slice.

Thin enough to fold (for all you New York-style purists), but sturdy enough to hold up under the weight of their generous toppings.

It’s a balancing act worthy of Cirque du Soleil.

And if you’re lucky enough to catch some live music while you’re there, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Nothing pairs better with great pizza than some local tunes – except maybe a craft beer from their impressive selection.

3. Folino’s (Shelburne)

Folino’s in Shelburne is like that quiet kid in high school who turned out to be a secret genius.

Tucked away in a red barn that looks like it should be housing tractors instead of pizza ovens, this place is the definition of a hidden gem.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by the sight of a massive wood-fired oven that looks like it could have been stolen from the set of “The Flintstones.”

This beast is the heart and soul of Folino’s, cranking out pizzas faster than you can say “extra cheese, please.”

The menu is simple, but don’t let that fool you.

These pizzas are more complex than a Rubik’s Cube.

The Margherita is a classic done right, with a crust that’s charred in all the right places and a tomato sauce so fresh, you’d swear they have a garden out back.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, try the potato bacon.

It’s like all your favorite breakfast items decided to crash a pizza party.

Trust me, it works.

Here’s the kicker: Folino’s is BYOB.

That’s right, bring your own beverage.

It’s like they’re daring you to pair their perfect pizzas with that obscure craft beer you’ve been saving.

Challenge accepted!

And while you’re waiting for your pie (which won’t be long, thanks to that beast of an oven), take a moment to chat with the staff.

They’re friendlier than a golden retriever and just as excited about pizza as you are.

4. Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge (Stowe)

Piecasso in Stowe is where pizza meets modern art.

No, they’re not serving slices on canvases (although that’s not a bad idea), but the creativity here is off the charts.

It’s like Jackson Pollock decided to open a pizzeria, but with better aim and more cheese.

The interior is a feast for the eyes, with its funky decor and colorful murals.

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to snap photos for your Instagram before you even see the food.

But trust me, save some phone storage for the pizzas – they’re the real showstoppers.

Their menu reads like a “Who’s Who” of pizza royalty.

The Picasso is a masterpiece of mozzarella, tomatoes, brocolli, garlic, and fresh basil that would make the great artist himself weep with joy.

But here’s where Piecasso really shines: their crust.

It’s crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold up to even the most ambitious toppings.

It’s like the Superman of pizza crusts – able to leap tall piles of toppings in a single bound.

And let’s not forget about the bar.

With its sleek design and impressive selection of local brews, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Because nothing says “après-ski” like a gourmet pizza and a cold beer, right?

5. Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza (Bennington)

Ramunto’s in Bennington is like that friend who always shows up to the party with the best snacks.

Except in this case, the snack is a pizza that’s bigger than your head and twice as satisfying.

This place is the definition of “no frills.”

The decor is simple, the tables are no-nonsense, and the focus is 100% on the pizza.

It’s refreshing, really – like a palate cleanser for your eyes before the main event.

And boy, what a main event it is.

Their brick oven pizzas are the stuff of legend.

The crust is thin and crispy, with just enough char to remind you that it was kissed by fire.

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It’s the kind of crust that makes you want to eat your pizza backwards, saving the best for last.

The chicken bacon ranch is a crowd-pleaser that’ll make you question why all pizzas don’t come with ranch.

And the meat lovers?

It’s got more protein than a bodybuilder’s breakfast.

But here’s a pro tip: don’t sleep on their calzones.

These bad boys are the size of a small child and packed with enough cheese to make a dairy farmer blush.

It’s like they took all the goodness of their pizzas and folded it into a portable, handheld miracle.

And if you’re feeling particularly brave (or particularly hungry), take on the “Shay’s Rebellion” challenge.

Finish a 28-inch pizza in an hour, and you’ll earn your place in Ramunto’s hall of fame.

Just maybe don’t plan any strenuous activities for the rest of the day.

Or week.

6. American Flatbread (Burlington)

American Flatbread in Burlington is like the hippie cousin of the pizza world – organic, free-spirited, and surprisingly sophisticated.

Housed in a charming building that looks like it could tell stories from the 1800s, this place is serving up slices of Vermont history along with their pies.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by the warm glow of a wood-fired oven that looks like it could have been used to forge Excalibur.

This isn’t just any oven – it’s the heart and soul of American Flatbread, churning out pizzas (sorry, “flatbreads”) that are nothing short of magical.

The menu is a love letter to local ingredients.

But let’s talk about that crust.

It’s thin, it’s crispy, and it’s got more character than a Jane Austen novel.

Each bite is a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, with just a hint of smokiness from the wood-fired oven.

And the atmosphere?

It’s cozier than a bear hug from a Vermonter.

The communal tables encourage you to strike up a conversation with your neighbor – who knows, you might just make a new friend over your shared love of perfectly charred crust.

7. Poultney House of Pizza (Poultney)

Poultney House of Pizza is the unassuming superhero of the Vermont pizza scene.

From the outside, it looks like any small-town pizza joint.

But step inside, and you’ll discover a world of cheesy, saucy delights that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about pizza.

This place is as no-frills as it gets.

The decor looks like it hasn’t changed since the ’80s, and that’s part of its charm.

It’s like stepping into a time machine, except the pizza is decidedly modern and mouthwatering.

Their Greek-style pizza is the stuff of legends.

The crust is thick and chewy, with crispy edges that’ll make you fight over the corner pieces.

It’s the kind of pizza that doesn’t so much sit in the pan as it does dominate it.

The house special is a mountain of toppings that’ll make you wonder how they fit it all on one pizza.

It’s like they took everything in the kitchen and said, “Yeah, that’ll work.”

And you know what?

It does.

But here’s the real kicker: their gyros.

Yes, you read that right.

A pizza place that also serves killer gyros.

It’s like they couldn’t decide between being a pizzeria or a Greek restaurant, so they said, “Why not both?”

And we’re all better for it.

The staff here treats you like family – the kind of family that feeds you until you can’t move and then offers you dessert anyway.

It’s the epitome of small-town hospitality, served with a side of some of the best pizza in Vermont.

8. Pizzeria Verità (Burlington)

Pizzeria Verità in Burlington is like that exchange student who came to your high school and made everyone instantly cooler.

It’s bringing a taste of Naples to New England, and doing it with more style than a Milan fashion show.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the aroma of wood-fired perfection and the buzz of happy diners.

The decor is sleek and modern, with an open kitchen that lets you watch the pizza magic happen.

It’s dinner and a show, minus the cheesy cabaret.

Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are the real deal, certified by the pizza police of Naples (yes, that’s a thing).

The crust is thin and bubbly, with those perfect leopard spots that make pizza aficionados weak at the knees.

It’s so authentic, you half expect to hear Italian being spoken at the next table.

The Margherita is simplicity at its finest – San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.

It’s like a caprese salad that decided to reinvent itself as a pizza, and we’re here for it.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, the Funghi with its medley of mushrooms will take you on a trip through a gourmet forest.

And let’s not forget about their cocktail game.

The bar here is slinging drinks that are as carefully crafted as their pizzas.

Pro tip: Save room for the Nutella pizza for dessert.

It’s like all your childhood dreams came true and landed on a pizza crust.

9. Goodman’s American Pie (Ludlow)

Goodman’s American Pie in Ludlow is the pizza equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt.

It’s comforting, it’s generous, and it always leaves you feeling better than when you arrived.

Housed in a charming building that looks like it could be on a postcard, Goodman’s is serving up slices of Americana with a Vermont twist.

The interior is cozy and unpretentious, with a vibe that says, “Come as you are, leave as family.”

Their wood-fired pizzas are the star of the show, emerging from the oven with a perfectly blistered crust that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

It’s the kind of crust that makes you rethink your stance on leaving the pizza bones behind.

The Vermonter pizza is a local favorite, loaded with apple, cheddar, and bacon.

It’s like someone took all the best parts of a Vermont gift basket and put it on a pizza.

And it works.

Oh boy, does it work.

But don’t sleep on their buffalo chicken pizza.

It’s got enough kick to wake up your taste buds, but not so much that you’ll be breathing fire.

It’s the Goldilocks of spicy pizzas – just right.

The best part?

Goodman’s has that small-town charm where the staff remembers your name and your order.

It’s the kind of place where you might come in for a quick slice and end up staying for hours, chatting with the locals and debating the merits of thin crust versus thick.

From barn-turned-pizzerias to Neapolitan-certified gems, Vermont’s pizza scene is as diverse and exciting as its famous fall foliage.

So grab a slice, raise a local brew, and toast to the Green Mountain State’s cheesy, saucy, crusty wonders.

Your taste buds will thank you.