St. Louis style pizza is a unique variation of pizza that stands out from the more common round, thick-crust or thin-crust pizzas we usually think of when we hear the word “pizza.” Originating from St. Louis, Missouri, this pizza has a distinct style that makes it different from the traditional pizza most people are familiar with. It’s characterized by its thin, crispy crust, the use of a special cheese, and the way it’s cut. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about St. Louis style pizza, from its history to its key features and how to make one at home.
The History of St. Louis Style Pizza
St. Louis style pizza has a rich history that dates back to the 1940s. It was invented by a man named Nino’s, a local restaurant owner in St. Louis, who sought to create a pizza that was different from what was commonly available at the time. Nino’s innovation was the use of a unique, thin, cracker-like crust, which allowed for a crispier and lighter pizza experience compared to the traditional, chewy dough used in other types of pizza.
Over the years, the pizza gained popularity in St. Louis and became a beloved local dish. Today, St. Louis style pizza is still widely enjoyed in the city and has even found fans across the country who appreciate its one-of-a-kind qualities.
Key Features of St. Louis Style Pizza
The Crust
The crust is one of the most important characteristics of St. Louis style pizza. Unlike traditional pizza crusts, which are thick and soft, the crust in this style is thin, crisp, and cracker-like. This type of crust is usually made with a mix of flour, oil, and other ingredients that result in a light and crispy base. The dough does not rise in the same way as regular pizza dough, which is why it has that unique texture.
The crispy crust is perfect for those who enjoy a crunchier bite. It’s often described as having a cracker-like quality, providing a satisfying snap when you bite into it. The crust is so thin that it can easily be folded in half, making it great for eating on the go, just like a slice of pizza.
Provel Cheese
Another signature feature of St. Louis style pizza is the cheese. Unlike traditional pizza, which is often topped with mozzarella cheese, St. Louis style pizza uses a unique cheese called Provel. This cheese is a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss cheeses, and it is known for its smooth, gooey texture and rich flavor. Provel cheese is quite different from mozzarella because it has a firmer texture, which makes it ideal for the thin crust of St. Louis style pizza.
Provel cheese has a distinctive melt that’s different from mozzarella’s. It melts in a way that forms a smooth, creamy layer that perfectly complements the crispy crust. The taste of Provel cheese is savory and rich, giving the pizza a unique flavor that stands out from other types of pizza.
The Toppings
While the toppings on St. Louis style pizza can vary just like any other pizza, some traditional toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. The pizza is often topped with a generous amount of cheese, which is important for balancing out the crispiness of the crust.
St. Louis style pizza can also be topped with more adventurous ingredients, such as anchovies or even pineapple, but it is the combination of Provel cheese and the thin crust that truly makes it stand out. The toppings are spread generously on top of the pizza, creating a perfect harmony of flavor in each bite.
The Shape and Cutting Style
Another key feature of St. Louis style pizza is the shape and cutting style. Unlike the typical round pizza that is cut into wedges, St. Louis style pizza is usually made in a rectangular or square shape. The pizza is then cut into small, rectangular slices, sometimes called “party cut” slices, which are much smaller than traditional pizza slices.
The smaller, square slices make St. Louis style pizza great for sharing, and it’s easy to grab a few pieces at a time. This cutting style has become one of the defining characteristics of St. Louis pizza. It’s a fun and unique way to enjoy pizza, especially when you’re serving it at a party or social gathering.
How St. Louis Style Pizza is Made
Making St. Louis style pizza at home is fairly easy, and it can be a fun cooking project. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients for the Crust
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- ½ cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of white vinegar
Ingredients for the Toppings
- 1 to 1 ½ cups of Provel cheese (or a Provel-style blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss cheese)
- Tomato sauce (about 1 cup)
- Toppings of your choice (such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers)
Directions
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the vegetable oil, water, and vinegar to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about ¼-inch thick. You can shape the dough into a rectangular or square shape, depending on your preference.
Add the sauce and cheese: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of Provel cheese over the sauce, and add any additional toppings you desire.
Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Cut the pizza: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into small, rectangular slices using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Enjoy your homemade St. Louis style pizza with a cold drink and share it with friends and family!
Why is St. Louis Style Pizza Unique?
St. Louis style pizza is unique because it combines several features that set it apart from traditional pizza. The thin, cracker-like crust, the use of Provel cheese, and the small, rectangular slices are all trademarks of this pizza style. It’s also distinctive because of its easy-to-eat nature. The smaller slices make it perfect for sharing, and the crispy crust gives it a satisfying crunch.
Additionally, St. Louis style pizza has a local charm. It’s not as commonly found outside of the St. Louis area, making it a specialty that many people crave when they visit or move to the city. For locals, it’s a nostalgic dish that reminds them of the city’s culinary history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, St. Louis style pizza is a distinct and flavorful take on the traditional pizza. With its thin, crispy crust, Provel cheese, and rectangular slices, it offers a unique pizza experience that has been beloved by locals for decades. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pizza or looking to try something new, St. Louis style pizza offers a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza. If you ever find yourself in St. Louis or want to try something different at home, don’t miss the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind pizza.
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
