What Is St Louis Cracker Crust Pizza? Why this Pizza is a Must Try

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is a unique style of pizza originating from St. Louis, Missouri. It is known for its thin and crispy crust, topped with a distinctive blend of cheese and sweet tomato sauce. Unlike traditional Italian-style pizzas, St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is square-shaped and cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

What makes St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza stand out is its combination of thin and crispy crust, sweet sauce, and unique cheese blend. The use of Provel cheese, a blend of cheddar, swiss, and provolone, is what truly sets this style of pizza apart. Other distinguishing factors include square slices and a high heat oven that gives the crust its signature crunch.

The origins of this pizza style can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants settled in St. Louis and brought their traditional pizza-making methods with them. However, as the popularity of pizza grew in the city, St. Louis-style pizza evolved to become its own unique style.

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is made by first preparing the dough, which is then rolled out thin and cut into a square shape. It is then topped with a layer of sweet tomato sauce and a generous amount of Provel cheese. Popular toppings include sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms. The pizza is then baked in a high heat oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza can be found in various pizzerias and restaurants throughout St. Louis and its surrounding areas. Some popular spots include Imo’s Pizza, Cecil Whittaker’s Pizza, and Dogtown Pizza. It has also gained popularity in other cities and states, with many restaurants offering their own take on this unique style of pizza.

In terms of health, St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is not considered the healthiest option due to its high calorie and fat content. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Compared to other styles of pizza, St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza stands out for its unique blend of cheese and sweet sauce. Its thin and crispy crust also sets it apart from the thicker crusts of other pizza styles. Whether you prefer traditional Italian-style pizza or are looking for something new and different, St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is definitely worth a try.

Key Takeaways:

• St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is a unique style of pizza known for its thin and crispy crust, provel cheese, square slices, and sweet tomato sauce.
• It originated in St. Louis and is made by baking the pizza on a cracker-like crust with a layer of provel cheese and topped with a sweet tomato sauce.
• Popular toppings for St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza include sausage, pepperoni, onions, and green peppers. It can be found at pizzerias in St. Louis and other Midwest cities.

What Is St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza?

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is a unique style of pizza that originated in St. Louis, Missouri and has become a local favorite. Known for its thin and crispy crust, the pizza is made using a combination of flour, yeast, and water, resulting in a texture that is both crispy and crackery. It is typically topped with Provel cheese, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, and is often cut into squares, known as “party cut.” This delicious pizza is enjoyed by both locals and visitors to the area.

What Makes St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza Unique?

St. Louis cracker crust pizza is a popular regional style of pizza that has gained a cult following for its unique characteristics. In this section, we will delve into what sets this pizza apart from others. From its thin and crispy crust to its unconventional toppings, we will explore the key elements that make St. Louis cracker crust pizza a beloved favorite among pizza enthusiasts. Get ready to discover the distinct qualities that make this pizza stand out from the rest.

Thin and Crispy Crust

The St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is renowned for its distinctive thin and crispy crust, setting it apart from other types of pizza. To achieve this one-of-a-kind crust, the dough is rolled out to a thin consistency and then baked at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza:

1. Start by preparing the pizza dough by combining flour, water, yeast, and salt.
2. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Roll out the dough into a thin and even layer.
4. Place the dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
5. Pre-bake the crust in a hot oven until it turns crisp and golden.
6. Remove the crust from the oven and add your desired toppings.
7. Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Slice and serve the pizza while it is still hot and crispy.

True story: A couple visiting St. Louis for the first time decided to try the local specialty, the St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza. They were blown away by the thin and crispy crust, which offered the perfect combination of texture and flavor. They couldn’t resist the unique style and ended up having St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza every day during their trip. The thin and crispy crust quickly became their new favorite pizza style.

Provel Cheese

Provel cheese is an essential element in the creation of St. Louis cracker crust pizza, contributing to its one-of-a-kind taste and texture. This unique cheese is made by combining cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture and a tangy, slightly smoky flavor. Its high melting point is ideal for creating a golden, bubbly crust when baked. The distinctive taste of Provel cheese complements the sweet tomato sauce and thin, crispy crust, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors.

For pizza lovers, trying Provel cheese is a must in order to truly experience the defining characteristic of St. Louis cracker crust pizza.

Square Slices

Square slices are a defining characteristic of St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza. To achieve this unique shape, the pizza dough is rolled out into a rectangle and then cut into squares before baking. Here are the steps involved in making square slices:

1. Prepare the pizza dough and let it rise.
2. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape.
3. Cut the dough into equal-sized squares using a pizza cutter or knife.
4. Add your desired toppings to each square.
5. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Pro-tip: To ensure even cooking, make sure the squares are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Enjoy the unique taste and texture of St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza with its signature square slices!

Sweet Tomato Sauce

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is known for its distinct sweet tomato sauce. The sauce adds a unique flavor profile to this style of pizza. Here is how the sweet tomato sauce is typically made:

1. Start with a base of crushed or pureed tomatoes.
2. Add sugar to the sauce to create a sweet taste.
3. Season the sauce with spices like garlic, onion, and oregano.
4. Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

To complement the sweetness of the sauce, toppings like Italian sausage, green peppers, and onions are commonly added. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors at local pizzerias in St. Louis, such as Imo’s Pizza or Cecil Whittaker’s Pizzeria.

What Are the Origins of St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza?

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza originated in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. This style of pizza is known for its unique thin and crispy crust, which is the defining characteristic. It is believed to have been created by Italian immigrants who settled in St. Louis in the early 20th century. The pizza has gained popularity both locally and nationally, thanks to its distinct texture achieved by using a high-protein flour and a unique baking method. Today, St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is a beloved specialty of the region, loved by many.

How Is St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza Made?

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is a unique style of pizza known for its thin and crispy crust. Here is a step-by-step guide on how this delicious pizza is made:

1. To make the dough, mix together flour, yeast, salt, and water.
2. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
4. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll them out thinly.
5. Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
6. Add your desired toppings, such as cheese, sauce, and toppings like pepperoni or vegetables.
7. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven until the crust becomes golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza in the comfort of your own home.

What Are Some Popular Toppings for St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza?

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza is renowned for its thin and crispy crust. Some of the most popular toppings for this unique style of pizza include Provel cheese, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone; Italian sausage; and a tangy-sweet pizza sauce. Other frequently chosen toppings include bacon, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms.

In addition to its delicious taste, St. Louis-style pizza is also known for its distinctive square shape. Fun fact: St. Louis is home to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a famous dessert spot that has been serving delectable frozen custard since 1930.

Where Can You Find St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza?

St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza can be found at various pizzerias and restaurants in the St. Louis area. Some popular places to find this unique style of pizza include Imo’s Pizza, Cecil Whittaker’s Pizzeria, and Farotto’s Pizzeria. These establishments have been serving St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza for years and have perfected the art of making it. If you are visiting St. Louis or looking to try this style of pizza, these options are highly recommended. So, if you’re wondering where to find St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza, these places are a great starting point.

Is St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza Healthy?

Is St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza a Healthy Option?

Although delicious, St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza may not be the healthiest choice due to its thin, crispy crust made with a unique blend of flour, yeast, and oil. This results in a higher calorie and fat content compared to other types of pizza crust. Additionally, the toppings and cheese used in this pizza can contribute to its overall calorie and fat load.

However, it’s important to remember that moderation is key and enjoying this pizza as an occasional treat can still be a part of a balanced diet. It’s also important to consider portion sizes and pair it with healthier options, such as a side salad.

How Does St. Louis Cracker Crust Pizza Compare to Other Styles of Pizza?

St. Louis cracker crust pizza stands out in the world of pizza with its unique characteristics. Here’s how it compares to other styles:

1. Thin and crispy: St. Louis cracker crust is thin and crispy, unlike the thicker crusts of New York or Chicago deep-dish.
2. Provel cheese: This style uses Provel cheese, a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, giving it a distinct flavor.
3. Square cuts: St. Louis pizza is typically cut into squares instead of traditional triangular slices.
4. Sweet sauce: The sauce used in St. Louis pizza has a slightly sweeter taste compared to other styles.
5. Unique toppings: St. Louis pizza is known for its unique toppings like Italian sausage, bacon, and pickles.

St. Louis cracker crust pizza originated in the 1940s when Italian immigrants in the area put a twist on traditional pizza. They created a thin, crispy crust and used Provel cheese, which became a local favorite. St. Louis pizza continues to be cherished for its distinctive taste and style.