Pizza Recipies and Cooking Method-St. Louis Pizza

 Pizza Recipies and Cooking Method

St. Louis Pizza

St. Louis pizza is a distinctive and beloved style of pizza that stands out due to its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust and its unique cheese blend. Originating in the heart of Missouri, this regional favorite is cut into small, square pieces known as "party cuts," making it perfect for sharing. The crust is unleavened, giving it a crispy texture that differs significantly from the doughy bases of other pizza styles.

The hallmark of St. Louis pizza is its use of Provel cheese, a blend of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar. This cheese melts into a creamy, gooey topping that complements the crispy crust beautifully. Traditional toppings often include a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, and fresh vegetables, but the real star is the Provel cheese.

Baking at high temperatures ensures the crust remains crunchy while the cheese becomes perfectly molten. This pizza style is a true delight for those who enjoy a unique twist on the classic pizza experience. Whether you’re in St. Louis or making it at home, St. Louis pizza offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Recipe: St. Louis Pizza

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2/3 cup (160ml) water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:

• 1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

• 2 cups (200g) shredded Provel cheese (or a blend of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar if Provel is unavailable)
• Pepperoni slices
• Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• Sliced mushrooms
• Sliced bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
   • Add the water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 3-5 minutes until smooth.

2. Shape the Dough:

   • Roll out the dough very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) on a piece of parchment paper. The dough should be in a large circle or rectangle to fit your baking sheet.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the rolled-out dough.
   • Sprinkle the shredded Provel cheese evenly over the sauce.
   • Add the pepperoni slices, crumbled sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

5. Bake the Pizza:

   • Transfer the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto a baking sheet.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Cut the pizza into small, square pieces (party cuts) and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade St. Louis pizza, savoring each crispy, cheesy bite!