If you’ve ever wondered how to capture the crisp, cheesy perfection of a true Midwestern classic, this St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe is your golden ticket. Characterized by its ultra-thin crust, smoky blend of cheeses, and square slices, this pizza brings a unique twist that’s utterly delicious and surprisingly simple to make right at home. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with an authentic regional favorite, this recipe will guide you through each step with warmth and enthusiasm, ensuring every bite delivers that signature St. Louis charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that combine to create a flavor-packed experience. Each component plays a vital role—from the perfectly thin crust to the special cheese blend that sets this pizza apart.
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for an ultra-thin yet sturdy crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness of the corn syrup and richness of the cheeses.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Provides just enough lift to keep the crust from becoming too dense.
- 2 tsp olive oil: Adds moisture and a slight fruity note while helping achieve that perfect crust texture.
- 1 tsp light corn syrup: A little sweetness to balance the smoky and savory layers that follow.
- ½ cup warm water: Activates the baking powder and brings the dough together smoothly.
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and essential for that bold St. Louis cheese flavor.
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Adds a nutty creaminess that elevates the cheese blend.
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded: Brings a mild tang and perfect meltiness to the topping trio.
- ½ tsp liquid smoke: The secret ingredient that imparts a subtle smoky undertone without needing a grill.
- 1/3 cup pizza sauce: Use as much or as little as you prefer for a balanced tomato base.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning: Blends oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic pizza aroma.
- Your favorite pizza toppings: Think classic pepperoni or something more adventurous—the choice is yours!
How to Make St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by placing a pizza stone in your oven and preheating it to 450ºF. The stone ensures your thin crust crisps evenly and gains that perfect texture everyone loves about St. Louis style pizza. If you don’t have a pizza stone, a heavy baking sheet will work in a pinch!
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, light corn syrup, and warm water, mixing until the dough forms a smooth ball. This dough is designed to roll out paper-thin, so once it’s ready, place it on parchment paper and carefully roll it out as thin as you can manage. The thinness is key to that signature crisp and crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread your pizza sauce evenly across the rolled-out crust, being mindful not to oversaturate and compromise crispness. In a separate bowl, toss your shredded white cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheese with the liquid smoke—this magical step infuses the cheese with that smoky depth unique to the St. Louis style. Scatter this cheese blend over the sauced crust. Add your favorite toppings on top, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning to tie everything together.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Using a sturdy cookie sheet or pizza peel, transfer your pizza—still on the parchment paper—onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese turns golden bubbly and the crust is a lovely brown. Once out of the oven, allow the pizza to cool for 3 to 5 minutes to set the cheese before slicing into those iconic square pieces that make St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe truly stand out.
How to Serve St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten and personalize your St. Louis style pizza. A scattering of freshly torn basil or a drizzle of olive oil adds freshness and a pop of color, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can kick things up just right for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overpower its distinct character. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables complement the richness of the cheese and the subtle smokiness flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next pizza night, serve the St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe alongside a flight of craft beers or a selection of your favorite wines. Present the pizza on a wooden board or cutting board to enhance the rustic, welcoming vibe this dish naturally carries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. St. Louis style pizza keeps well for up to 3 days, with the crust maintaining much of its crispness when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolled-out dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. For baked pizza, wrap individual slices and freeze in a sealed container to enjoy future servings with minimal fuss.
Reheating
To revive that crispy thin crust and melty cheese, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 375ºF for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture vivid and delightful.
FAQs
What makes St. Louis style pizza different from other pizzas?
It stands out due to its extremely thin, cracker-like crust, unique blend of cheeses including white cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, and the use of liquid smoke for a subtly smoky flavor. Plus, it’s traditionally sliced into squares rather than wedges.
Can I use other cheeses if I don’t have Swiss or provolone?
Absolutely! While Swiss and provolone are classic, you can substitute with mozzarella or fontina for similar melting properties and mild flavor. The key is to maintain a balance of sharp and creamy cheeses.
Do I have to use a pizza stone?
A pizza stone helps achieve that crisp crust by evenly distributing heat, but if you don’t have one, a heavy baking sheet will do. Just preheat it to mimic the stone’s effect as closely as possible.
Is the corn syrup necessary in the dough?
Yes, the light corn syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors and helps give the crust a tender texture that’s true to this style.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but results may vary. The key to the thin, crisp crust depends on the flour’s protein content, so finding a blend suited for pizza crusts will give the best outcome.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Its unique crust, smoky cheesy blend, and fresh toppings create a pizza experience unlike any other. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself, this recipe invites you to enjoy pizza night the St. Louis way—crispy, cheesy, and full of heart.
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St. Louis Style Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This St. Louis Style Pizza recipe features a thin, cracker-like crust topped with a blend of white cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheeses infused with a hint of liquid smoke. The pizza is baked to perfection on a preheated pizza stone, resulting in a crisp crust and golden, bubbly cheese. Finished with Italian seasoning and your favorite toppings, this pizza is served cut into squares for a classic St. Louis style experience.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp light corn syrup
- ½ cup warm water
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ tsp liquid smoke
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce (more or less to taste)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Favorite pizza toppings
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pizza Stone: Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 450ºF to ensure a hot surface for baking the pizza.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, olive oil, light corn syrup, and warm water until thoroughly combined to form a dough ball.
- Roll Out the Crust: On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough as thin as possible to create the signature thin St. Louis style crust.
- Add Sauce to Crust: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, covering the entire surface.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Toss the shredded white cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheeses together with the liquid smoke to infuse a smoky flavor, then sprinkle evenly over the sauced crust.
- Add Toppings and Seasoning: Place your favorite pizza toppings on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning to add herbal notes.
- Bake the Pizza: Using the parchment paper and a cookie sheet or pizza peel, transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the crust is crispy and brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 3-5 minutes, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Rolling the crust paper-thin is key to achieving the authentic St. Louis style crispiness.
- Liquid smoke enhances the cheese flavor but can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
- A pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat; if unavailable, use a preheated baking sheet.
- Cutting the pizza into squares is traditional for St. Louis style pizzas, differing from typical triangular slices.
- Feel free to customize with a variety of favorite pizza toppings to tailor the pizza to your taste.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
