St. Louis-Style Pizza vs. Chicago Thin Crust: A Delicious Showdown

If you’re a pizza aficionado, you’ve likely savored the robust ingredients of a Chicago thin crust and the unique flavors of a St. Louis-style pizza. Each boasts a heritage and recipe that sets it apart in the pantheon of pizza styles. But what exactly makes them different, and why do pizza lovers vehemently advocate for one over the other?

In this blog, we’ll slice into what defines these regional delicacies, pitting the crispy, edge-to-edge toppings of St. Louis against the hearty, tomato-rich bite of Chicago’s thin but mighty cousin. Keep reading to explore the various nuances that separate each of these pizza styles and learn more about how Dogtown Pizza stands out in the St. Louis-style pizza vs. Chicago Thin Crust showdown.

The Origins of St. Louis Style Pizza and Chicago Thin Crust

When you dive into the storied past of St. Louis-style pizza and Chicago’s thin crust, you’re not just exploring recipes—you’re journeying through a slice of American history.

The St. Louis pizza recipe emerged with Italian influence but quickly developed a local flair. Unlike the traditional Italian pie, St. Louis pizza distinguishes itself with a cracker-thin base

and the iconic use of Provel cheese—a creamy, tangy, and entirely St. Louis invention.

Meanwhile, the Chicago-style pizza dough tells a tale of evolution. Embedded in the character of the Windy City, this pizza style stepped out from the shadow of its well-known deep-dish relative to offer a crunchier, thinner base that supports a landscape of lavish toppings. Each slice is a testament to Chicago’s bold culinary spirit.

Both of these regional pizza styles stand proud among the pantheon of American pizza varieties, with their unmistakable flavors and textures speaking to their regional roots. As you savor these pizzas, appreciate the ingenuity behind them—the cultural adaptability and local pride that crafted these comforting culinary masterpieces.

The Unique Qualities of St. Louis-Style Pizza

As you indulge in the realm of distinct pizzas, St. Louis-style pizza stands out with its hallmark features. It’s not merely another variant in the diverse pizza family; it’s a piece of culinary artistry reflective of its namesake city.

What sets it apart are two main ingredients that define its character: a thin, cracker-like crust and the creamy blend of Provel cheese, catered specifically to those with a palette for the unique.

The foundation of any great pizza is its crust, and for St. Louis-style pizza, this is where the magic begins. Unlike other pizza doughs that puff up in the oven, St. Louis pizza boasts a crust that’s impossibly thin and baked until it achieves a nearly brittle, cracker-like texture.

While St. Louis-style pizza toppings can vary greatly, the one constant is the iconic Provel cheese. A part of the city’s edible heritage, Provel is a velvety blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that melds into a tangy, slightly smoky sensation unlike any other cheese used in pizza topping.

It stretches luxuriously with every pull of a slice yet has a distinct texture that doesn’t overpower the dish’s cracker-like crust. St. Louis-style pizza wouldn’t be what it is without this signature cheese, crowning it as a true taste sensation of the Midwest.

Flavor Profile Showdown: St. Louis Style vs Chicago Thin Crust

St. Louis-style pizza presents a taste experience that is both sharp and smooth, largely due to the singular Provel cheese. With a thin, cracker-like crust at its base, each slice crackles upon the first bite, giving way to the creamy, slightly smoky cheese and tangy, sweet tomato sauce. Traditional topping options tend to be simpler in St. Louis style, emphasizing quality over quantity and letting the unique texture and flavor of the Provel shine through.

In contrast, your taste buds will identify the robust nature of Chicago’s thin crust almost instantly. The crust, though thin, has a more substantial texture and allows for a generous allocation of toppings.

You will also notice the sauce is more seasoned, often with a bolder herbal blend, diligently supporting a more extensive and more varied assortment of toppings. The cheese, typically mozzarella, melts into a stretchy layer that envelopes ingredients such as sausage, vegetables, and even giardiniera, creating a heftier, zestier bite.

As you mull over St. Louis-style pizza vs. Chicago’s thin crust, consider the harmony of ingredients—how the flavors and textures come together on each pizza. Are you in favor of the minimalist yet distinct approach of St. Louis’s creation, or do you prefer the hearty, full-flavored tradition of Chicago’s buttery, thin crust? The delicacies of these pizza styles extend beyond mere topping choices to encompass regional tastes, culinary traditions, and the art of pizza making itself.

Choosing the Right Toppings and Cheese for Authentic Flavors

While the perfect pizza crust sets the base, the toppings are the soul of your St. Louis-style pizza. Begin with a modest amount of sauce—too much will overwhelm the delicate crust. For cheese, Provel is non-negotiable. This creamy, smoky cheese is the cornerstone of the authentic St. Louis pizza experience.

When it comes to toppings, opt for sliced (rather than crumbled) meats to maintain the pizza’s unique texture and finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a nod to its Italian-American roots.

• Provel cheese for a true St. Louis flavor profile.
• Thinly sliced pepperoni or sausage to complement the thin crust.
• A light layer of tomato sauce to balance the rich cheese and toppings.
• Freshly sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and freshness.

Discover the Unique Flavors of St. Louis-style pizza with Dogtown Pizza

Whether you crave the straightforward and unique essence of the St. Louis style pizza toppings or the generous, flavor-packed journey of a Chicago thin crust, it’s clear that both styles have honed their toppings to create a pizza experience like no other. They may share a regional proximity, but the difference in their topping choices is a testament to the diversity and innovation found in American culinary arts.

Dogtown Pizza invites you to dive into a rich tapestry of flavors that make our pizzas stand out in the world of frozen delights. Our commitment to using fresh, all-natural ingredients ensures that every bite transports you to the heart of St. Louis culinary excellence.

Choosing Dogtown Pizza isn’t just about a savory meal; it’s about embracing a tradition rooted in quality and local heritage. Our wide variety of flavors, from classic Cheese and Pepperoni to the unique Hot Chicken and Tomato Basil Garlic, offers something for every palate.

As a proud local St. Louis brand, we’re not just selling pizzas; we’re sharing a piece of our community with you. Don’t miss out on this delicious experience. Connect with us today and bring the authentic taste of St. Louis-style pizza to your table!