St. Louis-style pizza, known for its cracker-thin crust and unique Provel cheese blend, isn’t traditionally vegan. However, creative chefs and pizza enthusiasts have found ways to adapt this regional favorite to suit plant-based diets. Vegan versions typically swap out the dairy-based Provel for plant-based cheese alternatives and replace meat toppings with vegetable options or plant-based meat substitutes.
Several pizzerias in St. Louis now offer vegan-friendly versions of their signature style. These adaptations maintain the distinct characteristics of St. Louis-style pizza, such as the thin crust and square-cut slices, while catering to those following a vegan lifestyle. Some establishments even experiment with innovative toppings and sauces to create unique vegan flavor combinations that appeal to a wide range of diners.
Understanding St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza stands out with its unique characteristics and local popularity. This regional pizza variant has several distinctive features that set it apart from other pizza styles.
Characteristics of St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and square-cut slices. The pizza typically measures about 12 inches in diameter but is cut into small squares rather than triangular slices. This cutting style, known as “party cut” or “tavern cut,” makes the pizza easy to share and eat.
The toppings on St. Louis-style pizza are often applied edge-to-edge, covering the entire surface of the crust. Common toppings include Italian sausage, bacon, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
Provel Cheese: A Signature Ingredient
Provel cheese is a key component of authentic St. Louis-style pizza. This processed cheese blend combines cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. It has a low melting point, creating a gooey texture when heated.
Provel cheese offers a tangy, slightly smoky flavor profile. Its creamy consistency allows it to melt evenly across the pizza surface. This unique cheese is rarely found outside the St. Louis area, contributing to the pizza’s distinct regional identity.
The Cracker-Like Crust
The crust of St. Louis-style pizza is notably thin and crisp, often described as cracker-like. It’s made without yeast, resulting in a dense, crunchy texture. The dough is rolled out very thin, usually no more than 1/8 inch thick.
This thin crust doesn’t rise during baking, maintaining its crispness. It provides a sturdy base for the toppings and cheese, allowing for easy handling of the small square slices.
Popularity and Background
St. Louis-style pizza originated in the 1960s and has since become a beloved local specialty. It gained popularity through establishments like Imo’s Pizza, founded in 1964. This pizza style reflects the city’s Italian-American heritage.
Despite its strong local following, St. Louis-style pizza remains relatively unknown outside the Midwest. Its unique characteristics have sparked debates among pizza enthusiasts, with some praising its distinct flavor and others preferring more traditional styles.
The pizza’s popularity in St. Louis has led to its inclusion on menus beyond pizzerias, appearing in sports stadiums and local events. It represents a piece of St. Louis culinary culture, enjoyed by locals and curious visitors alike.
The Vegan Challenge
Creating vegan St. Louis-style pizza presents unique hurdles but also exciting opportunities for innovation. Chefs and home cooks alike are finding creative ways to replicate traditional flavors and textures using plant-based ingredients.
Challenges in Making Vegan St. Louis-Style Pizza
The signature Provel cheese blend poses the biggest obstacle in veganizing St. Louis-style pizza. This processed cheese combines cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, creating a distinctive gooey texture and tangy flavor. Replicating this unique cheese is crucial for an authentic taste.
The cracker-thin crust traditionally contains animal products like butter or lard. Developing a vegan crust that maintains the characteristic crispness requires experimentation with plant-based fats and binding agents.
Toppings like Italian sausage and pepperoni are staples of St. Louis-style pizza. Finding plant-based alternatives that capture the spicy, savory flavors of these meats is essential for a satisfying vegan version.
Vegan Cheese Alternatives
Several vegan cheese options can mimic the melty quality of Provel:
- Cashew-based cheeses
- Coconut oil blends
- Tapioca starch mixtures
These alternatives aim to recreate the stretchy texture and tangy flavor profile of traditional Provel. Some recipes combine different plant-based cheeses to achieve a more complex taste.
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and can be sprinkled on top for extra umami. Experimenting with fermented nut cheeses can also help develop the sharp, aged notes found in dairy-based versions.
Plant-Based Meats and Vegan Toppings
Vegan meat alternatives have come a long way in recent years. Options for St. Louis-style pizza include:
- Seitan-based sausage crumbles
- Soy or pea protein pepperoni slices
- Mushroom-based bacon bits
These plant-based meats can be seasoned to mimic traditional pizza toppings. Spices like fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes help recreate authentic flavors.
Vegetable toppings add nutrition and flavor to vegan St. Louis-style pizza. Popular choices include:
- Roasted red peppers
- Caramelized onions
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Artichoke hearts
Fresh herbs like basil and oregano provide a burst of flavor and aroma. Vegan parmesan made from ground nuts or seeds can be sprinkled on top for a finishing touch.
Vegan Pizza Variations
Vegan pizza options have expanded beyond traditional styles to include popular regional variations. These plant-based adaptations cater to diverse tastes while maintaining the essence of beloved pizza styles.
New York-Style Vegan Pizza
New York-style vegan pizza replicates the thin, crispy crust and wide slices characteristic of the Big Apple. Vegan cheese alternatives, often made from cashews or coconut oil, mimic the stretchy texture of traditional mozzarella. Toppings may include:
- Plant-based pepperoni
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Fresh basil
The sauce typically remains unchanged, as traditional tomato sauce is already vegan-friendly. Some pizzerias offer a garlic-infused olive oil base for a flavorful twist.
Neapolitan and Chicago-Style Vegan Pizzas
Neapolitan vegan pizza stays true to its Italian roots with a thin, wood-fired crust. Toppings are minimal, focusing on high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and vegan buffalo mozzarella.
Chicago-style deep dish presents a heartier vegan option. The thick crust is often made with olive oil instead of butter. Layers include:
- Vegan cheese
- Chunky tomato sauce
- Plant-based sausage or vegetables
Both styles demonstrate that classic pizza forms can be successfully veganized without compromising taste or texture.
Vegan-Friendly Innovations in Pizza
Innovation in vegan pizza extends beyond replicating traditional styles. Creative chefs are developing unique plant-based offerings:
- Cauliflower crusts provide a gluten-free base
- Cashew cream sauces replace dairy-based alternatives
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy
- Jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork or chicken
Some pizzerias experiment with unconventional toppings like roasted squash, pine nuts, or arugula to create gourmet vegan pizzas. These innovations cater to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions, expanding the appeal of vegan pizza.
Dining Out: St. Louis Vegan Pizza Scene
St. Louis offers a growing selection of vegan-friendly pizzerias catering to plant-based diets. Local establishments have embraced creative toppings and dairy-free cheese alternatives to craft delicious vegan pies.
Top Vegan-Friendly Pizzerias in St. Louis
Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza stands out for its authentic Neapolitan-style vegan options. They offer plant-based cheese and a variety of vegetable toppings. Pie Guy Pizza is another popular spot, known for its New York-style slices with vegan alternatives.
Mellow Mushroom provides a laid-back atmosphere and an extensive vegan menu. Their pizzas feature Daiya cheese and a wide array of veggie toppings. Peel Wood Fired Pizza in Clayton also caters to vegan diners with customizable plant-based pies.
O+O Pizza and Pizzeria Da Gloria have joined the vegan-friendly scene, offering innovative topping combinations and dairy-free cheese options.
Local Favorites: Pizza Head, Seedz Cafe, and More
Pizza Head has become a staple in the St. Louis vegan community. This punk rock-inspired pizzeria serves New York-style pies with vegan cheese, pepperoni, and sausage options. Their 20-inch pizzas and by-the-slice offerings make it a go-to spot for plant-based pizza lovers.
Seedz Cafe, while not exclusively a pizzeria, offers delicious vegan flatbreads. Their creative toppings include cashew cheese and locally-sourced vegetables. Peace Love Coffee provides a cozy atmosphere for enjoying vegan pizza options.
Tree House Vegetarian Restaurant features unique vegan pizza creations alongside their diverse plant-based menu. These local favorites demonstrate St. Louis’s commitment to serving high-quality vegan pizzas.
Making Vegan St. Louis-Style Pizza at Home
Creating vegan St. Louis-style pizza at home is possible with a few key adjustments. The main components to focus on are the cracker-thin crust, vegan cheese substitute, and carefully selected toppings.
Homemade Vegan Provel-Style Cheese
Provel cheese is a crucial element of St. Louis-style pizza. To replicate its flavor and texture in a vegan version, blend cashews, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch. Add a touch of liquid smoke for that distinctive smoky taste.
Soak raw cashews overnight, then drain and blend with nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, salt, and a small amount of liquid smoke. Adjust the consistency with plant-based milk as needed.
This vegan cheese alternative melts well and provides a similar gooey texture to traditional Provel. Spread it generously over the pizza before baking for authentic results.
DIY Vegan St. Louis-Style Pizza Recipes
Start with a cracker-thin crust made from flour, water, salt, and a small amount of oil. Roll it out very thinly to achieve the signature crisp texture. For the sauce, use a simple blend of tomato paste, water, and Italian herbs.
Top the pizza with the vegan Provel-style cheese and classic St. Louis toppings like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. For a meaty texture, add plant-based sausage crumbles or thinly sliced seitan.
Bake the pizza on a preheated stone or baking sheet at a high temperature until the crust is crispy and the vegan cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into squares for the authentic St. Louis experience.
Conclusion
St. Louis-style pizza presents challenges for vegan diners. Its traditional ingredients like Provel cheese and meat toppings are not plant-based.
Some pizzerias now offer vegan versions of St. Louis-style pizza. These feature dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based meats.
Imo’s Pizza, a St. Louis institution, has added Impossible meat toppings. This gives vegan pizza lovers a chance to experience the city’s iconic style.
Pizza enthusiasts visiting St. Louis can find vegan options with some research. Several local restaurants cater to plant-based diets with creative alternatives.
The availability of vegan St. Louis-style pizza continues to grow. This allows more people to enjoy the unique thin crust and square-cut slices.
While not widespread, vegan St. Louis-style pizza exists for those seeking it out. Pizza lovers following a plant-based diet can still participate in this regional culinary tradition.
