master-cooks | The Unique Cheese That's Synonymous With St. Louis

Provel cheese is an iconic culinary staple that holds a special place in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. This distinctive cheese blend, known for its creamy texture and mild, smoky flavor, is primarily used as a topping for the region's famous St. Louis-style pizza. Unlike traditional mozzarella-based pizza cheeses, Provel is a unique combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that sets it apart. First crafted in the mid-20th century, Provel quickly became synonymous with the local pizza scene, particularly at the renowned Imo's Pizza. Its low melting point allows it to spread evenly across the pizza, providing a gooey, satisfying bite that locals and visitors alike have come to adore. While it is most commonly associated with pizza, Provel's versatility has led it to be used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes, contributing to its reputation as a beloved regional specialty. Despite its polarizing reception outside of Missouri, where some may find its texture and taste unusual, Provel remains an integral part of St. Louis's culinary identity, cherished for its uniqueness and the distinct flavor it brings to the city's iconic pizza.

The history of and best uses for provel

Provel cheese originated in the 1940s, though its exact beginnings are somewhat unclear. A popular narrative suggests that Hoffman Dairy, a Wisconsin company, developed it specifically for Costa Grocery, an Italian market in St. Louis, with the intention of using it on pizza. The aim was to create a cheese that wouldn’t stretch like mozzarella and would have a sharper flavor. The cheese eventually found its way to restaurateur Ed Imo, who launched Imo's Pizza in the 1960s. This pizzeria has since expanded into a chain with nearly 100 locations, primarily around St. Louis. Imo's is now recognized as a quintessential provider of St. Louis-style pizza, characterized by its thin, cracker-like crust. While the chain didn’t originate this style, their incorporation of provel has significantly shaped what St. Louis pizza is today.

Given its background, provel cheese is primarily associated with pizza (though it’s not universally embraced—some local pizzerias avoid it). However, it has other applications as well: if you order a dish with cheese in St. Louis, such as a sandwich or cheese fries, there’s a good chance provel will be included. Its creamy texture when melted also makes it an excellent choice for a decadent mac and cheese. For the same reason, it’s a great addition to cheeseburgers or grilled cheese sandwiches.

The Unique Cheese That's Synonymous With St. Louis

The history of and best uses for provel

Recommended

Next up