Imo’s Pizza Recipe: How to Make the Perfect St. Louis Pie

If you’re a pizza lover searching for a unique and delicious twist on the classic pie, then Imo’s Pizza recipe is your next kitchen adventure. Originating from St.

Louis, Missouri, Imo’s Pizza is famous for its thin, crispy cracker-like crust topped with a distinctive Provel cheese blend and a rich, sweet tomato sauce. This recipe perfectly balances savory and tangy flavors, offering a pizza experience unlike any other.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a comforting homemade treat, this recipe will bring a slice of St. Louis right to your table.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through every step of making Imo’s Pizza from scratch, including the special crust, sauce, and cheese components. Plus, you’ll find helpful tips, variations, and nutrition facts to customize this recipe to your liking.

Ready to impress your family and friends with a true Midwestern classic? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imo’s Pizza stands out with its crispy thin crust and the unique Provel cheese blend that melts into a creamy, smoky layer atop the sauce. Unlike typical pizzas, Imo’s uses a square pan which creates those beloved crunchy edges and a distinct flavor that pizza fans rave about.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try something new or recreate a beloved local favorite at home.

Another reason to love this pizza is its straightforward preparation. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even beginner cooks can make a restaurant-quality pizza.

Plus, the topping combinations are endlessly customizable, so you can tailor it to your taste. Whether you want to stick to the traditional style or add your favorite veggies and meats, Imo’s Pizza is a versatile delight.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the sauce:
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the cheese topping:
• 2 cups shredded Provel cheese (a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone)
• Optional toppings:
• Sliced pepperoni
• Diced green peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Sliced black olives

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Pizza pan or 12×12-inch square baking pan
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Saucepan
• Oven
• Cheese grater (if shredding Provel cheese yourself)
• Spatula or spoon for spreading sauce

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the sauce: While the dough rises, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and let it fully preheat.
7. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and press it into your greased pizza pan, stretching it evenly to fill the pan. The dough should be thin and cover the entire base with slightly raised edges.
8. Add the toppings: Spread an even layer of the prepared sauce over the crust. Sprinkle the shredded Provel cheese generously on top. Add optional toppings if desired.
9. Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
10. Cool and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices.

Tips & Variations

“For the authentic Imo’s experience, using Provel cheese is key—it gives that distinct creamy and smoky flavor.”

• Cheese substitute: If you can’t find Provel cheese, a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone makes a great alternative.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, adjusting water quantity if needed.
• Extra crispy crust: For an even crunchier bottom, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or top with sliced jalapeños for heat.
• Vegetarian option: Load the pizza with your favorite veggies like spinach, tomatoes, and artichokes for a fresh, healthy version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Imo’s Pizza pairs wonderfully with a light salad to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad.

For drinks, a crisp pilsner or a refreshing iced tea complements the savory flavors well.

For a fun party, serve pizza squares alongside a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara. This makes it perfect for casual gatherings or game days.

Conclusion

Making Imo’s Pizza at home is a rewarding experience that brings a beloved regional favorite right to your kitchen. The combination of a thin, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy Provel cheese creates a flavor profile that’s truly unique.

With this detailed recipe, you can enjoy a slice of St. Louis anytime you want, impressing friends and family with your homemade pizza skills.

Whether you stick to the classic toppings or experiment with variations, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to check out other recipes like Classic Margherita Pizza, Homemade Garlic Breadsticks, and Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing for the perfect pizza night accompaniments.

Happy baking!

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