Provel Cheese: St. Louis’ Culinary Secret Weapon for Pasta, Pizza, and More
I remember the first time I tasted Provel. It wasn’t in some fancy restaurant, but at a friend’s house in St. Louis. Their family pizza night was a revelation – the distinctive, almost creamy melt, the slightly tangy, smoky flavor – it was unlike any mozzarella-laden pizza I’d had before. From that moment, I was hooked. It’s the cheese that made me realize that regional ingredients can completely transform familiar dishes.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yields: 2 cups
- Serves: 4-6
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, hickory flavoring
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded white cheddar cheese, shredded swiss cheese, and shredded provolone cheese.
- Add the liquid smoke, hickory flavoring, to the cheese mixture.
- Gently toss the ingredients together until the cheeses are evenly coated with the liquid smoke. Ensure there are no clumps of cheese and the hickory flavoring is thoroughly incorporated.
- Use immediately on your favorite dishes – pizzas, pastas, lasagna, or anything else that could use a dose of melty, smoky, St. Louis-style goodness.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Cheese Shredding: For the best melt, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can inhibit proper melting.
- Liquid Smoke Control: Start with just under a teaspoon of liquid smoke. You can always add a touch more, but it’s difficult to remove once added. Different brands have varying strengths.
- Flavor Enhancement: Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese mixture for added depth.
- Pre-Mixing for Convenience: You can prepare the Provel cheese mixture a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal preparation quicker on busy weeknights.
- Melting Perfection: For optimal melting on pizza or pasta bakes, place the Provel cheese mixture on top during the last few minutes of cooking. This prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.
- Oven Temperature Adjustment: Ovens can vary. If you notice your cheese is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can cause the cheese to become rubbery. Monitor closely during the final minutes of cooking.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
The Provel cheese mixture is best served immediately after incorporating it into your dishes. However, leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, sprinkle the cheese on your dish and warm it in the oven, microwave, or skillet until melted and gooey. Avoid leaving the cheese at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, the cheese mixture can be frozen. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, but it will still be delicious.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 242 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 171 kcal | N/A |
| Total Fat | 19.1g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 58.5mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 375.4mg | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.4g | 1% |
| Protein | 16.1g | 32% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations & Substitutions
- Smoked Provolone Boost: For an even smokier flavor, substitute half of the provolone cheese with smoked provolone.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium versions of the cheeses to reduce the sodium content.
- Vegan “Provel”: While not an exact replica, a blend of vegan mozzarella shreds, nutritional yeast, and a touch of smoked paprika can approximate the texture and flavor. Add a few drops of liquid smoke sparingly.
- For a Pizza Sauce: Try making a white garlic sauce base, then top with the Provel mixture and your favorite toppings.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
A: While you can, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose, which can inhibit melting.
Q: How long does the liquid smoke flavor last?
A: The hickory smoke flavor will intensify over time, so it’s best to use the cheese mixture within a few days of preparation.
Q: Can I melt this cheese blend in the microwave?
A: Yes, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent it from overheating and becoming rubbery.
Q: What if I can’t find hickory flavored liquid smoke?
A: Applewood or mesquite liquid smoke can be used as substitutes, though they will impart slightly different flavor profiles.
Q: Can I use this cheese blend on grilled cheese sandwiches?
A: Absolutely! The Provel cheese mixture makes an exceptionally melty and flavorful grilled cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Provel cheese blend is more than just a recipe; it’s a passport to the heart of St. Louis cuisine. Whether you’re recreating a classic Imo’s-style pizza or simply looking to elevate your next pasta bake, this simple mixture will bring a unique smoky, tangy, and incredibly melty dimension to your cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite ways to incorporate this St. Louis secret weapon into your kitchen creations. Share your culinary adventures and newfound Provel obsession with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it! Perhaps pair it with a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio for a complete taste experience.