Missouri is dubbed the Show-Me State for a reason. This hasn’t been proven scientifically, but if there was a prize for inventing a cuisine, Missouri would be an undisputed champion. The state is known for its well-ingrained food traditions alongside a myriad of regional flavors. The combination of culture, heritage, and innovative cooking traditions serves an iconic barbecue, which is on par with the very best in the U.S, sturdy comfort foods, and surprising local specialties. In this guide, we take you through the must tried foods that define Missouri, showcasing the culinary treasures the state hides. From epicurean explorers to laid-back travelers, at every turn, the heart of Missouri bursts with flavors waiting to be uncovered. Eating food here is not just delightful; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Missouri is a true paradise for food enthusiasts and begs to be devoured by hungry explorers.
What Makes Ravioli a Must-Try Dish in Missouri?
Toasted ravioli is an iconic St. Louis creation that makes Ravioli a must-try dish in Missouri. Traditionally, ravioli is Italian and is filled with meat or cheese, breaded, deep-fried, and served with marinara sauce for dipping which escalates the dish to the next level. It was first created in the Italian-American communities in St. Louis. Alongside the crispy exterior and deeply satisfying taste, toasted ravioli has developed into a well-loved local specialty. It is available throughout the state because of its soaring popularity and has become a representation of Missouri’s talent for crafting comforting and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Understanding the Popularity of Toasted Ravioli
The distinct blend of taste, texture, and local culture are the reasons why toasted ravioli is so popular. It provides an exquisite culinary experience with a crispy, golden exterior and savory filling underneath. Moreover, it is rooted in the Italian-American community of St. Louis, which further adds to the rich cultural pride associated with this dish. Because of its ease of sharing, toasted ravioli is loved by many as an appetizer. Its versatile nature and comforting taste make it one of the greatest foods and a treasured classic.
How is Ravioli Traditionally Prepared in Missouri?
Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis delicacy that is prepared in a few specific ways unlike other ravioli dishes. It starts with fresh ravioli, usually containing an assortment of beef, cheese, and spinach. The ravioli is first breaded in seasoned Italian style breadcrumbs which almost always contain some form of grated parmesan, garlic powder, and sometimes even parsley. Breading is followed by deep frying until golden brown and crisp.
Like many foods, the dish is best enjoyed hot with tomato-based sauces on the side to dip into, adding a delightful zing. Research suggests that toasted ravioli is most often prepared with fresh ingredients that are locally available. Preserving the dish’s cultural roots is of utmost importance. Blanchette describes how modern takes on the recipe do exist, “Though traditionalists insist on frying, some modern approaches to the dish’s design seek to bake the ravioli, a lighter option.” This push for variety helps accommodate different dietary needs. These unique characteristics and efforts are what make toasted ravioli remain an emblematic, treasured food of Missouri.
The Unique Touch of Marinara Sauce with Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli is best served with marinara sauce, which not only enriches the flavor but perfectly compliments the texture of the ravioli. As always, the blend of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs elevates the taste experience while serving as an ideal dipping option. This pairing enhances the dish’s Italian roots while balancing the savory flavors of the ravioli with the acidity of the sauce.
Discovering the Sweet Side: Why Is Gooey Butter Cake Iconic in Missouri?
History of the Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey butter cake originated in the 1930s in St. Louis, Missouri. It was made by accident, so the history goes. A German-American baker is said to have made a blunder while preparing a coffee cake and used the wrong measurements of butter and flour. Instead of discarding it, the baker chose to sell this dense and gooey creation, and to his surprise, it became a hit. For many over the years, the cake soon became a household staple dessert in Missouri homes and bakeries.
The signature gooey butter cake is made up of a dense, buttery base with a layer or two of soft cream cheese that is sugary and slightly sticky. The recipe did have its origins during the Great Depression. The recipe called for simple ingredients, which is why it was so popular. These days, however, you don’t have to go to St Louis to enjoy it. Its popularity has grown throughout the country, and it is offered in different flavors such as chocolate, pumpkin, and lemon.
The gooey butter cake’s relevance to the local culture signifies the dessert’s ‘cult status’ in the State of Missouri. Even now, gooey butter cake is one of the defining culinary tastes of the region, served at both private and public events throughout the State. It is still one of the most popular desserts in the state according to the latest statistics, and bakeries such as Park Avenue Coffee prepare more than 70 different types to suit their customers’ requests. It has indescribable sweetness mystically blended with rich history, earning it a treasured spot in the Missouri culinary epic and cementing its appeal to dessert lovers across the United States.
What Makes the Gooey Texture So Special?
The mouthwatering gooeyness of butter cake is a result of its distinct layers and the way the ingredients are mixed. The bottom part forms a solid cake-like base while the top part consists of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and eggs which bakes into a soft custard-like texture. The interplay of these layers creates an unforgettable sensation, from the softest touch to the richest melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It is achieved by careful baking; the top needs to remain set without hardening to keep its signature softness.
How to Make Your Own Gooey Butter Cake at Home?
To bake your own Gooey Butter Cake, all you need is the following ingedients and measurements:
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Base Layer
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Faranheit which is around 175 degree C and grease your 9 by 13 inch baking pan.
- Combine the cake mix with the melted butter along with one egg in a bowl. Ensure that the ingredients are completely mixed. Then, using your hands, place this combination into the prepared dish and distribute it evenly.
Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese with the remaining two eggs until smooth and creamy.
- While mixing, pour in the powdered sugar after fully blending until smooth in texture.
Assemble and Bake
- Take the mixture of cream cheese and pour it onto the initial layer, spread evenly and with care.
- The mixture should be left to bake for thirty to fourty minutes, confirm the edges are brown while the center part of the butter cake remains gooey.
Cool and Serve
- Confirm the gooey butter cake has cooled fully before chopping it into square shapes. It can then be served cold or warm.
This treat is wonderfully delicious and can be served to guests no matter the occasion or time of the day.
Exploring Kansas City BBQ: What Sets It Apart?
The Secret Behind Kansas City BBQ Sauce
Most BBQ sauce lovers will agree that Kansas City BBQ sauce has an easy-to-recognize flavor balance that is unmistakably associated with Kansas City. BBQ lovers often note the Kansas City BBQ sauce’s sweet and tangy flavor, which comes from combining a base of thick tomato sauce (often ketchup or tomato paste) with molasses, brown sugar, and spices. Spice lovers will always appreciate the addition of paprika, garlic powder, & cayenne pepper, and there is no need to mention the versatility of the sauce. It is equally delicious with sausages, ribs, and brisket alike.
What truly sets Kansas City BBQ sauce apart is its thickness. In comparison to other sauces, Kansas City BBQ sauce has an unrivaled sweet flavor, which makes it a perfect combination with smoked ribs or a juicy brisket. Surveys indicate that more than 60% of BBQ enthusiasts prefer sauces from the Kansas City region because of the unparalleled flavor blends bordering on perfection.
Yet another BBQ sauce lies in its versatility. Though the traditional recipe stays the same, pitmasters often include their own variations, such as the addition of honey for sweetness or vinegar for more acidity. Its beautiful caramelization during cooking further solidifies Kansas City’s BBQ sauce as the best finishing sauce for barbequed foods, adding to the smokey scent while trapping the juice. The combination of change and innovation marks this BBQ sauce as perennially loved in the American barbeque tradition.
Why Are Burnt Ends a Kansas City Staple?
The smokey flavor and distinct texture of burnt ends have made them a Kansas City staple. Originally, they were regarded as scraps due to their intense flavor and unique smoky edges; over time, however, people grew to value the rich taste. The flavorful bark, together with a tender interior, makes burnt ends a beloved delicacy. Kansas City barbeque joints perfected the art of seasoning, slow cooking, and turning them into a signature dish that highlights the city’s barbeque tradition.
Understanding the Art of Kansas City-Style Barbecue
Kansas City-style barbecue is branded with thick, mouthwatering sauces and a variety of meats. One defining characteristic of the renowned city style is the “low and slow” cooking technique that involves hours of smoking meats over wood to ensure tenderness and maximum flavor absorption. Hickory wood is often preferred as it is synonymous with the city’s barbecue style.
The sauce is as equally important as Kansas City barbecue as it is known monthly for being sweet, tangy, spicy, and having tomato as the base. Most recently, it was reported that Kansas City-style barbecue sauce accounts for over 30% of consumer preference in the United States, which speaks volumes about its widespread appeal. The city has over 100 barbecue restaurants, and it is heavily known for some boundary-breaking places like “Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que” and “Arthur Bryant’s,” which serve mouth-watering food to both locals and tourists alike.
An additional distinguishing characteristic of Kansas City barbecue is the variety of meats, including beef brisket, pork ribs, turkey, sausage, and burnt ends. The craftsmanship of the the barbecue is evident in the elaborate steps taken to prepare it, such as the application of dry rubs and smoking it with precision. In addition to these factors, the city’s annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue further solidifies this city’s position as the barbecue capital of the world as it attracts competitors and fans globally to celebrate this remarkable cuisine.
What Makes Loui’s Style Pizza Unique to Missouri?
The Role of Provel Cheese in Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza is characterized by its use of provel cheese which is known for its soft texture and rich flavor. This cheese blend is made with cheddar, Swiss, and provolone and has a smooth, gooey texture that melts easily over the thin, cracker-like crust. Its flavor is slightly smoky and tangy, which makes St. Louis-style pizza different from other pizzas that use mozzarella.
How is Loui’s Style Pizza Different from Traditional Pizzas?
St. Louis-style pizzas stand out for their ultra-thin, crispy crust that Papa John’s would describe as “cracker” rather than resembling the soft base of a New York-style pizza. In contrast to other pizzas that use fluffy or chewy yeast-raised dough, Loui’s style cradle is crackling unleavened dough that provides a sharp crunch with every bite.
Shall we call Provel cheese a peculiarity? It’s placed on the pedestal of distinctive features alongside the shells of St. Louis-style pizza. Unlike other dozen pizzas that use mozzarella, Provel has become a favorite in Missouri, but not everywhere suffices from Provel’s smoky, tangy punch that rises above most pizza flavors. This unique cheese blend melts cream-like into the buttery, cracker-like cradle while transforming the pizza into a masterpiece.
The last striking feature is Provel’s trademark shape—the square. Provel adorns St. Louis-style as the first pizza to feature these squarish shells, which skinny pizzaz saw as a paradigm shift from traditional triangular slices. Dubbed the “party cut,” the new design garnered hype at gatherings.
Finally, the toppings and sauce also differ in style and method of preparation. They pour a sweeter tomato sauce over St. Louis-style pizza considering the taste of Provel cheese and the thin crust add balance. The defining characteristic, unlike the edges of traditional pies which are often crust-laden, is that toppings are meticulously placed from edge to edge so every square portion is fully immersed in flavor.
Serving the Pizza Cut into Squares
Serving pizza cut into squares is convenient in group sharing settings. This technique, called “party cut,” provides more manageable and easier to hold bite-sized portions. It is also more economical as more people can share from one pizza which is ideal for events where many people share. Every piece is evenly topped so that regardless of the size of the piece, every bite is flavorful.
Why Is Frozen Custard a Beloved Treat in Missouri?
The Story Behind Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Incorporating Ted Drewes Frozen Custard into your diet is a time-honored practice in Missouri. This began back in 1929 when Ted Drewes Sr. opened his very first frozen custard storefront in Florida. St. Louis became the home of the southern custard business in 1931 which has been a staple for the community since. Drewe’s frozen custard is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and flavor due to the high quality ingredients and time tested techniques used to make them.
Crewed’s garners a lot of attention for his famous offerings such as the thick frozen custard dessert known as Concrete which can be served upside down without spilling. Its popularity has earned a lot of locals, and national fans. Ted Drewes is also known for selling freshly cut Christmas trees during the winter months, further deepening his ties with the St. Louis community.
The business draws in thousands of patrons yearly, from faithful resident customers to adventurous tourists. Serving as evidence to his reputation, Ted Drewes has been included in countless “best of” lists and polls showcasing quintessential american sweets. Throughout several decades of commitment, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is not only a dessert. It is a mark of reminiscence and custodianship forged through bonds created with family, friends and the dessert itself.
What Makes Frozen Custard Different from Ice Cream?
The methods used to create frozen custard and ice cream differ in two key areas: ingredients and texture. The two share some components, such as sugar, milk, and cream; however, frozen custard also contains egg yolks which provide it with a more creamy consistency. Furthermore, frozen custard is whipped at a slower pace, allowing less air to mix in, which makes the frozen custard denser. In the US, frozen custard needs to have a minimum of 10% milk fat and 1.4% egg yolk solids to be classified as such. These traits ensure frozen custard is thicker and smoother in comparison to standard ice cream.
How to Enjoy the Perfect Ice Cream Cone?
To have the finest experience with an ice cream cone, first pick a delicious flavor of ice cream along with a quality cone. Be sure to hold the cone gently; gripping it too tightly may result in breakage. Licks and bites should be taken in moderation to appreciate the taste and avoid the ice cream melting excessively. Adjust the position of the cone as necessary to catch drips while preserving an even form. And last, sit back and relax as you appreciate the treat, easing your mood and soothing your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What signature Missouri foods should a traveler sample while in the state?
A: Signature Missouri foods would include Kansas City barbecue, pork steak, and Louis-style pizza. The state is a melting pot of culture and its cuisine shows this diversity.
Q: What differentiates Kansas City barbecue from other styles?
A: Kansas City barbecue is renowned for the thick, sweet, tomato-based sauces layered over slow-smoked meats. Specialties often include baby back ribs and burnt ends—all are famous in Kansas City.
Q: What is Louis-style pizza, and what makes it special?
A: Louis-style pizza has an egg-based cracker thin crust topped with Provel cheese. It is also cut into squares as opposed to slices, which makes it stand out in Missouri.
Q: Why is pork steak associated with Missouri?
A: It is pork steak that the people of St. Louis, Missouri, take a particular liking to. Commonly cooked on the grill and smothered in barbecue sauce, they are tender, making it one of the iconic Missouri foods.
Q: Why are hot salami sandwiches so popular in Missouri?
A: Hot salami sandwiches are popular dishes in Missouri, especially in St. Louis. They are typically packed with meat or cheese and served sizzling hot. The Paul sandwich variant, renowned for its taste, is regarded as one of the finest in the state.
Q: What unique dessert is Missouri known for?
A: Missouri is home to the gooey butter cake, which is a rich cake covered with icing sugar. The dish is renowned for tasting sweet and buttery, making it popular in the state’s culinary landscape.
Q: Can you explain the concept of a “Slinger” in Missouri cuisine?
A: The Slinger is a hefty meal commonly served at diners in Missouri, mostly in St. Louis. It consists of a burger patty or sausage, hash browns, and fried egg foo young, all stacked between two slices of white bread, smothered in chili. This dish is a ‘must have’ when looking for places to eat in Missouri.
Q: What is an interesting fact concerning the ice cream cone in Missouri?
A: Missouri is unique in that it claims the creation of ice cream cones was popularized during the 1904 World’s Fair, which was held near the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Q: What are some other side dishes served in Missouri?
A: One of the more popular side dishes served in Missouri is the thick, hearty cornbread served with barbecue and other local dishes. It is a staple in many homes and restaurants throughout the state.
