At Imo's Pizza, our thin crust is legendary. For decades, pizza lovers across the United States have been enjoying our uniquely crispy, flavorful crust that serves as the perfect foundation for our fresh toppings and signature cheese blend. Today, we're pulling back the curtain (just a little) to share some insights into what makes our thin crust so special.
The Origin Story
When Ed and Margie Imo opened the first Imo's Pizza location in 1964, they had a vision of creating a pizza that was different from anything else available at the time. The St. Louis-style thin crust they developed became an instant hit, and the foundation of what would grow into a beloved restaurant chain.
While we can't share our exact recipe (some secrets need to stay in the kitchen!), we can tell you that our approach to pizza crust is rooted in several key principles:
The Perfect Flour Blend
Not all flour is created equal. Our special blend of high-quality flours creates the perfect balance of crispness and chew. The protein content in our flour mix is carefully calibrated to achieve that signature crack when you bite into an Imo's slice, while still maintaining enough structure to hold our generous toppings.
Temperature Control
One element that many home pizza makers overlook is temperature—not just of the oven, but of the ingredients themselves. Our dough is mixed and proofed at carefully controlled temperatures to ensure consistent quality year-round. The water temperature, room temperature, and even the temperature of the flour all play crucial roles in developing the perfect texture.
The Art of Rolling
While many pizzerias stretch their dough by hand, our thin crust requires a specialized rolling technique to achieve its characteristic uniform thinness. Our pizza makers undergo extensive training to master this technique, ensuring that every pizza has that signature Imo's crispness from edge to center.
Pre-Bake: Our Secret Weapon
One thing that sets our process apart is a pre-baking step. Before adding toppings, our crusts get a brief initial bake. This prevents the dreaded "soggy middle" that plagues many thin-crust pizzas and ensures that distinctive crisp texture throughout the entire pizza.
Loyal to Tradition
While we've optimized our processes over the years and expanded to many locations, we remain committed to the original vision and recipe. Our current pizza makers learn from those who came before them, preserving techniques that have been refined over decades.
Try It Yourself
While we can't give you our exact recipe, home pizza enthusiasts can try these tips for creating a thinner, crisper crust:
- Use a lower-hydration dough (less water relative to flour)
- Roll your dough rather than hand-stretching for uniform thinness
- Consider a brief pre-bake before adding toppings
- Use a pizza stone or steel, preheated for at least 45 minutes
- Bake at the highest temperature your home oven can achieve
Of course, the easiest way to enjoy our perfect thin crust is to order from your local Imo's Pizza! Our mobile-friendly website makes ordering quick and convenient, so you can satisfy your thin-crust cravings with just a few clicks.
