Andy Montoya
The order of pizza toppings and cheese is a highly contested topic. While some people prefer the cheese to be on top of the toppings, others argue that the toppings should be on top of the cheese. The classic pizza arrangement is crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings. However, there are variations to this, such as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, which puts the cheese and toppings on before adding a final layer of sauce. The order of toppings and cheese can affect the taste and texture of the pizza, with some people preferring the crispiness that comes from putting toppings on top and others opting for the toasted cheese that results from putting toppings underneath. Ultimately, the decision of whether to put pizza toppings on top of the cheese or underneath is a matter of personal preference, and there is no definitive right or wrong answer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional placement of toppings | On top of the cheese |
| Reason for traditional placement | Aesthetics, toppings can get crispy, toppings are visible |
| Placement to avoid sogginess | Toppings on top |
| Placement to avoid toppings burning | Toppings under cheese |
| Layering order | Crust, sauce, cheese, toppings |
| Layering order exception | Sicilian style, Chicago deep-dish |
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What You'll Learn
- Aesthetics and tradition: toppings are placed on top of the cheese to make fresh ingredients visible
- Taste: toppings are placed on top of the cheese to avoid sogginess and to achieve crispiness
- Type of topping: dry toppings that can withstand heat are placed on top of the cheese
- Type of pizza: some pizzas like the Chicago deep dish have the toppings under the cheese
- Layering: multiple layers of cheese and toppings can be used to hold the pizza together
Aesthetics and tradition: toppings are placed on top of the cheese to make fresh ingredients visible
Placing pizza toppings on top of the cheese layer has both aesthetic and traditional value. This method of layering a pizza is widely accepted and followed due to the visual appeal of seeing the fresh ingredients used. The toppings are allowed to be slightly crispy, which is a desirable texture for traditional toppings such as pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions.
Aesthetics plays a crucial role in the plating and presentation of any dish, and pizza is no exception. By placing the toppings on top of the cheese, each ingredient is visible, creating a colourful and appetizing display. The cheese layer acts as a backdrop, enhancing the overall appearance of the pizza. This visual appeal is essential, especially in the context of dining experiences, where the presentation of the dish greatly influences the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Tradition also dictates that pizza toppings belong on top of the cheese. The classic pizza arrangement, as widely recognized, follows the order of crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings. This traditional method ensures that the cheese bubbles and browns, achieving the desired crispy texture and deeper flavour. Placing the toppings on top allows them to receive direct heat, resulting in a desirable crispiness that enhances the overall taste experience.
The visual aspect of seeing the toppings is essential to many pizza enthusiasts. It allows for a quick assessment of the ingredients used, ensuring they align with personal preferences and expectations. This visibility adds to the overall dining experience, creating a multisensory engagement that involves not only taste but also sight.
While there are exceptions to the layering order, such as the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the traditional method of placing toppings on top of the cheese remains prevalent and widely preferred. This tradition is deeply ingrained in pizza-making culture, influencing both professional chefs and homemade pizza enthusiasts alike.
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Taste: toppings are placed on top of the cheese to avoid sogginess and to achieve crispiness
Placing pizza toppings on top of the cheese layer is a great way to avoid sogginess and achieve a crispy texture. This is especially important for toppings that hold up well to direct heat and taste great when slightly crisp, such as pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions.
When toppings are placed under the cheese, they are essentially steamed by the hot oven. The heat from the oven causes the toppings to release water vapour, which then gets trapped under the cheese layer, resulting in mushy toppings. For example, putting pineapple under the cheese will result in pineapple mush, and putting mushrooms under the cheese will make them underdone and watery.
On the other hand, placing toppings on top of the cheese allows them to cook and crisp up in the oven. This is because the top layer of the pizza receives the most heat. Toppings that need the most cooking and browning, such as raw meat or vegetables, should be placed on top so they can get direct heat and become crisp.
Additionally, aesthetics play a role in placing toppings on top of the cheese. This way, the fresh ingredients are visible, enhancing the overall presentation of the pizza. However, there are exceptions to this general rule, such as the Sicilian-style pizza, where cheese is placed directly on the crust before adding the sauce and toppings.
In conclusion, placing pizza toppings on top of the cheese layer is crucial for achieving crispiness and avoiding sogginess. This method ensures that toppings cook properly and enhances the overall taste and visual appeal of the pizza.
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Type of topping: dry toppings that can withstand heat are placed on top of the cheese
When making a pizza, the order of the ingredients is crucial to the final result. The classic pizza arrangement is crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings. However, the placement of pizza toppings in relation to the cheese is a matter of preference and can impact the taste, texture, and presentation of the pizza.
Dry toppings that can withstand heat are typically placed on top of the cheese. This is because toppings that are placed on top will receive direct heat and become crisp. Examples of dry toppings include pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions, which are traditional toppings that taste great when slightly crisp. Placing these toppings on top of the cheese also allows them to be seen, enhancing the visual appeal of the pizza.
Putting dry toppings on top of the cheese can also help prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. If placed under the cheese, toppings can release water vapour during cooking, which then gets trapped under the cheese, resulting in steamed toppings. This is especially true for toppings like mushrooms, which tend to become underdone, soggy, and watery when placed under the cheese.
Additionally, placing dry toppings on top of the cheese can add texture and flavour to the pizza. Toasted cheese takes on a deeper flavour and crispy texture, contributing to the overall taste experience. Therefore, allowing the cheese to be exposed to direct heat by placing toppings on top can enhance the flavour of the pizza.
Ultimately, the placement of dry toppings that can withstand heat on top of the cheese is a combination of functionality and tradition. It allows for the desired taste, texture, and appearance of the pizza while also following the traditional way of making pizza, where toppings are typically placed on top.
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Type of pizza: some pizzas like the Chicago deep dish have the toppings under the cheese
The order of toppings, sauce, and cheese is a highly contested topic in the pizza world. While some people prefer the cheese to be on top of the toppings, others argue that the cheese should go underneath. One notable example of a pizza with toppings placed under the cheese is the Chicago deep-dish pizza.
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is known for its unique assembly, where the cheese is placed directly on top of the crust, followed by toppings, and then a thick layer of uncooked tomato sauce. This inverted order of layering creates a warm, gooey, and delicious centre when baked. The deep-dish style also allows for a generous amount of toppings, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a hearty pizza.
The reasoning behind placing the toppings under the cheese in Chicago deep-dish pizza is twofold. Firstly, the deep dish and high sides of the pan create a wall that can hold and support multiple layers of toppings and cheese. This structural design ensures that the pizza maintains its shape and doesn't collapse under the weight of the toppings. Secondly, the layering order allows for the cheese to melt and bind the toppings together, creating a cohesive and easy-to-eat slice.
Additionally, the Chicago deep-dish pizza is often baked in a cake pan, resulting in pizza slices that resemble pie slices rather than traditional flat pizza slices. This unique presentation adds to the overall appeal and experience of enjoying a Chicago-style pizza.
While the Chicago deep-dish pizza is a notable example of a pizza with toppings under the cheese, it is worth noting that the placement of toppings and cheese can also depend on various factors, such as personal preference, the type of toppings used, and the desired level of crispness or moisture in the final product. Ultimately, the decision to place toppings under or over the cheese comes down to individual taste and the specific characteristics of the pizza being created.
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Layering: multiple layers of cheese and toppings can be used to hold the pizza together
Layering pizza toppings and cheese is an art that can make or break the pizza's taste, texture, and aesthetic appeal. The general rule of thumb is to consider whether the toppings will become dry and crispy in the oven. If so, they should be placed under the cheese to avoid burning and to retain some moisture. If the toppings are robust and can withstand the heat, they can be placed on top of the cheese to achieve a crispy texture.
Placing toppings under the cheese has its advantages. For example, it creates a waterproof barrier, preventing the dough from becoming soggy due to wet sauces or watery toppings like vegetables or mushrooms. It also allows the cheese to bubble and brown, achieving a deeper flavor and crispy texture. Additionally, toppings that burn or dry out easily, such as dried oregano, can be placed under the cheese for protection.
On the other hand, placing toppings on top of the cheese has its benefits too. Toppings that taste great with a slight crisp, such as pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions, are ideal for this. It also allows for the visual appeal of the pizza, showcasing the fresh ingredients used. Placing toppings on top ensures they receive direct heat, resulting in a crispy texture and browning, enhancing the overall taste experience.
To achieve the best of both worlds, multiple layers of cheese and toppings can be used. This technique helps hold the pizza together, creating a cohesive culinary masterpiece. For instance, a thin layer of cheese can be applied first, followed by toppings, and then another layer of cheese, acting as a glue to bind everything together. Finally, toppings that require direct heat, such as pepperoni, can be added on top for that perfect crisp. This method ensures that each ingredient is cooked optimally, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
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Frequently asked questions
Pizza toppings that go on top of the cheese are usually those that hold up well to the heat and can get a nice crisp texture. This includes traditional toppings like pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions. It is also a good way to avoid toppings getting soggy from being steamed under the cheese.
Yes, toppings that burn or dry out easily, like dried oregano, should be placed under the cheese so that they don't burn. Some people also recommend creating a waterproof barrier by using sliced cheese on the base first, followed by tomato sauce, and then toppings.
Yes, there are always exceptions! For instance, Chicago-style "deep-dish" pizza reverses the order by covering thick layers of sausage and cheese with a final topping of sauce. Sicilian-style pizzas also put the cheese directly on the pizza crust, followed by sauce, and then toppings.
