Patrick Oconnell
Pizza is a versatile dish that can be modified to suit anyone's tastes. The order in which you add the toppings is a matter of personal preference, but there are some general guidelines to consider. For example, if you're making a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the traditional order is to layer the cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally the sauce. On the other hand, most other styles of pizza start with the crust and sauce, then come the toppings, and the cheese goes on top. The type of crust, the nature of the toppings, and the desired texture all play a role in determining whether toppings go above or below the cheese.
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What You'll Learn
The best cheese for a cheese pizza
When it comes to creating the perfect cheese pizza, the choice of cheese is paramount. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, some are more suitable than others in terms of flavour, texture, and meltability.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza cheese due to its stretchability and meltability. However, it is important to opt for low-moisture whole milk mozzarella as the regular variety has a high water content and will make the pizza wet. This variety also gives a brown topping. Full-fat, low-moisture mozzarella balls are soft and white, and they come packed in whey. It is best to shred the cheese yourself as pre-shredded cheese can contain starch that affects the cooking process and overall taste. A mix of low-moisture and part-skim mozzarella can also work well.
For a New York-style pizza, a blend of Grande mozzarella and provolone is recommended, with some finely grated parmesan underneath. This combination offers both stretch and flavour.
Other cheeses that can be used for pizza include cheddar, fontina, muenster, gouda, and parmigiano-reggiano. These cheeses provide a variety of flavours that can be paired with different toppings. For instance, a blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and provolone can create a signature pizzeria taste. Fontiago cheese is also a good option as it melts well and has a great flavour.
When creating a cheese pizza, it is essential to consider the desired texture and presentation. The amount of cheese used, whether it's half, double, or normal, will impact the overall result. Additionally, the placement of cheese and toppings can vary depending on the style of pizza. For example, the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza involves layering cheese, toppings, more cheese, and then sauce. In contrast, most other styles start with the crust and sauce, followed by toppings, and then cheese.
Experimenting with different cheeses, quantities, and preparation methods will help you find the ideal arrangement based on your personal taste preferences.
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When to add cheese to your pizza
When making a pizza, there are many different ways to add cheese, and it depends on the type of pizza you are making. For example, if you are making a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, you will be layering cheese, then toppings, then more cheese, and finally the sauce. On the other hand, most other styles of pizza start with the crust and sauce, followed by cheese and then toppings.
The type of cheese you use is also important. It is recommended to use whole milk low-moisture mozzarella as it tends to spread and melt more evenly. You could also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for both stretch and flavor. Many pizzerias use this blend. If you are looking for a simple ooey-gooey melted cheese experience, you could use cheddar, fontina, Muenster, Gouda, or provolone. If you want to get creative, you could even make a macaroni and cheese pizza, with more cheese as toppings!
The decision to place toppings above or below the cheese depends on factors such as the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and the desired texture. For example, if you are using less fatty proteins like chicken or shrimp, you should put them under the cheese, so they don't dry out. Similarly, vegetables that can easily burn, like onions and peppers, should also be placed under the cheese. However, if you are using fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, or sausage, you should put them on top of the cheese, so they get nice and crispy.
Finally, you can also experiment with adding cheese at different stages of the baking process. One method is to par-bake the crust before adding the cheese. Another method is to add the cheese mid-bake, which results in a creamier texture.
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The layering approach of a pizza
The layering approach for a pizza depends on several factors, including personal preference, the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and the desired texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to the layering approach of a pizza:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
The first step is to prepare the pizza crust, which can be made from dough or a wheat tortilla for a low-carb option. It is essential to ensure that the crust is evenly rolled out and shaped before adding any toppings.
Step 2: Sauce
Once the crust is ready, spread a layer of sauce over it. The type of sauce can vary, but tomato sauce is a classic choice for many pizza varieties.
Step 3: Cheese
After the sauce, it's time to add the cheese. The type of cheese and the amount used can vary depending on personal preference and the desired taste and texture. Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its stretchiness and meltability. Other options include provolone, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Muenster, and Swiss raclette.
Step 4: Toppings
The next step is to add your desired toppings. This is where you can get creative and choose ingredients that suit your taste and dietary preferences. Meat toppings like pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo are typically placed on top of the cheese to prevent them from drying out and to achieve a crispy texture. On the other hand, vegetables that burn easily, such as onions and green peppers, can be placed under the cheese to prevent burning.
Step 5: Final Touches
Finally, you can add any additional toppings or extra cheese to your pizza. If you want a more crispy and browned cheese layer, you can add more cheese on top of the other toppings. This step can also include adding fresh herbs or spices to enhance the flavor of your pizza.
It's important to note that the layering approach may vary slightly depending on the specific type of pizza you are making, such as Chicago-style deep-dish or Neapolitan-style pizza. Experimenting with different layering orders and preparation methods will help you find the ideal arrangement that suits your taste and preferences.
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The type of crust and nature of toppings
For a thin crust pizza, it is recommended to place the cheese below the toppings to prevent the crust from getting soggy. This allows the cheese to act as a barrier between the crust and the toppings, keeping it crisp. On the other hand, for a thicker crust, the cheese can be placed on top of the toppings to create a creamy texture and enhance the overall taste experience.
The nature of toppings, whether they are moisture-rich or fatty, also influences the placement of cheese. For instance, fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo are best placed on top of the cheese. This allows the edges to curl up and crisp in the oven, a characteristic favoured by many pizza enthusiasts. In contrast, less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp are better suited for placement below the cheese, as they can dry out quickly if cooked directly under high heat.
Additionally, certain vegetables, such as thinly sliced onions, green peppers, and zucchini, tend to burn easily and are therefore placed under the cheese to prevent them from charring. However, if these vegetables are dried or sautéed beforehand, they can be placed on top without the risk of burning.
The desired texture and presentation of the pizza also come into play when deciding the placement of cheese. For a crispier cheese texture, it is often placed on top of the toppings. Moreover, from a presentation perspective, placing toppings above the cheese allows diners to identify the ingredients easily, making it a popular choice for many pizzerias.
Ultimately, the decision to place toppings above or below the cheese is a matter of personal preference and experimentation. Pizza enthusiasts can explore different combinations of crust types, toppings, and cheese placements to discover their favourite variations of the classic cheese pizza.
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The desired texture of the pizza
The desired texture of a pizza is a key consideration when deciding on the order of toppings. The choice of placing toppings above or below the cheese ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of crust. However, the desired texture can be achieved by experimenting with different layering approaches.
For a crispy texture, it is recommended to place the cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the toppings. This method is commonly used for Neapolitan-style pizza, where the cheese is light and stringy, and the toppings are allowed to be slightly crisp. Placing the cheese on top of the toppings can also help prevent burning or drying out certain ingredients, such as vegetables or dried herbs.
On the other hand, if a creamy texture is desired, adding the cheese mid-bake or par-baking the crust before adding the cheese can result in a creamier, less browned cheese layer. This technique may be especially useful for pizzas with fatty toppings, as the cheese can act as a barrier to absorb some of the rendered-out fat.
Additionally, the amount and type of cheese used can impact the desired texture. For a thicker crust, a greater amount of cheese may be needed to act as a glue to hold the toppings in place. Using whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella can help achieve a more even melt, while pre-shredded cheese may cause the cheese to brown prematurely.
Ultimately, the desired texture of a pizza can be achieved by considering the order of toppings, the type of cheese, the amount of cheese, and the baking technique. Experimentation is often the best way to find the ideal arrangement that suits individual taste preferences and texture goals.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella as it spreads and melts more evenly.
It depends on the type of crust, the nature of the toppings, and the desired texture. For example, if you are using fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, or sausage, it is recommended to put them on top of the cheese. However, if you are using less fatty proteins like chicken or shrimp, putting them on top of the cheese may cause them to dry out, so they should be placed under the cheese.
The amount of cheese you put on your pizza depends on your preference. You can choose to make a half-cheese, double cheese, or normal cheese pizza.
