Andy Montoya
Pizza is a beloved food that brings people joy. It is universally loved for its delicious taste and texture. While there are many pizza toppings to choose from, cheese pizza, in particular, is a classic that has stood the test of time. It is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and tastes. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a favourite for many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | The simple flavours of crust, sauce, and cheese without competition from other toppings |
| Taste | Flavourful, delicious, amazing |
| Texture | Stretchy, melty, gooey |
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Muenster, Parmesan, Asiago, Manchego, Swiss, Cheddar, Havarti, Gouda, Taleggio, Fontina, Pepper Jack, Burrata, Buffalo Mozzarella |
| Stigma | Considered a preference for those with an unrefined palate or the taste of a small child |
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What You'll Learn
What type of cheese works best?
When it comes to the perfect cheese for pizza, it's hard to go past the classic: mozzarella. This versatile cheese is the most popular pizza topping for good reason. It has a tangy, creamy flavour and superior stretchability and browning properties. There are different kinds of mozzarella, from low-moisture to fresh, whole milk to part-skim, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste and the specific pizza you're making. Low-moisture mozzarella is the most common type used in restaurants as it is denser, saltier, and has a longer shelf life. It's also less likely to make your pizza soggy. On the other hand, fresh mozzarella has a softer texture and a richer, milkier flavour.
However, there are other cheeses that can take your pizza to the next level. Parmigiano-Reggiano, for example, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong flavour profile. It can add depth to your pizza and is best used grated, either before or after baking, or both! It pairs well with fresh tomatoes and basil, or even rosemary and mozzarella. Provolone, a semi-hard Italian cheese, is another great option and is often used in conjunction with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mozzarella.
For those who like a stronger flavour, cheddar can be used as the primary cheese or in combination with other cheeses. Younger, softer cheddars are ideal if used on their own, and when combined with other cheeses, it should be added halfway through the cooking process due to its melting properties. It's important to note that the quality of cheddar matters, and higher-quality cheese will yield better results. Its stronger flavour means it should be used sparingly, and it pairs well with bolder ingredients like red onions, peppers, and BBQ sauce.
While mozzarella is the traditional choice, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or combinations to find your perfect pizza. After all, a plain cheese pizza is a beautiful testament to the virtues of simple restraint.
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How to make the perfect base?
To make the perfect pizza base, you'll need to start with the dough. You can make your own dough or buy it pre-made from the store. If you're making your own, you'll need flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. The water should be warm, about 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can add a little sugar to feed the yeast and speed up fermentation. Mix the ingredients together and knead the dough by hand or with a mixer.
Once your dough is ready, you'll want to roll it out into a circle. The thickness of the dough will depend on your personal preference—some people like a thin and crispy crust, while others prefer a thicker, softer crust. If you're using a pizza stone or baking steel, you'll want to roll the dough out to fit the size and shape of your stone or steel.
Before placing the dough on your pizza peel or pan, it's important to prepare the surface to prevent the dough from sticking. You can use cornmeal, semolina flour, or all-purpose flour for this step. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of your chosen ingredient onto the surface and spread it evenly.
Now, you're ready to transfer the dough. Gently lift the dough and place it on the prepared surface. If your dough is shrinking back, you can reform it by carefully stretching it out again. It's important to work quickly during this step to prevent the dough from sticking.
Finally, you can add your toppings! For a classic cheese pizza, you'll want to start with a layer of tomato sauce, leaving a thin edge untouched for the crust. Then, sprinkle your chosen cheeses over the sauce. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzola.
Once your toppings are in place, you're ready to bake your pizza! Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally between 450 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and place your pizza on the middle rack. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, which should take about 6 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven temperature.
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Fresh herbs: yes or no?
Fresh herbs can be a delicious addition to a cheese pizza, adding a burst of flavour and colour. The type of herb you choose will depend on your personal preference, but also the other toppings on your pizza.
For example, a classic Margherita pizza is often served with fresh basil leaves, torn and scattered over the melted cheese. The basil adds a fresh, peppery taste to the rich, savoury cheese. Basil is a popular choice, as it is mild and sweet, and pairs well with other herbs such as oregano and thyme. Oregano is another herb that is often used on pizzas, either dried or fresh, and has a slightly earthy, bitter taste. Thyme has a subtle, slightly minty flavour and goes well with other herbs and spices.
If you are making a mushroom pizza, you could try adding some fresh rosemary, as its strong, piney flavour pairs well with the earthy taste of mushrooms. You could also add some fresh chives, as their mild onion flavour goes well with creamy goat's cheese, another popular pizza topping.
Some people like to add fresh herbs after the pizza has been cooked, as the heat can reduce the flavour and potency of the herbs. However, if you are using stronger-tasting herbs such as rosemary, it is a good idea to cook them, as this can help to mellow their flavour.
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Spicy or not?
When it comes to cheese pizza, there are those who prefer to keep it simple, opting for a classic combination of crust, sauce, and cheese. This unadorned style of pizza, often referred to as a Margherita pizza, is considered by some to be the quintessential pizza experience, allowing the flavours of the fundamental elements to shine through without distraction.
However, the decision to add spice to a cheese pizza is a matter of personal preference and creativity. For those who enjoy a kick of heat, there are several ways to add spice to a cheese pizza. One option is to incorporate spicy ingredients into the sauce or cheese blend. This can be achieved by using spicy cheeses, such as pepper jack or chilli-infused varieties, or by adding spices like red pepper flakes, chilli powder, or crushed chillies directly into the sauce or on top of the cheese.
Another way to add spice is by choosing toppings that complement the heat. Meats such as pepperoni, salami, or spicy Italian sausage can provide a nice kick. For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, jalapeños, spicy peppers, or hot honey can be added to create a more intense spicy experience.
Alternatively, a more subtle approach to adding spice can be taken by using spices that contribute to the overall flavour without overwhelming the palate. For example, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the crust or sprinkled on top of the pizza can provide a subtle heat that enhances the other flavours without being overpowering. Similarly, using spicy oils, such as chilli oil, can add a subtle kick of heat to the pizza without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavours.
Ultimately, the decision to add spice or not comes down to personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Whether you choose to keep it classic or turn up the heat, a cheese pizza can be a versatile and satisfying option.
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What are some unique topping combinations?
While many people enjoy a plain cheese pizza, some people like to experiment with different toppings. Here are some unique topping combinations that you can try:
The Classic Italian
The classic Italian pizza, Pizza Margherita, is made with tomatoes, basil, and cheese. This combination is simple yet delicious, allowing the flavours of the tomatoes and basil to shine through without overwhelming the cheese.
The Herbaceous Treat
For this combination, scatter grated Parmigiano-Reggiano with fresh rosemary and mozzarella on your pizza. Drizzle some olive oil on top and broil for two minutes. The strong flavour of Parmigiano-Reggiano, combined with the freshness of rosemary and the stretchiness of mozzarella, creates a unique and tasty experience.
The Cheesy Trio
Mozzarella, provolone, and Parmigiano-Reggiano make for a delightful trio of cheeses on a pizza. The tanginess and stretchiness of mozzarella, the saltiness of provolone, and the depth of flavour of Parmigiano-Reggiano come together to create a complex and indulgent bite.
The Savoury Delight
If you're looking for something more savoury, try combining cheddar with red onions, peppers, and BBQ sauce. The stronger flavour of cheddar pairs well with the bold flavours of red onions and peppers, while BBQ sauce ties everything together. Just remember to use cheddar sparingly and add it halfway through the cooking process to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
The Goat Cheese Special
Goat cheese offers a unique twist to a classic pizza. Unlike other cheeses, goat cheese doesn't melt, providing a different texture and flavour profile. You can pair it with other toppings like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even fruit like sliced pears or strawberries for a sweet and savoury combination.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and cheeses to find your favourite unique combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, I do like cheese pizza. I enjoy the simplicity of the classic combination of cheese and tomato sauce on a crispy crust.
The best cheese for pizza depends on personal preference. Mozzarella is a classic choice as it melts well and has a mild, creamy flavor. However, other cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, gouda, or a blend of multiple cheeses can also be delicious.
Besides the classic combination of cheese and tomato sauce, there are several popular toppings that pair well with cheese on a pizza. These include pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano. You can also experiment with unique combinations like pineapple, barbecue chicken, or buffalo sauce and ranch.
