Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a polarizing topic when it comes to pizza toppings. While some people enjoy the sharpness and stretchiness that cheddar adds to their pizza, others argue that it doesn't melt as well as traditional pizza cheeses like mozzarella, resulting in a greasy pizza. The key factor seems to be the type of cheddar used, with younger and milder cheddars melting better and older cheddars being drier and less meltable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, as some people enjoy experimenting with different cheeses on their pizzas, while others prefer to stick to the classic mozzarella for its meltability and stretchiness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Cheddar does not taste the same as mozzarella |
| Melting characteristics | Cheddar does not melt as well as mozzarella |
| Texture | Cheddar does not have the same texture as mozzarella |
| Fat content | Cheddar has a higher fat content than mozzarella |
| Colour | Cheddar may not brown as well as mozzarella |
| Use in pizza | Cheddar can be used in small amounts, mixed with other cheeses, such as mozzarella |
Explore related products
$1.67
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the traditional pizza cheese
While some people opt to put cheddar cheese on their pizza, mozzarella is the traditional pizza cheese. This is because it hits a high-moisture, low-fat sweet spot, which makes it bendable and able to brown. These qualities are the result of the chemical process that occurs when pizza is baked. As the pizza cooks, the water molecules in the cheese heat up and turn to steam. The steam gets trapped inside the cheese, causing it to bubble. This bubbling action breaks the surface of oil on the cheese, exposing the moisture to the oven's heat, which then evaporates, leaving the rest of the cheese to brown.
Mozzarella's high-moisture and low-fat content make it ideal for this process, as low-moisture, low-fat cheeses will burn, and high-moisture, high-fat cheeses will stay greasy without browning. This is why mozzarella is the cheese of choice for pizza in America and Italy. It is also lower in fat than even reduced-fat cheddar, making it a healthier option.
While some people do use cheddar on their pizzas, it does not have the same melting characteristics as mozzarella. Cheddar has a tendency to scorch, and its fats can separate from the solids as a yellowish oil. The sharper the cheddar, the less well it will tolerate heat. This means that younger, milder cheddars are better for pizza, but even these do not melt as smoothly as mozzarella.
For those who want to use cheddar on their pizzas, it is recommended to mix it with mozzarella to prevent greasiness, or to add it halfway through cooking due to its faster melting time.
The Sharpest Cheddar: Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Explained
You may want to see also
Cheddar doesn't melt as well as mozzarella
Cheddar cheese is not the best option for pizza as it does not melt as well as mozzarella. The melting characteristics of different cheeses depend on the acid and aging's impact on their protein structure. Cheddar has a higher fat content than mozzarella, and when it melts, the fat separates from the solids as a yellowish oil, making the pizza greasier. The sharpness of the cheddar also affects its melting properties, with sharper cheddars being drier and less able to melt smoothly.
Mozzarella, on the other hand, is known for its excellent melting properties due to its casein content and the weak bonds between its molecules. It oozes and stretches when melted, creating the ideal texture for pizza. While mozzarella is the traditional choice for Italian pizzas, other cheeses such as provolone, Parmesan, and gouda are sometimes used in combination with mozzarella.
The type of mozzarella also affects its melting properties. Fresh mozzarella, which typically comes in a ball in liquid, does not melt as well as low-moisture mozzarella, which is specifically designed for melting and is commonly used in pizzas, quesadillas, and mozzarella sticks. The cooking method and temperature also play a role in how well mozzarella melts. For example, Neapolitan-style pizzas are cooked for a short time at high heat, preventing the fresh mozzarella from breaking down completely.
While cheddar can be used on pizza, it is generally recommended to use younger, milder, and softer varieties that melt better. Mixing cheddar with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, can also improve its melting characteristics and reduce greasiness. However, it is important to note that even with these adjustments, cheddar may not provide the same melting texture as mozzarella, resulting in a different pizza experience.
In summary, cheddar cheese may be used on pizza, but it does not melt as well as mozzarella due to its higher fat content and different protein structure. For the best results, it is advisable to choose younger and milder cheddars, combine them with other cheeses, and adjust the cooking temperature and time to prevent scorching and grease separation.
The Best Places to Buy Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Younger, milder cheddars are better for pizza
While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, some people do use cheddar. However, it doesn't have the same melting characteristics as mozzarella, and it can make the pizza greasier. This is because the fats can separate from the solids as a yellowish oil. The sharper the cheddar, the less well it will tolerate heat.
It's best to use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and cheddar, to prevent the pizza from becoming too greasy. Some people also add provolone to give a signature pizzeria taste. One blend that works well is mild white cheddar, Manchego, and Pecorino Romano. The cheddar gives the stretchiness, the Manchego gives the rich flavour, and the Romano adds saltiness.
If you're set on using cheddar as your primary cheese, you can make a thinner crust pizza that you cook longer at a lower temperature. You can also add the cheddar halfway through the cooking process, as it melts more quickly than mozzarella.
Softening Sharp Cheddar: The Secret to a Silky Sauce
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar can be greasy on pizza
Cheddar can be a tasty addition to a pizza, but it can also make it greasy. This is because cheddar has a higher fat content than mozzarella, which is the traditional pizza cheese. When pizza is baked, the water molecules in the cheese heat up and turn to steam, which gets trapped inside the protein and fat. This causes the cheese to bubble, and the bubbling and steaming cause the oil to leak out of the melting cheese. Cheddar, with its higher fat content, can release more oil, making the pizza greasier.
The type of cheddar used can also affect the greasiness of the pizza. Older, more aged cheddars are drier and don't melt as smoothly, which can result in a greasier pizza. Younger, milder cheddars are better for pizza because they melt more easily and have a lower fat content. However, even with younger cheddars, there is still a risk of the cheese scorching, which can affect the taste and smell of the pizza.
To avoid a greasy pizza, it is recommended to use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and cheddar, or to add the cheddar halfway through the cooking process. This allows for the enjoyment of cheddar's flavour without it affecting the texture of the pizza.
Additionally, the baking temperature and time can impact the greasiness of cheddar on a pizza. Cheddar does not tolerate high heat well and can scorch, so it is better to cook the pizza at a lower temperature for a longer time. This allows the cheddar to melt without burning or releasing too much oil.
Overall, while cheddar can be a tasty addition to a pizza, its higher fat content and melting characteristics can make the pizza greasier than if other cheeses, like mozzarella, were used.
Cheddar Cheese: Carb-Free Delicacy Explained
You may want to see also
Blending cheeses can be a good option
Blending cheeses can be a great option for a pizza, and while mozzarella is the classic choice, it is not the only cheese that can be used.
Cheddar is a popular cheese, and while it can be used on pizza, it has different melting characteristics to mozzarella. Mozzarella has a lower fat content than even reduced-fat cheddar, which makes it a healthier choice. Cheddar can be used as a pizza topping, but it may not be the best choice as the sole cheese. It tends to make the pizza greasier, especially if it is a high-quality, older cheddar. The fats can separate from the solids as a yellowish oil, and the cheese can also scorch, creating an unpleasant taste and smell.
However, this does not mean that cheddar should be avoided altogether. Many people use a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, and this can be a good option. A mix of mild cheddar, manchego, and pecorino romano, for example, can provide a great mix of stretchiness, rich flavour, and saltiness. Alternatively, a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar can be used, with mozzarella forming the base, and the other two cheeses added in smaller amounts. This can add interest and flavour to the pizza, without the negative effects of using only cheddar.
The type of pizza being made can also influence the cheese choice. For example, cheddar can work well on a BBQ chicken pizza, or with taco-type toppings. It is also worth noting that the baking time and temperature can affect the performance of cheddar, and it may work better on a grilled pizza, where the toppings are added towards the end.
Monterey Jack vs Cheddar: A Cheesy Comparison
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use cheddar cheese on pizza. However, it does not melt as well as mozzarella and may make the pizza greasier. It is recommended to use a younger, milder cheddar and mix it with mozzarella to prevent the pizza from becoming too greasy.
Mozzarella has a high moisture and low-fat content, which makes it bendable and able to brown in the oven. This creates the ideal, bubbly texture for pizza cheese.
Other types of cheese that can be used on pizza include provolone, gouda, parmesan, fontina, smoked gouda, pepper jack, raclette, manchego, and pecorino romano.
