Patrick Oconnell
Whether you put cheese on your pizza first or last depends on the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and your desired texture. For example, if you're making a thin-crust pizza, adding cheese first creates a stronger base to hold everything together. On the other hand, if you add toppings on top of the cheese, it will cook more evenly and you can see what's on your pizza. Additionally, the type of cheese and how it's shredded can impact meltability and browning.
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What You'll Learn
The order of toppings is critical to avoid sogginess
For example, if you are making a thin-crust pizza, layering the cheese first creates a stronger base to add more toppings. This also works well if you are using moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, as the heat from the oven will allow any moisture to evaporate. However, putting these vegetables below the cheese traps the moisture, resulting in a soggy mess.
On the other hand, if you are using toppings that you don't want to dry out, such as spinach or fresh herbs, it is better to add them under the cheese. This will help prevent them from burning or becoming crispy.
Another factor to consider is the meltability of the cheese. Some cheeses, such as whole milk low-moisture mozzarella, tend to spread and melt more evenly, making them a good choice for a base layer. Additionally, shredding your own cheese is recommended, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated in starch, which can cause it to brown prematurely.
Finally, the choice of placing toppings above or below the cheese comes down to personal preference. Experimenting with different orders and preparation methods can help you find the ideal arrangement based on your taste preferences.
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Cheese first: pros, cons, and alternatives
Putting cheese first on a pizza has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best method ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of pizza being made.
Pros of Cheese First:
- Cheese first can protect the crust from getting soggy, especially for thin-crust pizzas.
- Cheese melts directly onto the crust, reducing "cheese drag" when taking a bite.
- The sauce thickens and sweetens due to the cheese layer, creating a deeper flavor.
- For pizzas with moisture-rich toppings, putting cheese first can help prevent a soggy mess.
- Cheese first can act as a "glue" to hold the toppings in place.
Cons of Cheese First:
- Putting cheese first can make it difficult to spread the sauce evenly.
- Some toppings may not cook evenly or get the desired toasting if placed under the cheese.
- Water vapor from toppings can get trapped under the cheese, leading to a soggy pizza.
- Cheese may not brown as well if added at the beginning of the baking process.
Alternatives:
- For moisture-rich toppings, consider placing them on top of the cheese to allow moisture to evaporate.
- Pre-cook or squeeze moisture out of wet ingredients like vegetables or fruit before adding them to the pizza.
- For delicate ingredients like spinach or basil, add them in the last few minutes of cooking or after the pizza is fully cooked.
- Experiment with different types of cheese and shredding methods to find the best melt and browning for your pizza.
- Try alternative pizza styles like New York-style or Detroit-style, which typically have sauce and then cheese.
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Cheese last: pros, cons, and alternatives
Placing cheese last on a pizza has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the main pros is that it allows the toppings to cook more evenly and completely, resulting in a pizza that not only tastes better but also looks better. This is because the heat of the oven causes water vapour to be released from toppings. If the toppings are under the cheese, the vapour gets trapped, resulting in mushy ingredients and a
Another benefit of cheese last is that it makes the pizza-making process easier. Spreading the sauce directly onto the bare dough results in an even distribution of the sauce, which would be challenging to achieve if the cheese and toppings were already in place. Additionally, placing toppings on top of the cheese allows for a visually appealing display of colours, shapes, and textures, making it easier to identify each topping.
However, there are also some cons to consider when placing cheese last. One potential issue is that the cheese may not adhere properly to the toppings or crust. This can be mitigated by using the right amount of sauce and shredding your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese tends to brown prematurely due to the starch coating. Additionally, some people prefer the way cheese melts right onto the crust when placed first, creating a stronger base for thin-crust pizzas and reducing the chance of cheese drag, where the cheese pulls off the pizza when taking a bite.
Ultimately, the decision to place cheese first or last depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. Experimenting with different methods can help determine the ideal arrangement based on individual taste preferences. For example, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza typically involves layering cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally the sauce, while most other styles start with crust and sauce.
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The best type of cheese for pizza
There are many different types of cheese that can be used on a pizza, and the best type depends on the desired taste and texture.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its meltability, stretchability, and mild, creamy flavour. Low-moisture mozzarella is commonly used in restaurants and pizzerias as it has a longer shelf life and lower water content, reducing the risk of a soggy pizza. However, fresh mozzarella has a softer texture and higher water content, which can add moisture to the pizza. To avoid a soggy crust when using fresh mozzarella, it is important to thoroughly dry the cheese before adding it to the pizza.
Other types of cheese that melt well on pizza include cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, provolone, and raclette. These cheeses can be blended with mozzarella to create a more complex flavour profile. For example, a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and sharp cheddar can add extra depth of flavour to a pizza. Additionally, aged cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar can be added to a pizza for extra umami and depth of flavour. However, it is important to note that aged cheeses may not melt as well as younger cheeses, so it is recommended to choose mild or medium varieties.
When constructing a pizza, the order of ingredients also plays a role in the final product. Some people prefer to put cheese on first, as it protects the crust from getting soggy and allows the cheese to melt directly onto the crust. Others prefer to put sauce on first, especially for New York-style pizza, as it was traditionally a peasant food and the high cost of cheese made it more of a garnish.
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The best way to prepare cheese for pizza
Preparing the cheese for your pizza is a crucial step in the pizza-making process. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
Choosing the Right Cheese
Select a cheese that has good melt-ability and won't brown prematurely. Whole milk low-moisture mozzarella tends to spread and melt more evenly, making it a popular choice for pizza.
Shredding Your Own Cheese
It is highly recommended to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in starch to prevent clumping, which can cause the cheese to brown prematurely during cooking, affecting the taste and visual appeal of your pizza.
Layering the Cheese
The order in which you layer the cheese and other toppings is a matter of personal preference and the style of pizza you are making. However, a few guidelines can help you achieve the desired results:
- If you are using moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, place them on top of the cheese to allow excess moisture to evaporate and prevent a soggy pizza.
- For thin-crust pizzas, consider layering the cheese directly on the crust to create a stronger base that can hold more toppings without making the crust soggy.
- If you want to avoid a messy eating experience, place the cheese first, followed by toppings. This will prevent "cheese drag," where the cheese stretches from the pizza to your face or clothing when you take a bite.
- For Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the traditional order is to layer cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally, the sauce on top.
- If you want your toppings to have a toasted, crispy texture, place them on top of the cheese. This will also showcase the colours, shapes, and textures of your ingredients, making your pizza more visually appealing.
Remember, experimenting with different orders and preparation methods is the best way to find the ideal arrangement based on your personal taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to layer a pizza depending on the type of crust, toppings, and desired texture. The general order is crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings. However, some pizzas like the Chicago deep-dish have layers of crust, cheese, toppings, and sauce.
Layering a pizza in a certain way helps avoid undercooked or mushy ingredients, which would detract from the flavor, appearance, and texture of the pizza.
It is recommended to use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella cheese as it tends to spread and melt more evenly.
Yes, shredding your own cheese is recommended as pre-packaged shredded cheese is coated in starch, which causes the cheese to brown early in the cooking process.
Toppings like pepperoni, salami, and other deli meats should go above the cheese. However, ingredients like spinach, basil, and other herbs should be added in the last few minutes of cooking or after the pizza is fully cooked.
