Kamil Perry
There are many ways to make a pizza, and the order of toppings is a matter of much debate. The placement of cheese and toppings depends on the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and the desired texture. Some people prefer to put toppings on top of the cheese, as it looks more appealing and allows the toppings to toast. Others prefer to put cheese on top to prevent the dough from becoming soggy due to the moisture released by vegetables or fatty meats. The type of cheese also plays a role in the placement, as certain cheeses melt and brown more easily than others. Ultimately, the order of toppings and cheese is a matter of personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese first or last | It depends on the type of crust, nature of toppings, and desired texture. |
| Crust type | For thin crust pizzas, cheese first creates a stronger base. For thick crusts, cheese on top prevents a soggy dough. |
| Toppings | Fatty meats, pepperoni, and moisture-rich vegetables go on top to prevent burning, curling, shrinkage, and a soggy base. Thinly sliced vegetables, less fatty proteins, and toppings that can dry out go under the cheese. |
| Taste | Cheese on top browns up nicely and gives a toasted taste to toppings. |
| Texture | Cheese on top gives a crisp texture to toppings like pepperoni. |
| Aesthetics | Cheese on top looks better as toppings are visible. |
| Practicality | Cheese on top allows for more toppings as it prevents the pizza from becoming soggy. |
| Personal preference | There is no right or wrong answer. |
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What You'll Learn
- The choice of cheese placement depends on the type of pizza crust
- The type of toppings used can determine whether they go on top of or below the cheese
- The desired texture of the pizza can be achieved by placing toppings above or below the cheese
- The amount of cheese used will vary depending on its placement
- The placement of toppings can be influenced by personal preference and presentation
The choice of cheese placement depends on the type of pizza crust
Another factor to consider is the type of toppings. If you are topping your pizza with moisture-rich vegetables, it is better to add them on top of the cheese. This is because the heat from the oven will let any moisture evaporate, preventing a soggy mess. However, if you are using fatty meats such as salami, sausage, Italian sausage, or chorizo, it is recommended to put them on top of the cheese. This is because these meats have enough oils and durability to withstand the heat of the oven, and putting them under the cheese will only add more grease to the pizza.
Additionally, the desired texture and presentation of the pizza come into play when deciding the placement of cheese. If you want your toppings to have a toasted texture, it is better to put them on top of the cheese. Also, pizzas with toppings on top of the cheese are more aesthetically pleasing as the diner can identify each topping easily.
Furthermore, the amount and type of cheese used can influence the placement. For example, if you are using a cheese that browns up nicely, you might want to put it on top to enhance the visual appeal. On the other hand, if you are using a cheese that spreads and melts evenly, you might want to put it on the bottom to create a stronger base for the toppings.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese placement depends on various factors, including the type of crust, toppings, desired texture, presentation, and amount and type of cheese used. Experimenting with different combinations can help in finding the ideal arrangement based on individual preferences.
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The type of toppings used can determine whether they go on top of or below the cheese
The placement of toppings in relation to the cheese depends on various factors, including the type of toppings used, the desired texture, and the cooking method.
For example, moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms are usually placed on top of the cheese. This allows the heat from the oven to evaporate the moisture, preventing a soggy pizza. Conversely, if these vegetables are placed under the cheese, the moisture gets trapped, resulting in a watery pizza. Similarly, fatty meats like salami, sausage, and chorizo should be placed on top of the cheese. If placed under the cheese, the rendered fat gets trapped, adding unwanted grease to the pizza.
On the other hand, certain toppings that are prone to burning or drying out are better placed under the cheese. For example, thin vegetables like onions and green peppers can burn easily, so placing them under the cheese protects them from direct heat. Less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp can also dry out quickly, so placing them under the cheese helps retain moisture. Additionally, if a crispy texture is desired, as in the case of pepperoni, placing it on top of the cheese allows it to crisp up and curl at high temperatures.
The type of crust also plays a role in the placement of toppings. For instance, a thin crust pizza may benefit from a layer of cheese first to create a stronger base for the toppings. In contrast, a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza typically has layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce, while other styles might start with the crust and sauce first.
Ultimately, the decision to place toppings above or below the cheese is a matter of personal preference and experimentation. The choice takes into account the desired taste, texture, and presentation of the final pizza.
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The desired texture of the pizza can be achieved by placing toppings above or below the cheese
When placing toppings underneath the cheese, the cheese acts as an insulator, trapping moisture released from the toppings and preventing the pizza base from drying out. This technique is suitable for pizzas with moisture-rich toppings, such as vegetables, or for those with less fatty proteins that may dry out during cooking, such as chicken or shrimp. Placing fatty meats, such as salami or sausage, under the cheese can result in a greasier pizza as the rendered fat gets trapped under the cheese.
On the other hand, placing toppings on top of the cheese allows them to toast and crisp up, creating a different texture. This placement also ensures that the toppings are visible, making the pizza more aesthetically pleasing and allowing diners to identify the toppings easily. Additionally, placing toppings on top of the cheese can help prevent burning or shrinkage of certain ingredients, such as pepperoni, which tends to curl when placed under the cheese.
The type of crust and sauce used can also influence the decision. For thicker crusts and deep-dish pizzas, placing the cheese on top can help prevent the sauce from making the crust soggy. However, for thin-crust pizzas, layering the cheese first can create a stronger base to hold the toppings.
Ultimately, the decision to place toppings above or below the cheese depends on various factors, including the desired texture, type of crust, nature of toppings, and personal preference. Experimenting with different arrangements can help individuals find the ideal combination that suits their taste and texture preferences.
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The amount of cheese used will vary depending on its placement
The amount of cheese used on a pizza can vary depending on its placement. For example, in North America, pizza chefs tend to use more cheese than their Italian counterparts. Italian-style pizzas have one-half to one-third of the amount of cheese that North Americans put on a 12-inch pizza.
The placement of the cheese also depends on the type of crust, the nature of the toppings, and the desired texture. For instance, if you are making a thin-crust pizza, layering cheese first creates a stronger base to add more toppings. On the other hand, if you are adding moisture-rich vegetables as toppings, it is recommended to put them on top of the cheese to prevent a soggy pizza.
The amount of cheese used can also be influenced by the desired taste and aesthetic of the pizza. Some people prefer to have their toppings on top of the cheese to make the pizza look more appetizing and to prevent the toppings from drying out or burning. Others may choose to put extra cheese on top of the toppings to satisfy their cheese cravings or to create a crispy texture.
Additionally, the melt-ability and type of cheese can impact the amount used. For example, whole milk low-moisture mozzarella tends to spread and melt more evenly, so you may need less of it to cover your pizza. Shredding your own cheese can also affect the amount, as pre-packaged shredded cheese tends to brown prematurely.
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The placement of toppings can be influenced by personal preference and presentation
The placement of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic and can indeed be influenced by personal preference and presentation. While some prefer putting the toppings beneath the cheese, others prefer loading toppings on top of the cheese.
Those who prefer toppings beneath the cheese often do so to prevent the toppings from drying out or burning. This is especially true for moisture-rich vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and herbs. By placing these ingredients under the cheese, the cheese acts as a barrier, trapping the moisture and preventing the pizza from becoming soggy. This technique is also useful for less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp, which can dry out quickly if placed directly under high heat. Additionally, some pizza styles, such as Chicago deep-dish, traditionally involve layering cheese, toppings, and sauce.
On the other hand, many people prefer placing toppings on top of the cheese for aesthetic and taste reasons. From a presentation standpoint, pizzas with toppings on top of the cheese are more visually appealing. Diners can easily identify the various toppings and know exactly what they are getting. Furthermore, placing toppings on top allows for the browning and toasting of those toppings, enhancing the overall taste and texture. This is particularly desirable for toppings like pepperoni, which curls up at the edges and crisps when placed on top of the cheese.
The decision to place toppings above or below the cheese ultimately depends on various factors, including the type of crust, the nature of the toppings (whether they are vegetables or proteins), and the desired texture and appearance of the final product. It is worth experimenting with different arrangements to find the most appealing combination based on individual preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Putting toppings on top of the cheese can improve the aesthetic of the pizza as it allows the customer to see the toppings and know exactly what they are getting. It also allows the toppings to toast and crisp up.
Putting cheese on top of the toppings can help to prevent the dough from becoming soggy by keeping moisture from the sauce and moisture-rich toppings from reaching the dough. It also means that the cheese will brown nicely.
If you are using less fatty proteins like chicken or shrimp, it is better to put them under the cheese as they can dry out if cooked on top of the cheese. It is also better to put certain vegetables, such as onions and green peppers, under the cheese as they can burn easily.
If you are making a thin crust pizza, it is better to put the cheese under the toppings as it creates a stronger base to add more toppings. It is also better to put fatty meats, such as pepperoni, under the cheese as they can render out and add grease to the pizza.
