Andy Montoya
There are many ways to make a pizza, and the placement of toppings depends on personal preference, the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and desired texture. Some people prefer to put pepperoni on top of the cheese, while others prefer to put it underneath. Putting pepperoni on top of the cheese can enhance the appearance of the pizza and allow the edges to crisp up. However, putting pepperoni under the cheese can help prevent the toppings from falling off. For Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the suggested order is to layer the cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally, sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Personal preference | Putting toppings on top of the cheese allows you to see the combination of toppings and enhances the appearance of the pizza. |
| Tradition | Putting pepperoni on top of the cheese is traditional and allows the pepperoni to cook just enough to release essential oils, enhancing the flavor. |
| Texture | Fatty meats like pepperoni are often recommended to be placed on top of the cheese to avoid a soggy pizza. |
| Taste | Putting pepperoni on top of the cheese can prevent the toppings from falling off during the cooking process. |
| Type of crust | For a thin crust pizza, thinly sliced vegetables prone to burning may be better placed under the cheese. |
| Nature of toppings | Putting pepperoni on top of the cheese can cause it to leak greasy fat and curl the edges to a crisp, a key characteristic of Detroit-style pizza. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Fatty meats like pepperoni are recommended on top
- Thinly sliced vegetables prone to burning are better placed under the cheese
- Pizza with toppings on top of the cheese generally look better
- Placing pepperoni on top of the cheese is traditional
- Putting pepperoni under the cheese can make the pizza greasy
Fatty meats like pepperoni are recommended on top
While the placement of pizza toppings ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are some compelling reasons why fatty meats like pepperoni are best placed on top of the cheese.
Firstly, consider the cooking process. When fatty meats like pepperoni are placed on top, the hot oven temperature causes the meat to release greasy fat and crisp up at the edges. This is a desirable characteristic of a Detroit-style pizza, enhancing both its taste and appearance. On the other hand, if placed under the cheese, the rendered fat becomes trapped, adding unwanted grease and moisture to the pizza.
Secondly, placing toppings like pepperoni on top of the cheese allows you to see the beautiful combination of ingredients. Pizza is considered an art form, and presenting the colourful array of toppings is part of the appeal. This approach also ensures that your toppings won't slide off when you pick up a slice.
Additionally, placing pepperoni on top of the cheese is a traditional approach. This method ensures the pepperoni receives sufficient heat to release its essential oils, resulting in a burst of flavour.
Experimentation is key when crafting your perfect pizza. For those who prefer their meats extra crispy, placing pepperoni under the cheese can be a viable option, especially if you like to add a final layer of toppings on top for presentation and flavour.
The Ultimate Ramen Twist: Cheese Addition
You may want to see also
Thinly sliced vegetables prone to burning are better placed under the cheese
The placement of pizza toppings depends on various factors, including the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and desired texture. While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are some toppings that are better placed under the cheese.
Thinly sliced vegetables that are prone to burning are better placed under the cheese. This is because the cheese insulates the vegetables from the heat of the oven, allowing them to cook without burning. Vegetables like mushrooms and spinach, for example, are prone to drying out or burning if placed on top of the cheese. By placing them under the cheese, you can help to protect them from the direct heat while still allowing them to cook.
Additionally, if you are using moisture-rich vegetables as toppings, it is recommended to place them on top of the cheese to allow the moisture to evaporate. However, if you dry out these vegetables before adding them, you can place them under the cheese without creating a soggy mess. This technique is especially useful for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, where the suggested order is to layer the cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally, the sauce.
It's worth noting that the placement of toppings can also impact the overall flavour and texture of the pizza. For example, placing pepperoni on top of the cheese allows it to get crispy and enhances the appearance of the pizza. On the other hand, placing toppings like chorizo or salami under the cheese can help to contain the grease and fat rendered by these fatty meats.
In conclusion, while it's a matter of preference, placing thinly sliced vegetables prone to burning under the cheese can help to protect them from direct heat and prevent burning. Experimenting with different topping placements is the best way to find your preferred method for creating the perfect pizza.
Cheese and Chocolate: A Puerto Rican Treat
You may want to see also
Pizza with toppings on top of the cheese generally look better
The placement of pizza toppings depends on personal preference, the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and desired texture. Pizza with toppings on top of the cheese generally looks better and allows you to see the combination of ingredients. This is especially true for fatty meats like pepperoni, which are often placed on top of the cheese to allow the edges to crisp up and enhance the pizza's appearance. Placing pepperoni on top also allows the fat to render out without being trapped under the cheese, which adds grease to the pizza.
However, some people prefer to place certain toppings under the cheese to prevent them from drying out or burning. For example, thinly sliced vegetables like mushrooms that are prone to burning may be placed under the cheese to insulate them from direct heat. Fresh spinach is another example of a topping that can be placed under the cheese or chopped and combined with shredded cheese to prevent it from wilting.
The type of crust can also influence topping placement. For a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the suggested order is to layer cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally sauce. In contrast, most other pizza styles typically start with crust and sauce, with toppings placed on top of the cheese.
Ultimately, the placement of toppings on a pizza is a matter of experimentation and personal preference. Some people may prefer the traditional approach of placing pepperoni on top of the cheese, while others may choose to bury their vegetables under the cheese to prevent drying or burning.
Clam Linguine: To Cheese or Not to Cheese?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Placing pepperoni on top of the cheese is traditional
Secondly, placing pepperoni on top of the cheese improves the visual appeal of the pizza. Pepperoni is considered a "visual ingredient," and putting it on top allows diners to see the combination of pepperoni with other toppings like peppers, mushrooms, and onions. This arrangement also prevents the pepperoni from being hidden under other toppings, avoiding disappointed diners asking, "Where's the pepperoni?"
Furthermore, placing pepperoni on top of the cheese can help prevent a greasy pizza. When placed under the cheese, the pepperoni's fat may render out and get trapped, adding extra grease. By placing it on top, the fat can render and escape, leaving crispier pepperoni edges, a characteristic of Detroit-style pizza.
However, it's worth noting that some people prefer to place pepperoni under the cheese or even use a combination of both methods. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, and there is no single correct answer. Some pizza enthusiasts even experiment with layers, starting with pepperoni, then cheese, and finally another layer of pepperoni.
Mac and Cheese with Ground Mustard: A Perfect Pairing?
You may want to see also
Putting pepperoni under the cheese can make the pizza greasy
There are differing opinions on whether pepperoni should be placed on top of or beneath the cheese on a pizza. While some people prefer to put pepperoni on top of the cheese, others prefer to put it underneath to prevent toppings from falling off and to make the pizza greasier.
On the other hand, placing pepperoni on top of the cheese allows the edges to crisp up and enhances the appearance of the pizza. This is also the traditional way of placing pepperoni on a pizza. Additionally, putting pepperoni on top ensures that it receives direct heat, which releases essential oils and enhances the flavour.
To reduce the amount of grease on a pizza with pepperoni, one can blot the pepperoni with paper towels before placing it on the pizza. This will help to absorb some of the grease and prevent it from pooling on top of the pizza.
Ultimately, the placement of pepperoni depends on personal preference and the desired texture and flavour of the pizza.
Shredded Cheese: Plastic or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your preference. Many people put pepperoni on top of the cheese so that it gets crispy and to prevent the toppings from falling off. However, some people prefer to put pepperoni under the cheese, especially if they want to put other toppings on top of the cheese.
You can add a light sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano to the top of the pizza before putting it in the oven. This will help keep the toppings in place.
Fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo are recommended to go on top of the cheese. Thinly sliced vegetables that are prone to burning, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, are better placed underneath the cheese. However, if you dry out these vegetables before adding them to the pizza, you can place them under or on top of the cheese.
You can use shredded mozzarella or provolone, or a mixture of different cheeses. Fresh mozzarella should be dried and added in small pieces to prevent the pizza from getting soggy.
