Kamil Perry
There are many ways to make a pizza, and the order of toppings and cheese is a highly contested topic. The classic order is crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings. However, some people prefer to put their toppings underneath the cheese. The order of toppings and cheese depends on the type of crust, the nature of the toppings, and the desired texture. For example, moisture-rich vegetables should be placed on top of the cheese to prevent them from becoming soggy. On the other hand, toppings that burn easily, like spinach, fresh herbs, and dried oregano, should be placed under the cheese to prevent them from burning.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Layering order | Crust, sauce, cheese, toppings |
| Cheese placement | Below toppings |
| Toppings placement | Above cheese |
| Toppings that go below cheese | Spinach, fresh herbs, onions, green peppers, dried oregano, mushrooms, zucchini, other moisture-rich vegetables, less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp |
| Toppings that go above cheese | Pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, chorizo, ham, prawns, bacon, olives, other relatively dry toppings |
| Reasons for toppings above cheese | Toasting, texture, presentation, tradition, preventing sogginess |
| Reasons for toppings below cheese | Protecting ingredients from oven heat, creating a stronger base for thin crusts, ease of spreading sauce |
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What You'll Learn
The classic order of toppings
Having the toppings on top also improves the presentation of the pizza. This way, the diner can easily identify each topping and know exactly what they are getting. It also looks better as the eye-catching colours of the toppings will be visible, making the pizza more appetising.
However, there are some exceptions to this classic order. Certain toppings that burn or dry out easily, like spinach, fresh herbs, or dried oregano, should be placed under the cheese so that they don't burn. Similarly, less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp can dry out if cooked on top of the cheese, so they should be placed underneath. Fatty meats, on the other hand, have enough oils and durability to stand up to a hot oven, so they should be placed on top.
The type of crust can also determine the order of toppings. For thin-crust pizzas, layering the cheese first creates a stronger base to add more toppings. For Sicilian-style pizzas, the cheese goes directly on the crust, followed by the sauce, as it helps the thick, bread-like dough to not become soggy. Chicago deep-dish pizzas also have layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce, in that order.
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Avoiding soggy pizza
There are several ways to avoid a soggy pizza, from the preparation of the toppings to the layering of the pizza itself.
Firstly, it is important to consider the types of toppings you are using. If you are using vegetables, it is a good idea to cook them first to reduce their moisture content. You can roast, sauté or pre-bake them to get rid of excess water. This is especially important for vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, and onions, which are high in water content. By cooking them first, you not only add flavour but also ensure they are fully cooked, as the baking time for the pizza may not be sufficient to cook them through.
Secondly, be mindful not to overload your pizza with too many toppings. Overlapping and layering toppings can weigh down the pizza, adding too much moisture and preventing the crust from fully browning. This can result in a flabby bottom crust instead of a crispy one.
Thirdly, the order in which you layer your toppings, cheese, and sauce can impact the sogginess of your pizza. While there is an ongoing debate about whether to put toppings or cheese first, putting toppings under the cheese can cause them to steam and rapidly cook in the oven. The heat will cause the toppings to release water vapour, which will get trapped under the cheese, leading to soggy toppings. Therefore, placing toppings on top of the cheese can help prevent sogginess and allow the toppings to cook and crisp in the oven. However, there are exceptions, such as the Sicilian pizza, where the cheese goes directly on the dough, followed by the sauce, to prevent the thick dough from becoming soggy.
Finally, if you are using herbs like basil, add them after the pizza comes out of the oven to keep them fresh and vibrant. You can also sprinkle on some extra cheese or herbs after baking to boost the flavour.
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The type of crust
On the other hand, if you're going for a thicker crust, such as a Sicilian or deep-dish style, you might put the cheese on top of the sauce to prevent the thick bread-like dough from becoming soggy. The cheese acts as a barrier, keeping the sauce from seeping into the crust and creating a crispy texture and deeper flavour.
Additionally, the type of toppings you choose can also influence the order. If you're using moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, it's best to place them on top of the cheese. This way, the heat from the oven will evaporate the moisture, preventing a soggy mess. Similarly, if you're adding fatty meats like salami, sausage, or pepperoni, they should go on top to avoid trapping grease and liquid under the cheese.
However, if you have ingredients that are sensitive to high temperatures or prone to burning, such as spinach, fresh herbs, or thinly sliced vegetables, it's best to put them under the cheese for protection. This way, they won't dry out or burn before the pizza is cooked.
Ultimately, the decision to place toppings above or below the cheese depends on your personal preference and the specific style of pizza you're aiming for. Experiment with different orders and preparation methods to find the ideal arrangement that suits your taste.
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Presentation and aesthetics
The presentation and aesthetics of a pizza are important factors to consider when deciding the order of toppings and cheese. Putting toppings on top of the cheese is visually more appealing. This way, a diner can easily identify each topping and know exactly what they are getting. The eye-catching colours of the toppings make the pizza look very appetising. For example, ingredients that can easily burn, such as spinach, fresh herbs, or very thin slices of vegetables like onions and green peppers, should be placed under the cheese to prevent them from burning. Similarly, less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp can dry out if cooked on top of the cheese, so it is better to place them under the cheese.
On the other hand, certain toppings are better suited for placement on top of the cheese. For instance, if you are topping your pizza with pepperoni, it is recommended to put it on top of the cheese. Fatty meats, such as salami, sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo, have enough oils and durability to withstand the heat of the oven and should be placed on top to prevent them from rendering out and adding grease and liquid to the pizza. Additionally, moisture-rich vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, are better placed on top of the cheese to allow the heat from the oven to evaporate the moisture and prevent a soggy mess.
The type of crust and the desired texture of the pizza also play a role in the presentation. For thin-crust pizzas, layering the cheese first creates a stronger base to hold everything together. In the case of Sicilian-style pizzas, the cheese is placed directly on the crust before adding the sauce to prevent the thick bread-like dough from becoming soggy.
Ultimately, the decision to place toppings above or below the cheese depends on personal preference and experimentation. However, considering the presentation and aesthetics can help create a visually appealing and tasty pizza.
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Personal preference
When it comes to personal preference, opinions vary on whether to put toppings or cheese on a pizza first. Some people prefer to put toppings underneath the cheese, while others opt for toppings on top of the cheese. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can experiment with different arrangements to find your ideal pizza.
Those who prefer toppings under the cheese often cite the need to protect sensitive ingredients from the direct heat of the oven. Ingredients like spinach, basil, arugula, and other fresh herbs can dry out or burn if they are not covered by a layer of cheese. Additionally, putting certain toppings under the cheese can help prevent them from falling off during the cooking process and when transferring the pizza in and out of the oven. A light sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano can act as a "glue" to keep toppings in place.
On the other hand, many people prefer to put toppings on top of the cheese for a variety of reasons. Firstly, aesthetics and presentation play a role. Putting toppings on top allows you to see the beautiful combination of colours and ingredients, making the pizza more visually appealing. Additionally, toppings on top can get toasted and slightly browned, adding texture and enhancing the flavour. This is especially important for ingredients like pepperoni, which develops crispy edges when placed on top. Furthermore, putting toppings on top can prevent them from becoming soggy or mushy from the trapped steam created by the water vapour released during cooking.
The type of pizza you are making can also influence your personal preference. For example, the Chicago deep-dish style involves layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce, while most other styles start with crust and sauce. Sicilian-style pizzas typically put cheese directly on the crust before adding sauce and toppings. Thin-crust pizzas, like the Detroit-style, usually have toppings on top to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Ultimately, the decision to put toppings or cheese first on your pizza is a matter of personal taste, experimentation, and consideration of the specific ingredients and style of pizza you are crafting.
Frequently asked questions
Putting toppings on before cheese can prevent the toppings from getting soggy and mushy. Toppings that burn or dry out easily, like spinach, fresh herbs, or oregano, should be put under the cheese so that they don't burn. Fatty meats, like salami, sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo, should also go on top of the cheese, as they have enough oils and durability to stand up to a hot oven.
Putting cheese on before toppings can help the thick bread-like dough underneath to not become soggy. It is also much easier to spread the liquid tomato sauce on a blank pizza base rather than spread it evenly over cheese and toppings.
The toppings may burn or dry out. Also, the cheese may not get a deeper flavor and crispy texture.
The toppings may get soggy and mushy. The pizza may also not look as appetizing.
