Bushra Griffith
Whether or not cheese is considered a topping on pizza is a highly contested topic. Some people believe that cheese is an indispensable part of a pizza and not a topping, whereas others believe that adding extra cheese to a pizza is considered a topping. In North America, most pizza places put cheese underneath toppings unless the customer requests extra cheese, in which case, the cheese is loaded on top of all the toppings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese as a topping | Yes |
| Cheese as an ingredient | Yes |
| Placement of extra cheese | On top of other toppings |
| Placement of regular cheese | Below toppings |
| UNESCO's definition of Neapolitan pizza | Does not mention cheese |
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What You'll Learn
UNESCO's definition of pizza
UNESCO has not defined pizza per se, but it has recognised the "Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo" as an intangible cultural heritage. This recognition is not for the pizza itself, but for the craft of its makers, the pizzaioli, and the culture and history behind it.
The Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo is a culinary practice that involves four phases: preparing the dough, spinning and twirling it, throwing it in the air to oxygenate it, and baking it in a wood-fired oven. The dough should be a round disc measuring 11.5 to 12 inches in diameter, with a 0.7- to 1-inch thick edge, and the rest as thin as a credit card. The soft texture should respond to touch without cracking.
The Neapolitan pizza-making process is a unique tradition that has been taught and learned worldwide. It is believed to have originated from pita breads in Ancient Greece, where soldiers baked flatbreads with cheese and dates on their battle shields. The modern pizza, however, is credited to Raffaele Esposito, who created it in Naples. The Neapolitan pizza stands out from other varieties, such as Chicago deep dish and New York thin crust, due to its light and simple characteristics.
The recognition by UNESCO is intended to safeguard cultural traditions that are at risk of losing their unique identity due to appropriation and misappropriation. This distinction aims to preserve the heritage associated with the Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo, including the instruments, techniques, and knowledge passed down through generations.
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Cheese placement
There are several schools of thought on the placement of cheese and toppings on a pizza. While some believe that cheese is a fundamental part of the pizza base and not a topping, others consider it a topping like any other.
Cheese as a Base
UNESCO's definition of a Neapolitan pizza only mentions two ingredients: bread and seasoned sauce. However, the Margherita variation includes cheese, along with basil and the other standard ingredients of a Neapolitan pizza. This suggests that cheese is an optional extra, and not an essential part of the pizza base.
Cheese as a Topping
Those who consider cheese a topping may still place it directly on the sauce, beneath other toppings. This is because cheese is good at protecting easily burnt ingredients like dried oregano. It also allows other toppings to crisp up, which is considered desirable. Placing cheese beneath toppings also has aesthetic benefits, as it allows the fresh ingredients to be seen.
Extra Cheese
When extra cheese is added to a pizza, it is often placed on top of the other toppings. This allows the cheese to crisp up, which is considered desirable by some.
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Melting capacity
Cheese is a beloved food, whether enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient in dishes such as pizza. The melting capacity of cheese is a crucial aspect of its quality and functionality. When cheese is heated, its structure is altered, affecting its characteristics. Therefore, the melting capacity of cheese is a significant commercial attribute.
The melting capacity of cheese is influenced by its composition, specifically the ratio of water to fat and the strength of the protein network. Cheese is an emulsion of dairy fat and water, held together by proteins. As the temperature increases, the dairy fat melts, and the protein structure becomes more pliable. However, if the temperature continues to rise, the protein network begins to collapse, and the bonds between the caseins break, resulting in a lava-like, loosey-goosey texture.
Young, moist cheeses with higher moisture content, such as mozzarella, Taleggio, brie, Gruyère, Emmental, and Jack, tend to melt more smoothly. These cheeses have a better ability to maintain their emulsion and prevent the fat molecules from separating. On the other hand, drier, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino-Romano, which have lost moisture through evaporation, often struggle to melt evenly and may form clumps or break.
Additionally, the presence of a water-tight barrier during the ageing process can impact the melting capacity of cheese. For example, cheeses like wax-aged cheddar or gouda aged in a wax shell may have difficulty melting smoothly, despite their high moisture content. Prolonged or excessive heat can further affect the melting process, causing the water content to reduce and the milk proteins to shrink and brown. This can lead to the formation of a tough ball of casein proteins floating in grease, as the protein structure can no longer contain the fat molecules.
In summary, the melting capacity of cheese is determined by its composition and the temperature it is subjected to. Younger, moister cheeses with a well-maintained balance of water and fat tend to melt more desirably, while older, drier cheeses may struggle to melt smoothly. Understanding the melting capacity of different cheeses is essential for their successful use in various culinary applications.
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Extra cheese on top
Whether or not extra cheese on a pizza is considered a topping is a matter of some debate. While some people argue that cheese is an indispensable part of a pizza, others consider it a topping that can be added or omitted according to personal preference.
The UNESCO definition of a Neapolitan marinara pizza, for example, does not mention cheese at all, only requiring bread and seasoned sauce. However, the margarita pizza, which is the best-known pizza, includes cheese, and additional types of cheese can be added as toppings.
When making a pizza with extra cheese, the placement of the cheese and toppings can affect the taste and texture. Some people prefer to put the extra cheese on top of the toppings to achieve a crispy texture. Others follow the traditional method of placing the cheese below the toppings to create a light and stringy texture, while keeping the toppings slightly crispy.
The type of cheese used for extra cheese can also make a difference. Mozzarella is a common choice due to its melting ability, stretchiness, and browning capacity. Other options include cheddar, provolone, gouda, ricotta, and gruyere, each with unique characteristics that can enhance the pizza's flavour and texture.
In conclusion, while the definition of a pizza topping may be open to interpretation, extra cheese can undoubtedly enhance the taste and texture of a pizza, whether it is considered a topping or an essential ingredient.
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Domino's cheese toppings
There is some discrepancy in whether Domino's considers cheese to be a topping. Some sources indicate that Domino's does indeed consider cheese as a topping, especially when it comes to their two-topping pizzas, where adding cheese can make it count as a three-topping pizza. This has caused some frustration among customers who argue that cheese should be considered a base component of a pizza, rather than an extra topping.
On the other hand, some comments from employees suggest that cheese is not typically considered a topping unless extra cheese is added. In these cases, the addition of extra cheese may incur an additional cost. This seems to vary depending on the specific Domino's location and the deal or coupon being used.
The debate over whether cheese should be considered a topping or a base component of a pizza is not unique to Domino's. Many pizza enthusiasts feel strongly that a basic pizza should be covered by the base price, and that adding extra toppings should be an additional cost. However, others argue that anything extra, including sauce or cheese, should be considered a topping and incur an extra charge.
Ultimately, whether Domino's considers cheese a topping may depend on the specific context, deal, or location. While some customers may be frustrated by the potential extra charge for cheese, others appreciate the option to customize their pizza with extra cheese, even if it does cost a little more.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, extra cheese on pizza is considered a topping. While some may argue that cheese is an indispensable part of a pizza, there are pizza variants, like the UNESCO-defined Neapolitan marinara, that do not include cheese in their recipes.
There are several types of cheese used as pizza toppings, including mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, Parmesan, gouda, ricotta, and gruyere.
When choosing a cheese for your pizza toppings, it is important to consider the melting capacity of the cheese. Look for a cheese that melts fast without leaving lumps or oil on your pizza. Soft cheeses tend to melt more easily than hard and aged cheeses.
