Kamil Perry
The order of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with many factors to consider, such as texture, taste, and appearance. The placement of cheese and toppings can significantly impact the overall cooking and presentation of the pizza. So, the question is: does cheese go on pizza before or after toppings?
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What You'll Learn
Prosciutto crudo should be added after cooking to preserve its texture
When it comes to pizza, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to adding toppings. The order in which toppings are added can depend on various factors, such as personal preference, the type of topping, and the desired texture and taste.
Prosciutto crudo, in particular, is best added after cooking the pizza to preserve its delicate texture. Prosciutto crudo is a type of raw, salted, cured pork ham produced mainly in the Parma region of Northern Italy. It is distinct from prosciutto cotto, which is more similar to cooked ham and can be baked.
Adding prosciutto crudo to a pizza before baking can result in an undesirable texture and taste. The high temperatures and extended cooking time can cause the prosciutto crudo to become overly salty and crispy, resembling bacon. Therefore, it is recommended to add prosciutto crudo to a pizza after removing it from the oven to maintain its intended texture and flavor.
Additionally, some toppings that are prone to drying out or burning, such as spinach, fresh herbs, or thinly sliced vegetables, are often placed under the cheese layer. This helps retain moisture and prevents burning during the cooking process. However, this approach may not be suitable for toppings that benefit from direct heat, such as mushrooms, which can become underdone and soggy if placed under the cheese.
Ultimately, the order of toppings on a pizza can be customized to personal preference. Experimentation is encouraged to find the best combination for your favorite pizza toppings.
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Raw meat and vegetables need the most surface area to cook
There is no definitive answer to whether cheese should be placed before or after toppings on a pizza, as it depends on the type of pizza and personal preference. However, most people agree that sauce should be placed before cheese. Some people suggest that toppings that can burn or dry out, such as vegetables and less fatty proteins, should go under the cheese. On the other hand, toppings that are relatively dry, such as pepperoni, bacon, and olives, can go on top of the cheese. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to experiment and find their preferred method.
Now, when it comes to cooking raw meat and vegetables, it is essential to prioritize food safety to prevent food poisoning. Raw meat and vegetables require adequate surface area to cook evenly and reach the desired temperature. Here are some key considerations:
Storage and Handling:
- Store raw meat separately from other foods, especially ready-to-eat items, fruits, and vegetables, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods, and wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water after use.
- Avoid washing raw meat, as it can spread harmful germs in your kitchen.
- Marinate raw meat in covered containers, and label with the name, preparation date, and use-by date.
- Keep raw meat refrigerated or frozen until ready to use, and thaw or marinate in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Cooking:
- Ensure sufficient surface area for raw meat and vegetables during cooking to allow even heat distribution.
- Use a food thermometer to check if the food has reached a safe minimum cooking temperature. Refer to food safety guidelines for specific temperatures for different types of meat.
- Avoid undercooking or partial cooking, as it can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
- When roasting large cuts of meat, insert the meat thermometer only when cooking is well underway to avoid pushing pathogens into the center.
- For ground meat or meat with slits, ensure thorough cooking to prevent pathogen contamination.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after handling raw meat, and before and after handling food in general.
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Sicilian-style pizza puts cheese on the base first
Sicilian-style pizza is a sheet-pan pizza, with a thick, focaccia-like crust. It is baked in a sheet pan, and the dough is formed in the pan itself. The Sicilian-style pizza is the only one whose crust is partially baked in advance. This is done to ensure that the crust, even under the weight of sauce and toppings, remains stable and does not buckle.
The order of assembly for a Sicilian-style pizza is: dough, cheese, sauce, toppings. The cheese goes on the dough first, spread all the way to the edges, to create a frico crust. The sauce is then distributed, followed by toppings of choice.
Some people prefer to put their toppings on top of the cheese, as they like to see the combination of toppings they are eating. Additionally, certain toppings, such as vegetables, can dry out and burn if placed under the cheese. However, putting vegetables on top of the cheese can lead to a watery pizza. Therefore, to avoid this, vegetables can be dried out before being placed on the pizza, and then put under the cheese.
There are no limits to the types of cheese and toppings that can be used on a Sicilian-style pizza.
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To avoid mushy toppings, keep them on top of the cheese
When making a pizza, the order in which you layer the ingredients can significantly impact the final result. While there is no definitive answer to whether cheese goes on before or after toppings, placing toppings on top of the cheese has several advantages and is generally recommended.
To avoid mushy toppings, it is best to place them on top of the cheese. When toppings are placed under the cheese, they become steamed and rapidly cooked in the oven. The heat from the oven causes the toppings to release water vapour, which gets trapped under the cheese, resulting in soggy and mushy toppings. For example, putting pineapple or pepperoni under the cheese can lead to a mushy texture. On the other hand, placing toppings like mushrooms, pepperoni, and peppers on top of the cheese allows them to cook and crisp up in the oven, resulting in a desirable texture.
Additionally, placing toppings on top of the cheese allows for better browning and bubbling of the cheese. It also ensures that the toppings receive direct heat, enhancing their flavour and texture. This is especially important for toppings that need more cooking and browning, such as raw meat or vegetables. By placing them on top, they receive the most heat and can cook thoroughly.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Certain pizzas, like the Sicilian-style or Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, call for the cheese to be placed first. This creates a unique, decadent style of pizza, but it will not result in a crispy, crunchy Neapolitan-style pizza. Additionally, some toppings that burn easily, such as thin slices of vegetables, can be placed under the cheese to protect them from burning. Less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp can also be placed under the cheese to prevent them from drying out.
Ultimately, the order of toppings on a pizza comes down to personal preference and experimentation. Pizza enthusiasts are encouraged to explore different combinations to find their perfect pizza. Whether you prefer your toppings on top of the cheese or hidden beneath, the key to a great pizza is finding the right balance between a wet, soggy mess and an overly dry pie.
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Shred your own cheese to avoid premature browning
When making pizza, the order of toppings can be a matter of personal preference, experimentation, and the desired texture and consistency. While some people prefer to put toppings on top of the cheese, others opt for the traditional dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings combination.
If you're a fan of adding toppings under the cheese, shredding your own cheese can be a great option to avoid premature browning. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives like anti-caking agents and mold inhibitors, such as cellulose powder, potato starch, and calcium sulfate, to prevent clumping. These additives can interfere with the browning process, making it challenging to achieve those desired brown spots on your pizza.
By shredding your own cheese from a block, you eliminate these unnecessary additives and have better control over the browning process. The fat content of the cheese also plays a role, with lower-fat cheeses tending to brown more easily. Therefore, choosing a low or reduced-fat block of cheese and shredding it yourself can lead to better browning results.
Additionally, shredding your own cheese allows you to avoid the powdery texture of wood pulp that is sometimes present in pre-shredded cheese, potentially improving the taste of your pizza. It is also a more cost-effective option, as buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself is generally less expensive than purchasing pre-shredded cheese.
So, if you're particular about the browning of your pizza and want to avoid premature browning, shredding your own cheese is definitely the way to go. It gives you more control over the ingredients, the browning process, and ultimately, the taste and appearance of your pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of pizza and your personal preference. For a crispier texture, put the toppings on top of the cheese. However, if you want to prevent certain toppings from drying out or burning, place them under the cheese.
You can prevent pizza toppings from drying out by chopping them into larger chunks or precooking them to remove moisture.
Toppings that easily burn, such as thinly sliced vegetables, should go under the cheese. Less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp can also go under the cheese to prevent them from drying out.
Toppings that you want to get direct heat and become crisp, such as pepperoni, peppers, and mushrooms, should go on top of the cheese.
