Randy Chandler
Cheese pizza is a classic dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While cheese is a given, the type of cheese used can vary, with mozzarella being a popular choice. Another key component of a cheese pizza is the sauce. The most common type of pizza sauce is tomato-based, with tomatoes being the most popular ingredient in pizza sauce. However, other types of sauces, such as white sauce, are also used. The amount of sauce on a pizza is a matter of personal preference, with some people preferring a light sauce and others opting for extra sauce. Ultimately, the beauty of a cheese pizza lies in its customizability, allowing individuals to choose their preferred type of cheese, sauce, and toppings to create a perfect pie.
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What You'll Learn
Cheese pizza sauce is typically made with tomatoes
Cheese pizza is a classic dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and regional variations. While the type of cheese used may vary, the sauce on a cheese pizza is typically made with tomatoes as a base ingredient. This tomato sauce is a key component that helps bring out the flavours of the pizza.
Tomato-based pizza sauce is usually made from plain tomato sauce, tomato puree, or pureed tomatoes, resulting in a thicker consistency than a pasta sauce. This thicker sauce prevents the pizza dough from becoming soggy during the cooking process. It also features a variety of spices and seasonings, such as oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic, sugar, basil, parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes, which enhance the flavour of the sauce and complement the cheese on the pizza.
The process of making pizza sauce involves stirring together the tomato puree or sauce, tomato paste (for a more concentrated tomato flavour), and various seasonings. This mixture is then simmered on medium heat for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches the desired thickness and flavour intensity. It is important to stir the sauce occasionally during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Some recipes may call for additional ingredients to be added to the sauce, such as vinegar, salt, garlic, spices, or olive oil. These ingredients can further enhance the flavour and texture of the sauce. Once the sauce is cooked, it should be allowed to cool slightly before being spread on the pizza dough. Any leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for later use.
While the cheese pizza sauce is typically tomato-based, there may be variations or alternative recipes that use different types of sauces, such as a white sauce or a pesto sauce. However, the traditional and most common choice for cheese pizza sauce is the tomato-based sauce, which provides a tangy and savoury flavour that pairs well with the cheese and other toppings.
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Mozzarella is a popular cheese choice for pizza
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different types of pizza. It is a standard choice for Italian pizzas, especially the fior di latte variety, which is made with cow's milk. Mozzarella di bufala is also common in Italy. In the US, shredded, low-moisture mozzarella is the most popular, as it is meltier and stretchier. This variety is also the most common type found in restaurants and pizzerias, due to its longer shelf life and low water content, which helps to avoid a soggy pizza.
However, fresh mozzarella is also a popular choice, especially for Neapolitan-style pizza, due to the high cooking temperatures. This type of mozzarella has a softer texture and higher water content, so it needs to be dried thoroughly before baking to avoid a soggy crust.
Mozzarella is a great choice for pizza because it is mild and creamy, and pairs well with many other toppings. It is the perfect foil for spicy toppings like sausage or hot peppers, but also works well with gentler flavours like mushroom and bell pepper. It is also a good melting base for blends with other cheeses, like Parmesan, cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
When choosing mozzarella for your pizza, it's best to buy a block and shred or slice it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese has additives to prevent clumping and may not melt as well. Look for low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella for the best results, as the part-skim variety can become chewy when it cools.
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Parmesan is another common ingredient in pizza sauce
Cheese pizza is a classic dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on personal preferences and regional variations. While the base ingredients of dough, cheese, and sauce remain consistent, the specific types and quantities of cheese and sauce can vary.
When it comes to the sauce on a cheese pizza, the most common ingredient is tomatoes, with 100% of pizza sauce recipes containing some form of tomatoes, such as fresh vine-ripened tomatoes or tomato sauce. However, Parmesan cheese is also a common ingredient in pizza sauce, with over 35% of recipes including it. Parmesan cheese is known for its nutty, salty, and sharp flavor, and it can add a unique depth of flavor and richness to the sauce. It can also help to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of other cheeses, like mozzarella.
When using Parmesan cheese in pizza sauce, it is typically grated and used in small quantities, such as about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese per 12-inch pizza. It is important to use high-quality Parmesan cheese that will complement, rather than overpower, the other flavors in the sauce. Aged Parmesan, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is often recommended for its intense flavor and granular texture. This type of Parmesan is aged for a minimum of 12 months and has a distinct nutty and fruity taste.
In addition to Parmesan cheese, other common ingredients in pizza sauce include onion, olive oil, garlic, sugar, and herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful sauce that enhances the overall taste of the pizza. The use of Parmesan cheese in the sauce, as well as a topping, showcases its versatility and ability to elevate the dish.
Overall, Parmesan cheese is a popular and versatile ingredient in pizza sauce, contributing to the flavor, richness, and complexity of the dish. Its nutty and salty notes, along with its creamy quality, make it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts and culinary experts alike.
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Regional pizza styles have their own cheeses
Regional pizza styles often have distinct characteristics, including their choice of cheese. For instance, New York-style pizza is known for its oversized slices, with a crisp yet chewy texture achieved through the use of high-gluten bread flour. The mozzarella used on New York-style pizzas is typically hard and aged, differing from the fresh mozzarella favoured in Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Neapolitan pizza, originating from Naples, Italy, is characterised by its thin, crispy crust and minimalist sauce of raw tomatoes and salt. The dough is crafted by hand using a specific technique and baked in a domed oven at a scorching 900 degrees for no more than 90 seconds. True Neapolitan pizza is regulated by Italian law, requiring the use of Italian-milled '00' flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, on the other hand, features a thick layer of mozzarella at the bottom, hidden beneath the toppings. This unique placement insulates the dough, preventing it from becoming soggy during the long cook times of up to 30 minutes. The toppings are then added, followed by a generous amount of sauce, typically made with crushed whole tomatoes.
Detroit-style pizza showcases its own distinct cheese choice, utilising brick cheese, while St. Louis-style pizza is renowned for its use of Provel cheese. Sicilian pizza, though less popular in New York City, boasts a thick, crumbly crust and a light, airy texture achieved through extended proofing of the dough.
The regional pizza styles of the United States have evolved over time, influenced by various factors such as returning GIs from World War II seeking familiar foods, technological advancements, and the emergence of industrial centres with large Italian communities. The expansion of these regional styles has contributed to the enduring popularity of pizza, as people embrace diverse variations beyond their local offerings.
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White pizza sauce is a popular alternative
While a classic cheese pizza typically features a tomato-based sauce, white pizza sauce has emerged as a popular alternative. This sauce is essentially a garlic alfredo, with a creamy texture and a subtle flavour that complements a variety of toppings. It is an excellent choice for those who want to explore new flavour profiles beyond the traditional red sauce.
White pizza sauce is typically made with milk, butter, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic. Parmesan cheese is also added to enhance the flavour and create a rich, thick consistency. The sauce is simple to prepare, requiring just a saucepan and a whisk, and can be made in about 5 minutes. It is a versatile base that can be paired with a wide range of cheeses and toppings, making it a favourite among those who enjoy customising their pizzas.
One of the key advantages of white pizza sauce is its ability to showcase more delicate toppings, especially vegetables. The subtle flavour of the sauce allows the individual ingredients on the pizza to shine through, creating a well-balanced dish. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to experiment with different combinations of toppings, such as meats, cheeses, and fresh herbs.
For those who enjoy a more robust flavour, adding extra garlic or increasing the amount of cheese in the sauce can create a heartier profile. Additionally, different herbs and spices can be incorporated to customise the sauce to one's taste preferences. The versatility of white pizza sauce makes it a favourite among pizza enthusiasts who are looking for a change from the traditional red sauce.
White pizza sauce is not only delicious but also convenient. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or even frozen for later use. This makes it an excellent option for those who like to prepare their pizza toppings and sauces in advance, ensuring a quick and easy meal whenever desired.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese pizza typically comes with a tomato-based sauce. However, some variations include a white sauce or no sauce at all.
The most common ingredients in pizza sauce are tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, olive oil, garlic, sugar, salt, and basil. Other ingredients like oregano, thyme, and parmesan cheese are also commonly used.
Yes, it is possible to make a cheese pizza without sauce. Some people prefer their pizzas with less sauce or no sauce at all, and you can always customize your pizza to your liking.
The type of cheese used on cheese pizza can vary depending on regional preferences and personal taste. Mozzarella is a popular choice, but other cheeses like Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Fontina, Provolone, and goat cheese are also used.
