Patrick Oconnell
There are various ways to layer a pizza, and the placement of toppings can impact the overall taste, texture, and appearance of the pizza. One of the most common questions surrounding pizza toppings is whether pepperoni should go on top of or under the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tradition | Pepperoni is placed on top of the cheese |
| Appearance | Customers like to see the cheese and toppings |
| Taste | Putting pepperoni on top of the cheese allows it to cook enough to release essential oils |
| Texture | Putting pepperoni on top of the cheese results in a crispy texture |
| Moisture | Putting vegetables under a layer of cheese can make the crust soggy |
| Insulation | Cheese insulates certain toppings from heat |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of putting pepperoni on top of cheese
There are several benefits to putting pepperoni on top of the cheese on a pizza. Firstly, it is the traditional and most common way to make a pepperoni pizza, providing visual appeal and allowing customers to identify the type of pizza. Putting pepperoni on top also allows it to cook better and become crispy due to direct heat, which cooks the fat out of the meat, giving it a different flavor and spreading it onto the cheese. This method also prevents the cheese from cooking too quickly, ensuring the crust is done before the cheese melts and overcooks.
Additionally, putting pepperoni on top of the cheese can reduce the overall greasiness of the pizza. When the pepperoni is on top, the grease can cook away, and the grease and moisture from the pepperoni are less likely to seep into the crust, making it soggy and undercooked. Putting pepperoni on top also helps to retain toppings, as the cheese acts as a glue to hold them in place.
While some people prefer to put pepperoni under the cheese to create a meatier pizza, putting it on top is generally the preferred method in the pizza industry, especially when there are no other toppings besides cheese. This way, the pepperoni gets cooked properly, and you avoid ending up with a plain cheese pizza slice if the pepperoni shrinks or moves away from the center.
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The benefits of putting pepperoni under cheese
While many people prefer their pepperoni on top of the cheese, there are some benefits to putting pepperoni under the cheese. One of the main benefits is that it can help to prevent the pepperoni from becoming crispy and can lock the pepperoni into the pizza, reducing the issue of toppings falling off. This is especially beneficial for those who prefer softer, less crispy pepperoni, or for pizzas with a lot of toppings, where toppings on top of the cheese may fall off more easily.
Another benefit of putting pepperoni under the cheese is that it can help to create a more even distribution of toppings. By placing the pepperoni under the cheese, you can ensure that each bite of pizza includes both cheese and pepperoni, rather than having some bites with mostly pepperoni and others with mostly cheese. This can also help prevent the pepperoni from sliding off the pizza when you take a bite, creating a more enjoyable eating experience.
In addition, putting pepperoni under the cheese can be a good option for those who want to highlight other toppings. For example, if you have chorizo or other meats on your pizza, putting them on top of the cheese can allow them to crisp up and become the focal point of the pizza. This can be especially beneficial if you want to showcase the quality or variety of your meat toppings.
Finally, putting pepperoni under the cheese can be a way to create a more cohesive pizza. By having the pepperoni baked into the cheese, you can create a more uniform texture and flavour profile. This can be especially beneficial for those who want a more balanced and integrated taste experience, rather than having distinct layers of toppings.
While the majority of pizza places put pepperoni on top of the cheese, there are valid reasons to put pepperoni under the cheese, depending on personal preference and the desired outcome for the pizza's taste and texture.
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The difference in taste and texture
The placement of pepperoni and cheese on a pizza can significantly impact the taste and texture of the final product.
When pepperoni is placed on top of the cheese, it tends to become crispy and adds a crunchy texture to the pizza. This arrangement also allows the pepperoni to retain its bold, salty flavour, creating a unique sensory experience.
On the other hand, placing cheese on top of pepperoni can result in a softer texture and a different flavour profile. The cheese melts and blends with the pepperoni, creating a more cohesive taste. This method is often used when there are various toppings on a pizza to help hold them together.
In the pizza industry, North American pizzerias typically put cheese underneath toppings unless the customer requests extra cheese. In this case, all the cheese is loaded on top to give the appearance of more cheese. This practice evolved because customers like to see the cheese, especially when they have paid extra for it.
Some people prefer the taste and texture of crispy pepperoni, while others opt for a more blended, softer experience. Ultimately, the decision to put pepperoni on top of cheese or underneath it comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome in terms of texture and flavour.
Additionally, the type of pepperoni used can also impact the taste and texture. Crumbled pepperoni, for example, offers a unique texture and a bolder flavour, appealing to those seeking a new sensory experience.
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The visual appeal of pepperoni on top
Placing pepperoni on top of the cheese is not only a tradition but also enhances the visual appeal of the pizza. While the arrangement of toppings on a pizza is a matter of personal preference, the visual appeal of toppings is an important consideration for pizza makers. In the pizza industry, in North America, most pizza places put cheese underneath toppings, unless the customer requests "extra cheese". This is because, as a visual species, humans tend to like seeing the cheese, especially when they ask for and pay for more of it.
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The problem of toppings falling off
Firstly, the placement of toppings is crucial. In the pizza industry, particularly in North America, it is customary to place cheese underneath toppings unless extra cheese is requested. This means that pepperoni is often placed on top of the cheese. However, some people prefer to add a layer of cheese on top of the pepperoni to hold it in place and prevent sliding. This additional layer of cheese can also enhance the taste and texture of the pizza.
The type of cheese used can also impact the stability of toppings. For example, if your mozzarella becomes tough when melted, blending it with a softer cheese like white cheddar can create a creamier texture that is less likely to cause sliding. Additionally, the amount of cheese matters; using too little cheese can result in toppings sliding off the pizza.
Another factor to consider is the amount of sauce used. Too much sauce can lead to cheese and toppings sliding off the pizza. It is recommended to leave a border between the sauce and the edge of the crust to prevent this issue. Additionally, the type of sauce and its consistency can play a role in topping retention.
The cooking technique and tools used can also affect topping retention. For instance, using a stoneware pan can significantly reduce the likelihood of toppings sticking to the pan and falling off the pizza. On the other hand, using a tin pan with too much oil can create a "slip layer," causing the cheese and sauce to pull away from the pizza with each bite.
Lastly, the placement of pepperoni in relation to the cheese can impact the overall baking result. Putting pepperoni on top of the cheese results in crispy pepperoni and a different texture. However, placing pepperoni under the cheese can lead to a softer texture, and in the case of vegetables, it can create a soggy-bottom crust due to the release of moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why pepperoni is usually placed on top of the cheese on pizza. Firstly, it is the traditional way to make a pepperoni pizza. Secondly, placing pepperoni on top allows it to cook better and become crispy, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the pizza. Lastly, it improves the visual appeal of the pizza, making it easier to identify as a pepperoni pizza.
Placing pepperoni under the cheese can help to prevent toppings from falling off the pizza. It also allows for better retention of toppings and sauce when taking a bite. Additionally, for pizzas with multiple types of meat toppings, placing the pepperoni under the cheese can ensure that the meat toppings are not overly stacked on top of each other.
Yes, the placement of pepperoni under or over the cheese can impact the taste and texture of the pizza. When placed under the cheese, the pepperoni remains softer, whereas placing it on top allows the pepperoni to become crispier due to direct exposure to heat.
Yes, one factor is the type of pizza being made. For certain types of pizzas, layering becomes more important. Additionally, personal preference plays a role. Some people prefer to have their pepperoni crispy, while others may not mind if it's softer.
