Bushra Griffith
Whether you're a chef or a pizza enthusiast, one of the biggest debates in the pizza world is the order of toppings and cheese. While there is no definitive answer, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to put cheese on top of your pizza or underneath your toppings.
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What You'll Learn
- The placement of cheese affects the pizza's taste and texture
- In North America, cheese usually goes underneath toppings unless extra cheese is requested
- Fatty meats should go on top of the cheese to avoid adding grease to the pizza
- Vegetables that are prone to drying out should go under the cheese
- Some people prefer to see their toppings, so they put cheese underneath
The placement of cheese affects the pizza's taste and texture
The placement of cheese on a pizza is a highly debated topic and can significantly impact the taste and texture of the final product. While there is no definitive answer, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference, several factors come into play when deciding whether to place cheese on top or underneath the toppings.
One crucial consideration is the type of toppings used. For example, fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo are best placed on top of the cheese, as they can withstand the high oven temperatures and develop a desirable crispy texture. In contrast, putting these meats under the cheese can result in excess grease and a soggy pizza. On the other hand, less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp are better suited for placement under the cheese, as they can quickly dry out if cooked directly under the heat.
Vegetables also play a significant role in the cheese placement debate. Moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms are typically added on top of the cheese to prevent them from drying out. However, this can also lead to a watery pizza due to the release of moisture during cooking. To mitigate this issue, some people choose to place these vegetables under the cheese to protect them from direct heat, but this can result in a soggy pizza. A solution to this dilemma is to pre-cook the vegetables to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pizza, allowing them to be placed on top of the cheese without releasing moisture during cooking.
The desired texture of the crust is another factor influenced by cheese placement. For thin-crust pizzas, layering cheese directly on the dough creates a stronger base to hold the toppings without compromising the crispiness of the crust. However, if the cheese is placed on top of all the toppings, it can trap moisture, leading to a soggy crust. This is especially important to consider when creating a pizza with a thicker crust, as the moisture has more space to accumulate.
Additionally, the visual appeal of the pizza is a factor in the cheese placement decision. As humans are a visual species, we tend to prefer seeing the combination of toppings and cheese, especially when we have requested and paid for extra cheese. Placing the cheese on top allows us to appreciate the colours and textures of the various ingredients, enhancing the overall dining experience.
In conclusion, the placement of cheese on a pizza is a complex decision that involves balancing taste, texture, and visual appeal. While personal preference plays a significant role, understanding the impact of cheese placement on the pizza's overall characteristics can help guide the decision-making process. Experimentation and creativity are encouraged to craft the perfect pizza that satisfies both the eye and the palate.
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In North America, cheese usually goes underneath toppings unless extra cheese is requested
The placement of cheese on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with many valid points on both sides. In North America, however, the convention is to place the cheese underneath the toppings unless a customer requests extra cheese. This is partly because, as a visual species, we like to see the cheese when we have asked for and paid for more. In this case, pizza chefs will load all the cheese on top of all the toppings.
There are several reasons why pizza chefs and home cooks may choose to place the cheese on top of or underneath the toppings. One reason to place the cheese on top is that it prevents the toppings from burning or drying out. This is especially true for vegetables, which can easily burn or become dry and shrivelled if placed on top of the cheese. Placing vegetables underneath the cheese can result in them turning to dust before the pizza is even out of the oven. However, some cooks recommend precooking or roasting vegetables to remove the moisture before placing them on top of the cheese. This can result in a more flavourful vegetable topping.
Meat toppings are generally placed on top of the cheese so that they can cook through and become crispy. Fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo have enough oils and durability to withstand the high heat of the oven and should be placed on top of the cheese. However, other meats like prosciutto will dry out if placed on top of the cheese and are better placed underneath.
The placement of cheese also depends on the type of crust. For thin-crust pizzas, layering the cheese first creates a stronger base to add more toppings.
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Fatty meats should go on top of the cheese to avoid adding grease to the pizza
The placement of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with no clear consensus. While some people prefer their toppings under the cheese, others opt for toppings on top of the cheese. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, the type of crust, the desired pizza texture, and whether the toppings are vegetables or proteins.
When it comes to fatty meats, such as pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, or chorizo, placing them on top of the cheese is recommended. These meats contain high amounts of fat and oil, which can withstand the heat of a hot oven. If placed under the cheese, the fat will render out and get trapped, resulting in an overly greasy pizza.
For example, consider the popular "Ultimate Pepperoni" pizza. To create this pizza, layers of pepperoni are placed on top of the cheese. This ensures that the edges of the pepperoni get crispy, a key characteristic of this pizza style. Similarly, when making a Detroit-style pizza, fatty meats like pepperoni are placed on top to achieve the desired greasy and crispy texture.
In addition to preventing a greasy pizza, placing fatty meats on top of the cheese also enhances the visual appeal. As visual beings, we tend to enjoy seeing the combination of meat and other toppings peeking out from under the cheese. This preference is especially prominent when customers request "extra cheese." By placing the cheese on top of all the toppings, it gives the impression of a more generous serving.
In conclusion, when it comes to fatty meats, placing them on top of the cheese is advisable. This technique not only prevents the pizza from becoming overly greasy but also ensures the desired texture and visual appeal. However, it is worth noting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pizza toppings, and experimentation is often the key to finding the perfect combination for your taste preferences.
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Vegetables that are prone to drying out should go under the cheese
The placement of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with no clear consensus. While personal preference plays a significant role, certain factors, such as the type of crust, the choice of toppings, and the desired texture, should be considered when deciding whether to place vegetables under or over the cheese.
Vegetables that are prone to drying out, such as zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and peppers, are better placed under the cheese. This placement helps prevent them from drying out or burning during the cooking process. By placing these vegetables under the cheese, you can create a barrier that protects them from direct heat while still allowing them to cook thoroughly.
Additionally, for pizzas with a thin crust, layering the cheese first can provide a stronger base for the toppings. This technique ensures that the crust can bear the weight of the toppings without collapsing or becoming soggy. However, it's worth noting that some people choose to place moisture-rich vegetables on top of the cheese to prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy.
The desired texture and appearance of the pizza also influence the placement of vegetables. Some people prefer to see the combination of toppings, especially when using ingredients like pepperoni, which develops a crispy edge when placed on top. Others may opt to place ingredients that are prone to drying out, such as chicken or shrimp, under the cheese to prevent them from drying out too much.
Ultimately, the decision to place vegetables under or over the cheese depends on various factors, including personal preference, the specific ingredients used, and the desired cooking outcome. Experimentation is often the best way to determine the ideal placement of toppings for your perfect pizza.
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Some people prefer to see their toppings, so they put cheese underneath
The placement of cheese on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with no clear consensus. Some people prefer to put cheese on top of their pizza toppings, while others opt for the opposite arrangement. Those who choose to place their toppings above the cheese often do so out of a desire to visually inspect their pizza's constituents. This preference is particularly prominent in North America, where customers tend to request extra cheese, which is then loaded on top of all the toppings. This visual appeal plays a crucial role, as seeing the cheese directly translates to customer satisfaction.
From a culinary perspective, the position of the cheese can significantly influence the pizza's taste and texture. For instance, placing toppings over the cheese allows them to attain a desirable crispiness, which is especially sought after in meats like pepperoni, sausage, salami, and chorizo. This arrangement also prevents the toppings from drying out, ensuring they remain moist and flavourful.
However, there are instances where placing toppings beneath the cheese is advantageous. Certain ingredients, such as thinly sliced vegetables, are prone to burning during the cooking process. By placing them under the cheese, these toppings are protected from direct heat, preventing them from turning to ash. This technique is commonly employed with less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp, which are susceptible to drying out if exposed.
Additionally, the type of crust can dictate the placement of toppings. For thin-crust pizzas, layering cheese first fortifies the base, providing a stronger foundation for the toppings. This approach helps hold everything together, reducing the chances of a messy dining experience.
Ultimately, the decision to place toppings above or below the cheese is a matter of individual preference. Pizza artisans and enthusiasts alike experiment with different arrangements to achieve their desired flavour profiles and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
Putting the toppings under the cheese can prevent them from getting soggy and mushy. It also allows the cheese to bubble and brown.
Putting the toppings on top of the cheese allows them to get direct heat and become crispy. It also means you can see the toppings, which is a huge part of 'plating' a dish.
It is recommended to use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella as it tends to spread and melt more evenly.
