Cheese Crust Pizza: Ordering Guide For A Perfect Pie

how do you order cheese crust pizza

Ordering a cheese crust pizza is a great way to satisfy your cheese cravings and elevate your pizza experience. Many pizza chains, such as Papa John's, Pizza Hut, and Crust Pizza, offer mouth-watering options for cheese-stuffed crusts. These pizzas are crafted with melty, stretchy mozzarella and other cheeses baked inside the crust, adding an extra layer of flavour and texture to every bite. With the option to order online or through apps, you can easily indulge in the comfort of your home. So, whether you're a cheese lover or simply seeking a delicious twist to your regular pizza, cheese crust pizza is the answer!

How to order a cheese crust pizza

Characteristics Values
Pizza Type Stuffed Crust
Crust Toppings Cheese
Cheese Type Melty Cheese
Sauce Garlic Sauce
Dipping Sauce Special Garlic Dipping Sauce
Pizza Size Large

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Choosing a pizza restaurant

When choosing a pizza restaurant, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to determine the type of pizza you are craving. Different restaurants offer varying styles of pizza, such as Chicago-style thin crust, New York-style fold-able crust, or Sicilian thick crust. Each style has its unique characteristics, and choosing the right one for your taste preferences is crucial.

Secondly, checking the restaurant's menu beforehand is a good idea. This allows you to ensure that the restaurant offers the specific pizzas you are looking for. It is also worth considering any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have and checking if the restaurant can accommodate them. For example, if you are vegetarian or vegan, you will want to ensure that there are suitable options available.

Online reviews are another valuable resource when choosing a pizza restaurant. Taking the time to read reviews from other diners can give you insights into the quality of the food, the service, and the overall experience. It is worth considering multiple review sources to get a well-rounded perspective, as individual reviews may sometimes be biased or outdated. Additionally, consider the convenience offered by the restaurant. This includes factors such as location, delivery options, and operating hours. Choose a restaurant that aligns with your schedule and preferences, making it easy and accessible to enjoy your pizza.

Lastly, some people may want to consider the ambiance and atmosphere of the restaurant. This includes factors such as seating comfort, lighting, and noise levels. If you plan to dine in, ensuring that the restaurant provides a pleasant dining environment can enhance your overall experience. Some people may prefer a cozy and intimate setting, while others might enjoy a lively and bustling atmosphere. Checking reviews and looking at the restaurant's website or social media can give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of ambiance.

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Selecting your cheese

When selecting the cheese for your cheese crust pizza, there are a few factors to consider. The cheese you choose will influence the flavour, texture, and overall experience of the pizza.

Firstly, it is important to consider the meltability and stretchability of the cheese. The perfect melt ensures that the cheese blends seamlessly with the toppings and sauce, creating a creamy and satisfying texture. Good meltable cheeses include mozzarella, provolone, and Monterey Jack. Mozzarella, in particular, is known for its excellent melting properties and is the most traditional choice for pizza. However, it is important to note that there are different types of mozzarella, and the moisture content can affect how it cooks on the pizza. Low-moisture mozzarella is commonly used in restaurants as it has a longer shelf life, a milder flavour, and is less likely to make the pizza soggy. Fresh mozzarella has a higher water content, which can lead to a soggy crust if not dried properly before baking. If you want to use fresh mozzarella, be sure to pat it dry and let it air dry before placing it on your pizza.

In addition to meltability, you should also consider the flavour of the cheese. The cheese should complement the other toppings and sauce rather than compete with them. Adding a harder, aged cheese like Parmesan can boost the umami flavour of your pizza, while softer, younger cheeses will provide that desired melt. You can also blend cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. Popular blends include mozzarella and Parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar, or mozzarella and provolone.

Lastly, consider the convenience and availability of the cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can save time, but it may not taste or melt as well due to the additives used to prevent clumping and maintain freshness. If you have the option, shredding your own cheese may be preferable to ensure the best flavour and melting consistency.

Remember, the right cheese can elevate your pizza-making experience, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses and blends to find your perfect match!

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Preparing the skillet

Choosing the Right Skillet

Start by selecting an oven-safe, heavy-bottomed skillet. A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for its excellent heat conduction, resulting in a crispy and golden crust. Choose a skillet with a diameter of 10" to 11" across the top and about 9" across the bottom. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a non-stick pan, but keep in mind that cast iron imparts a nicer crisp to the cheese.

Oil the Skillet

Pour approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil into the skillet. Tilt the pan to spread the oil evenly across the bottom, and use your fingers or a paper towel to spread some oil up the edges as well. This step is essential to achieving a crispy crust and preventing the pizza from sticking to the pan.

Prepare the Dough

Place the dough on a work surface and stretch it out to fit the skillet. You can use store-bought dough or make your own. If using a cast-iron skillet, consider seasoning the dough with salt and crushed red pepper, adjusting the amount of pepper to your preference. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top of the dough.

Pre-bake the Crust (Optional)

For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the dough before adding the toppings. Place the skillet with the dough in a preheated oven at 475°F (246°C) for about 5 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden brown. This step is especially useful if you plan to add a lot of toppings, as it ensures the crust will be cooked through.

Layering Cheese and Toppings

Remove the skillet from the oven and begin layering your ingredients. Start with a generous amount of shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, covering the entire crust with no bare dough showing. This layer of cheese will act as a barrier to minimize sogginess. If you love those crispy, cheesy edges, sprinkle some extra cheese along the edges of the pan.

Now, add your desired toppings, but remember not to overload the pizza, especially if you're going for a thin crust. For a classic combination, try adding sliced tomatoes and basil leaves. For meat lovers, cooked sausage, hamburger, or chicken can be used as toppings.

Baking the Pizza

Once you've added your toppings, it's time to bake the pizza. Place the skillet in the oven and bake on the top rack for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown around the edges and the cheese is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the desired doneness of the crust.

Final Steps

Remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a heatproof surface. Carefully run a knife or spatula between the edge of the pizza and the side of the pan to prevent the cheese from sticking as it cools. Transfer the pizza from the pan to a cooling rack or cutting board within a few minutes to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Allow the pizza to cool briefly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade cheese crust pizza!

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Adding toppings

When it comes to pizza toppings, the possibilities are endless. However, the toppings you choose and how you add them are crucial steps in making the perfect pizza.

First, prepare your pizza base. The classic, Neapolitan way of topping a pizza is to start with the sauce, followed by cheese, and lastly, other toppings and garnishes. Spread the sauce evenly with a spiral motion from the centre outwards to the rim. Make sure the sauce is spread evenly, but don't put sauce on the rim to let it puff up and make a nice crust in the oven. Next, spread the cheese evenly throughout the pizza. Finally, add your pizza toppings.

It is important to note that less is more when it comes to pizza toppings. Overlapping toppings can weigh down your pizza and add too much moisture, preventing your crust from fully browning. As a result, you may end up with a soggy pizza. If you like a lot of toppings, consider folding the pizza over and making a calzone.

Some ingredients are best added after baking, such as fresh vegetables, rocket, salads, and Prosciutto (uncooked, cured ham). These ingredients will add freshness to your pizza and are not meant to be heated. Additionally, pre-cook fatty meats like Italian sausage to release some of the fat. This will ensure that your pizza is not overwhelmed by the fat and prevent your crust from getting weighed down.

You can also pre-roast vegetables, especially those high in water content, such as zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, and onions. This adds flavour and ensures they are fully cooked, as pizza bake time may not be sufficient to cook them through. It also helps rid them of extra moisture, which can make your crust gummy and soggy.

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Baking instructions

To order a cheese crust pizza, you can follow these baking instructions:

Firstly, prepare your pizza dough. You can make this from scratch, or use a pre-made dough for convenience. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness, ensuring it is evenly spread and shaped. Remember, the crust will be stuffed with cheese, so you may want to roll it slightly thicker than usual to accommodate this.

Next, prepare the cheese for the crust. Choose a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Mozzarella is a popular choice, but you could also try a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack. Grate or shred the cheese and have it ready to stuff into the crust.

Now, it's time to create the crust. Take the prepared cheese and place it along the edges of the rolled-out dough, shaping it with your hands as needed. Ensure the cheese is stuffed generously and evenly all around the crust. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, such as garlic or herbs, for extra flavour.

After stuffing the crust, it's important to seal the cheese inside. Use your fingers to pinch the dough closed, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. You can then use a fork to create a patterned edge, which will help keep the seal tight and give your pizza a professional look.

Finally, bake your pizza according to your dough recipe's instructions. Keep a close eye on it to ensure the crust doesn't burn. The cheese should melt and turn golden, creating a delicious, crispy cheese crust.

Once baked, remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Frequently asked questions

Papa John's offers an Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza, which is their original dough stuffed with melty cheese and baked crispy. Papa Murphy's also offers a similar option with their Cheesy Stuffed Crust Pizza, which they claim is the "hottest, meltiest, best Stuffed Crust you've ever had".

Papa John's offers a Garlic Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza, which includes their Special Garlic Sauce stuffed into the cheesy crust and drizzled on top. It is also served with a side of the Special Garlic dipping sauce.

You can order a cheese crust pizza by visiting the website of the pizza restaurant you'd like to order from, such as Papa John's or Papa Murphy's. You can also order through a food delivery platform, such as Grubhub, which allows you to search for nearby restaurants that offer stuffed crust pizza and place your order through their website or app.

Yes, you can typically customize your pizza by choosing your own toppings and crust options. For example, Papa John's allows you to create your own pizza with their Epic Stuffed Crust, or you can add it to any of their handcrafted specialty pizzas.

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