Andy Montoya
Pizza is a dish that is loved universally, and one of its most important elements is the cheese. The type of cheese used in a pizza can make it more or less delicious. While mozzarella is the most popular choice of cheese for pizzas, there are several other varieties that are used, such as cheddar, gouda, provolone, and ricotta. Each type of cheese brings its own unique flavour, texture, and personality to the pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular pizza cheeses | Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, Parmesan |
| Cheese with the best stretchability | Mozzarella, Provolone |
| Cheese with the best meltability | Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, Fontina, Muenster, Gouda, Wisconsin Brick Cheese, Velveeta, Processed American Cheese, Pasteurized Analogue Pizza Cheese |
| Cheese with the best flavour | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Goat Cheese, Gouda, Parmesan, Ricotta |
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What You'll Learn
- Mozzarella: the most popular pizza cheese, known for its mild, creamy flavour and perfect meltability
- Provolone: a semi-hard cheese with a milder flavour when young, and a sharper flavour when aged
- Cheddar: a tangy, sharp cheese that adds a burst of flavour to meatier pizzas
- Parmesan: a hard, aged cheese that adds an umami boost when grated over other cheeses
- Ricotta: a fresh, creamy cheese with a mild flavour, often used as a topping on white pizza
Mozzarella: the most popular pizza cheese, known for its mild, creamy flavour and perfect meltability
Pizza is a universally loved dish, and the cheese is the star of the show. The most popular cheese used on pizzas is mozzarella, which accounts for about 30% of all pizza cheese usage. This is due to its mild, creamy flavour and perfect meltability.
Mozzarella is a soft, spun-curd cheese made from cow's milk. It is used on pizzas due to its ability to melt and stretch, creating the desired gooey, messy strands that make pizza so enjoyable to eat. The cheese is also fairly neutral in taste, making it a perfect base for other toppings and sauces. It pairs well with spicy sausage or hot peppers, for example, as its mild flavour does not overwhelm the other ingredients.
Mozzarella is often blended with other cheeses to create unique flavour profiles and improve meltability. A common blend is mozzarella and provolone, which offers both stretch and flavour. This blend is used by many pizzerias, as it provides the desired texture and taste. Another popular blend is mozzarella with sharp cheddar, which adds a bold, tangy flavour to the pizza.
When using mozzarella on a pizza, it is important to consider the moisture content of the cheese. Fresh mozzarella has a high water content, which can cause the pizza to become soggy. Low-moisture mozzarella, on the other hand, is saltier and denser, with a longer shelf life. It has a lower water content, reducing the risk of a soggy pizza. It also browns better during cooking, creating a more visually appealing pizza.
Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza cheese, and its mild flavour, perfect meltability, and stretchability make it a favourite among pizza lovers. Its versatility and ability to complement other ingredients contribute to its popularity.
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Provolone: a semi-hard cheese with a milder flavour when young, and a sharper flavour when aged
Pizza is a universally loved dish, and cheese is one of its most important elements. While there are many types of cheese that can be used on pizza, Provolone is a popular choice. It is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour when young and a sharper flavour when aged.
Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used on its own or blended with other cheeses such as mozzarella to enhance the flavour of the pizza. When used in its younger form, Provolone has maximum stretchability and a milder flavour, making it ideal for those who enjoy the classic gooey, stretchy texture of pizza cheese. On the other hand, an aged Provolone will provide a sharper flavour and a harder texture, adding a boost of umami to the pizza.
The versatility of Provolone makes it a popular choice for pizza lovers who want to experiment with different flavours and textures. Its ability to stretch and melt makes it a suitable pairing with mozzarella, the undisputed king of pizza cheese. Mozzarella is known for its perfect meltability and mild, creamy flavour, which complements the unique characteristics of Provolone.
When choosing between young and aged Provolone, it is important to consider the desired flavour and texture for the pizza. A younger Provolone will provide a milder flavour and a stretchier texture, while an aged Provolone will contribute a sharper flavour and a harder, less meltable consistency. Ultimately, both varieties of Provolone can elevate the taste of a pizza, whether used alone or in combination with other cheeses.
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Cheddar: a tangy, sharp cheese that adds a burst of flavour to meatier pizzas
Pizza is a universally loved dish, and the cheese is what makes it so special. While there are many types of cheese that can be used on pizza, cheddar is a fantastic addition to meatier pizzas.
Cheddar has a sharp, tangy flavour and a firm texture, adding a burst of personality to your pizza. It might not melt as smoothly as some other cheeses, like mozzarella, but it brings a delightful bite and pairs wonderfully with other cheeses and toppings.
Cheddar is a great choice for meat lovers' pizzas, especially those with robust flavours. For example, BBQ chicken pizza or bacon cheeseburger pizza. The sharpness of cheddar can stand up to and complement the strong flavours of meat and other toppings.
When using cheddar on your pizza, consider blending it with other cheeses to get the best of both worlds. For instance, combining cheddar with mozzarella can give you the perfect balance of flavour and meltability. Mozzarella is known for its mild, creamy flavour and superior stretchability, making it a popular choice for pizza.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheddar to find the one that suits your taste. For a more pronounced flavour, aged cheddar can be a great option. You can also try blending cheddar with other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone to create a unique flavour profile.
So, the next time you're making a meat-lover's pizza, don't be afraid to add some cheddar to your cheese blend. Its tangy, sharp flavour will surely elevate your pizza experience.
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Parmesan: a hard, aged cheese that adds an umami boost when grated over other cheeses
Pizza is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, and the type of cheese used greatly influences the overall taste and texture of the pizza. While mozzarella is the most popular choice, accounting for about 30% of pizza cheese usage, other cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan are also commonly used.
Parmesan, a hard, aged cheese, is a beloved ingredient by many pizza enthusiasts. When grated over other cheeses, it adds a distinct umami boost to the pizza. Its nutty, salty flavour enhances the overall taste of the pizza. For instance, when paired with mozzarella, Parmesan adds a savoury note to the mild, creamy flavour of mozzarella. It also contributes to the visual appeal of the pizza, as it browns and adds colour when sprinkled on top.
However, due to its hard texture, Parmesan does not melt easily when baked atop a pizza. Heating Parmesan cheese can cause it to break down, resulting in an oily pizza. Therefore, it is recommended to add Parmesan after the pizza is done cooking, either as a topping or alongside condiments such as crushed red peppers. This ensures that the cheese retains its texture and flavour without burning or scorching.
Some pizza varieties, such as pizza melanzane (eggplant), commonly include Parmesan as one of the cheeses. Additionally, Parmesan can be incorporated into the pizza sauce, creating a creamy and garlicky base for the pizza. Grating your own Parmesan cheese is preferable, as it blends more easily into the sauce and offers a fresher, more flavourful experience.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to include Parmesan on a pizza depends on personal preference. Pizza is a highly customizable dish, and individuals can experiment with different cheeses and toppings to find their favourite combinations.
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Ricotta: a fresh, creamy cheese with a mild flavour, often used as a topping on white pizza
Ricotta is a fresh, creamy cheese with a mild flavour, making it a versatile addition to many pizza recipes. It is often used as a topping on white pizza, where it adds creamy dollops of texture and taste. Unlike other cheeses, ricotta does not melt in the oven, retaining its shape while becoming ultra-soft and creamy. This makes it a great base for pizza toppings, as it can be spread easily across the dough.
A popular combination is a three-cheese pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. The mozzarella and parmesan melt together, while the ricotta provides a creamy base that holds the pizza together. This blend of cheeses is a favourite for many pizza lovers, with the ricotta adding a unique texture and flavour.
To make a white pizza with ricotta, simply spread the ricotta evenly over the crust, followed by the other cheeses. You can add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Spinach and basil are also popular toppings, adding a lovely herbaceous Italian flavour. For a sweet and savoury combination, a drizzle of honey is a perfect addition.
Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in various pizza combinations. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it an excellent base for other toppings, and it is a favourite for those seeking a creamy, cheesy pizza experience. Whether paired with spinach, basil, or honey, ricotta is a delightful choice for a white pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no limit to the number of cheese types that can be used in pizza. Pizza cheese can be a blend of two or more cheeses.
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used in pizza, accounting for about 30% of all pizza cheese usage. Other popular pizza cheeses include provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Low-moisture mozzarella is the best type of mozzarella for pizza as it has a lower water content and will not make the pizza soggy.
Some alternative types of cheese used in pizza include ricotta, gouda, goat cheese, and emmental.
