Andy Montoya
Frozen pizza is a quick and easy meal, but it can be made even better with the addition of extra cheese. While most frozen pizzas already have cheese, adding a fresh variety of your choice can make it more gourmet. The type of cheese and when you add it are important considerations. For example, mozzarella can be added before cooking, while cheddar may be better added before or during baking to prevent it from drying out. Parmesan, feta, and blue cheese are best added after baking. This simple addition of extra cheese can elevate your frozen pizza and make it a more enjoyable meal.
How to add cheese to a frozen pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Feta, Blue Cheese |
| When to add cheese | Before, during, or after baking |
| How to add cheese | Grate, crumble, or sprinkle |
| Amount of cheese | Avoid adding too much cheese |
| Other toppings | Vegetables, meats, herbs, condiments |
| Baking temperature | 400–550 °F |
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What You'll Learn
Adding cheese before or during cooking
Adding cheese to a frozen pizza is a great way to elevate your meal and make it more filling. You can add cheese before or during cooking, depending on the type of cheese and how much you are adding.
If you are adding a lot of extra cheese, it is best to add it before baking. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and that the pizza cooks through. Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on frozen pizzas, and it melts slowly, so it can be baked for longer periods without drying out. Therefore, it is a good choice to add before cooking. You can also add cheddar cheese before cooking, but it may cook faster and dry out sooner than mozzarella. To prevent this, try adding the cheddar cheese underneath the mozzarella or adding it halfway through the baking process.
If you are only adding a light sprinkling of cheese, you can add it before or during cooking. Some cheeses, such as feta and blue cheese, are less water-heavy and should be crumbled on right after baking. Freshly grated parmesan cheese should also be added after the pizza is cooked.
In addition to cheese, you can also add various toppings to your frozen pizza to enhance its flavour and texture. Vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms can be added before baking, but be mindful of adding too many "wet" vegetables, as they can make the pizza soggy. Meats like pepperoni, bacon, and chicken can also be added, but they may cook faster and dry out, so it is recommended to add them halfway through baking or towards the end. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and chives can be sprinkled on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavour.
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Using mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan
Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan are all great choices for adding extra cheese to your frozen pizza. The key to getting the cheese to melt perfectly is to add it halfway through the cooking process. You can grate or slice the mozzarella, or add it in dollops, and the same goes for cheddar—grate or shred it and sprinkle it on. For parmesan, grate it and sprinkle it on top of your pizza after it's finished cooking.
If you're looking for a more precise amount of cheese to add, you might consider buying a four-pack of frozen pizzas and adding extra grated cheese or sliced mozzarella. You can also add other tasty toppings like artichoke hearts, basil, sliced olives, and various seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper flakes.
For a more intense flavor, try sprinkling on some freshly grated parmesan or adding whole slices of fresh mozzarella and a few small dollops of ricotta. If you want to get fancy, you can loosely shred basil leaves and add a drizzle of olive oil.
No matter which cheese you choose, adding it at the right time is crucial to ensuring it melts without burning. Depending on your oven, this will usually be around eight minutes before the pizza is done.
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Adding other toppings before or after cooking
When adding cheese and other toppings to a frozen pizza, you can add them either before or after cooking. The type of cheese and other toppings you plan to add will determine whether you should add them before or after baking.
Adding Toppings Before Cooking
If you are adding vegetables to your pizza, it is recommended to slice them thinly and par-cook them before baking to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. You can also dip vegetables in water or cover them with cheese to insulate them from the heat and prevent them from drying out. Some vegetables that can be added to a frozen pizza include mushrooms, tomatoes, eggplant slices, potatoes, spinach, green peppers, and shaved asparagus.
Meats such as pepperoni, beef, and Canadian bacon can also be added to a frozen pizza before cooking. If you are adding raw meat, it is recommended to slice it thinly and spread it out over the pizza to ensure even cooking.
Adding Toppings After Cooking
According to "Top Chef" contestant Jamie Lynch, adding toppings to your pizza after it has finished baking can enhance its flavor and texture. Lynch specifically recommends adding toppings such as marinated artichokes, Parmesan cheese, olives, and baby arugula after the pizza has finished cooking. Fresh herbs such as basil, chives, or oregano can also be added after cooking to add a touch of freshness to your pizza.
Adding Cheese Before or During Cooking
If you are adding cheese to your frozen pizza, it is generally recommended to add it before or during cooking to allow it to melt into the other toppings. Mozzarella cheese, which is commonly found on frozen pizzas, can be added before cooking as it melts slowly and can withstand longer baking times. Other cheeses, such as cheddar, may cook faster and dry out sooner, so it is recommended to add them during the baking process.
Adding Cheese After Cooking
Parmesan cheese is one type of cheese that is commonly added to a pizza after it has finished cooking. This is because Parmesan is a hard cheese that does not melt easily and can add a crunchy texture to the pizza.
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Getting the right oven temperature and cooking time
The first step is to decide what type of cheese you want to add. Mozzarella is a popular choice as it is already present on most frozen pizzas and melts slowly, allowing it to be baked for longer. Cheddar, on the other hand, cooks faster and dries out sooner, so it might be better to add it before baking or even put it under the mozzarella to slow down the cooking process. Other cheeses like feta and blue cheese are less water-heavy and should be crumbled on top after baking.
Once you've chosen your cheese, it's time to prepare your pizza. If you're adding cheese before baking, grate or sprinkle it on top of your frozen pizza. Then, follow the cooking instructions on the box, but keep an eye on your pizza, especially if you're using cheddar, as it may cook faster than expected. A good indicator of doneness is when the crust is charred and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This usually takes around 20 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can vary depending on your oven, so it's important to monitor the pizza closely.
If you're adding cheese after baking, follow the cooking instructions on the box, and then remove the pizza from the oven when it's done. At this point, you can add your chosen cheese and return the pizza to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remember, the key to getting the right oven temperature and cooking time is to monitor your pizza closely. Every oven is different, and the cooking time may vary depending on the type of cheese and other toppings you add. So, trust your judgment, and don't be afraid to experiment to find the perfect combination for your ultimate pizza.
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Adding herbs, spices, or condiments
Adding herbs, spices, and condiments to a frozen pizza can really elevate the taste. You can add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano, or dried herbs like garlic powder. If you're looking for a spicy kick, sprinkle on some chili flakes, cayenne powder, or red pepper flakes. You can also add classic Italian seasonings such as oregano or garlic powder.
When it comes to spices, you can use a pizza seasoning blend or create your own by combining spices like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, and Calabrian chili peppers. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite. You can also add black pepper and salt to enhance the flavors of the other toppings.
In terms of condiments, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or spicy honey can add a nice touch. A squeeze of lemon or a balsamic glaze can also brighten up the flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of hot honey or Trader Joe's chili onion crunch for an extra kick.
Remember, when adding herbs, spices, or condiments to your frozen pizza, it's important to consider the balance of flavors and not to overload the pizza with too much of any one ingredient. You can always start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add cheese to a frozen pizza before, during, or after baking. For cheese with a high water content, like mozzarella, it is best to add it before or during baking. For less water-heavy cheeses, like feta or blue cheese, it is best to add them after baking.
You can add any type of cheese to a frozen pizza. Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on frozen pizzas, so adding extra mozzarella will blend well. Cheddar also works well, but it cooks faster and dries out sooner than mozzarella. Parmesan should be added after the pizza has been cooked.
If you are adding cheese with a high water content, like mozzarella, you can add it to your pizza before baking. If you are adding cheese partway through, keep an eye on the crust as it cooks the fastest. When the cheese has melted, your pizza should be ready.
While it is possible to add too much cheese, an extra sprinkling of high-quality cheese can improve a frozen pizza.
