Frederic Melton
There are many ways to add cheese to a pizza, and it all depends on personal preference. The order of the ingredients is important, as it can affect the taste and texture of the pizza. Some people prefer to add the cheese first, directly onto the pizza crust, and then add the sauce and toppings. This is common in Sicilian-style pizzas and helps the thick, doughy base cook better without becoming soggy. Others prefer to add the sauce first, followed by the cheese, and then the toppings. This allows the toppings to cook and crisp in the oven, and prevents them from becoming soggy and mushy.
Characteristics and Values Table for Adding Cheese to Pizza:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Provolone, Pecorino, Blue Vein Cheese, Brie, Camembert, Feta |
| Amount of Cheese | 2 cups (227g) shredded/grated/thinly sliced |
| When to Add Cheese | Before or after toppings, depending on preference. Cheese is usually added after the sauce. |
| Benefits of Adding Cheese First | Traditional in Sicilian-style pizzas, prevents toppings from getting soggy, blends ingredients better |
| Benefits of Adding Cheese Last | Toppings are visible and more appetizing, cheese is toasted and has a deeper flavor, crispy texture |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is a good choice of cheese
Mozzarella undergoes a unique cooking and stretching process called pasta filata during its production, which gives it its famous stringy, stretchy quality. This is why it is so good on pizza—it melts well and holds the pizza toppings on the base. It also has a semi-hard texture, which means it is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Mozzarella is also a good choice because it has less fat than other cheeses, so your pizza won't be swimming in oil after it has been cooked. This is especially true if you use low-moisture mozzarella, which browns nicely and has a chewier texture. However, full-moisture mozzarella has a higher water content, which some people prefer as it has a chewier texture.
Mozzarella is a very popular choice for pizza cheese, and its stretchy, melty quality is a big part of why people love pizza. It is a good base cheese to use, and you can add other cheeses to create different flavours and textures.
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Layering: cheese before or after toppings?
There are differing opinions on whether to add cheese before or after toppings on a pizza. Some people prefer to add cheese first, directly on the pizza crust, and then add the sauce and toppings. This style is common in Chicago and New York, and is known as Sicilian-style pizza. The idea behind this method is that the crust cooks better without the wet sauce directly on it, and it helps the thick, bread-like dough underneath not become soggy.
However, others argue that toppings should go on top of the cheese. This allows the toppings to cook and crisp in the oven, and prevents them from getting soggy and mushy. It also allows you to easily see what is on the pizza, making it look more appetizing. The eye-catching colors of the toppings will make the pizza more visually appealing.
Some people also suggest a combination of both methods, adding half the cheese first and then adding the rest of the cheese after the toppings. This helps to stick the toppings together and prevent them from falling off.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to add cheese before or after toppings may depend on personal preference, the type of cheese and toppings being used, and the desired texture and appearance of the final pizza.
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Cheese quantity
The quantity of cheese you add to your pizza depends on the size and thickness of the pizza, as well as your personal preference. A standard quantity of cheese for a pizza is 2 cups (227 grams) of shredded mozzarella cheese. This quantity can be adjusted to your liking, with some people preferring an extra cheesy pizza and others opting for a lighter sprinkle of cheese.
For a thicker, cheese-stuffed crust, you will need additional cheese. For a cheese-stuffed crust, you can use a combination of mozzarella and other cheeses like parmesan, gorgonzola, or feta. The quantity of cheese needed for the crust will depend on the thickness and length of the crust.
If you are making a Margherita-style pizza, you will need a lighter hand with the cheese. For this type of pizza, you would typically use 2-3 ounces (60-85 grams) of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella per pizza. After baking, you can sprinkle on an additional 2 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
It's important to note that the type of cheese you use can also impact the quantity you need. For example, mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza because of its meltability and relatively low fat content. However, if you choose a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired coverage and flavour.
Additionally, the order in which you assemble your pizza can impact the effectiveness of the cheese quantity. Some people prefer to add the cheese first, directly on the crust, followed by the sauce and toppings. This method is common for Sicilian-style pizzas and helps prevent the thick dough from becoming soggy. Others prefer to add the sauce first, followed by the cheese and then the toppings, allowing the toppings to "sink into" the cheese layer. Ultimately, the order of assembly is a matter of personal preference and the style of pizza you are aiming for.
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Cheese type and texture
The type of cheese you use for your pizza is important, and can make or break the final product. Mozzarella is the classic choice, and is popular due to its low fat content, meaning your pizza won't be swimming in oil after cooking. It's best to use good-quality mozzarella, and if it comes packed in water, be sure to drain it well and slice it thinly if it's too soft to grate. You can also shred your own mozzarella for a better taste.
Other cheeses can be used in addition to, or as a substitute for, mozzarella. Parmesan, gorgonzola, and pecorino are all popular options, and can be added at different stages of the pizza-making process. Parmesan and pecorino can be added after the pizza comes out of the oven, giving a great finish to the dish. If you want to add parmesan earlier, it can be included in the sauce. Gorgonzola can be crumbled and added before baking, and is a great pairing with apple.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try adding blue vein cheese, brie, camembert, or feta to your pizza. Just be careful not to go overboard with strong-tasting cheeses, as they can be overpowering.
The texture of the cheese is also key. Toasted cheese has a deeper flavour and crispy texture, so it's best to add the toppings after the cheese to avoid sogginess. However, some pizza styles, like Sicilian, do put the cheese first, directly on the crust, and then add the sauce. This helps the thick, bread-like dough cook better without the wet sauce making it soggy.
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Cheese and dough
The dough is the foundation of your pizza, so it's important to get it right. There are many dough recipes available, but a basic dough can be made with just six ingredients. You can also buy frozen pizza dough, but making it from scratch will give your pizza a superior flavour and texture.
Once you've made your dough, roll it out onto a flat worktop dusted with flour and semolina. Using your hands to stretch and turn the dough outwards is better than using a rolling pin. You can also pick up the dough and use gravity to stretch it over your fists. If you're making a thick-crust pizza, you can press dents into the surface of the dough with your fingers to prevent bubbling. For a thin crust, roll the dough out until it's nice and flat.
When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza. You can use fresh mozzarella, which you can thinly slice or grate, or shredded mozzarella. Good-quality mozzarella is preferable, and if it comes packed in water, be sure to drain it well. You can also experiment with other cheeses, such as Parmesan, blue cheese, brie, Camembert, or feta. Just be careful not to use too much strong-tasting cheese, as it can be overpowering.
There are a few different ways to add cheese to your pizza, depending on the style you're going for. In general, you'll want to add the cheese after the sauce and before the toppings. This allows the toppings to cook and crisp up in the oven, and it also prevents the sauce from making the dough soggy. However, for a Sicilian-style pizza, you would put the cheese directly on the dough and then add the sauce on top. This helps the thick dough cook better and prevents it from becoming soggy.
For a classic Margherita pizza, top your dough with a homemade tomato sauce made by blending San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and garlic. Then, add 2-3 ounces of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella. After baking, sprinkle each pizza with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its low-fat content, but you can also use parmesan, gorgonzola, or even crumbled feta.
For a 12-inch pizza, 2 cups (227g) of shredded mozzarella cheese is recommended.
There are various ways to add cheese to a pizza. Some people prefer to add the cheese after the sauce but before the toppings, while others like to add half the cheese after the sauce and the rest after the toppings. Sicilian-style pizzas put the cheese directly on the pizza crust, followed by the sauce.
Shredding your own cheese always tastes better. If using pre-shredded cheese, mozzarella that comes packed in water should be drained well and sliced thinly if it's too soft to grate.
To prevent the cheese on your pizza from becoming mushy, place your toppings on top of the cheese so they can cook and crisp in the oven.
