Kamil Perry
There are many factors to consider when choosing a cheese border pizza. The type of cheese is key, with mozzarella being the most popular choice due to its gooey, melty texture and ability to complement a range of toppings. However, other cheeses like provolone, parmesan, and even goat's cheese can also be used to elevate the flavours of your pizza. The amount of cheese is also important, with some pizzas boasting over three feet of stuffed cheese in the crust alone! Ultimately, the perfect cheese border pizza comes down to personal preference and finding the right balance of flavours and textures that satisfy your taste buds.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Goat's cheese, Blue cheese, Wisconsin brick cheese, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, Raclette, Asiago |
| Crust | Stuffed with cheese |
| Toppings | Pepperoni, Sausage, Shrimp, Bacon, Mushrooms, Bell peppers, Black olives, Onions, Spicy sausage, Hot peppers, Chicken pesto, Tomato and basil, Eggplant, Capsicum, Caramelized onion, Sweet vegetables (capsicum, pumpkin, sweet potato) |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza
When it comes to choosing a cheese for your pizza, there are a few factors to consider. The cheese should be meltable, with a good stretch, and a flavour that complements the other toppings and base.
Secondly, mozzarella has excellent meltability and stretchability, which is essential for creating the classic, gooey, stringy texture that is so desirable in a pizza. This unique quality is due to the pasta filata process that the cheese undergoes during production.
Additionally, mozzarella is widely available and affordable, making it an accessible choice for pizza makers and consumers alike. It is also a key ingredient in stuffed crust pizzas, where its meltability and stretchability truly shine.
While other cheeses can be used on pizza, such as cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, provolone, and more, mozzarella remains the classic choice, providing the perfect balance of stretch, melt, and taste.
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Low-moisture mozzarella is best for pizza
When it comes to choosing the cheese for your pizza, there are a few key factors to consider: meltability, flavour, and texture. While there are many types of cheese that melt well on pizza, low-moisture mozzarella stands out as the best choice for several reasons.
First and foremost, low-moisture mozzarella is prized for its exceptional meltability. Unlike fresh mozzarella, which tends to exude water and become soupy during baking, low-moisture mozzarella stretches beautifully without sacrificing dryness, ensuring that your pizza crust remains intact. This is especially important if you're aiming for that classic, gooey cheese pull when you slice into your pizza.
In terms of flavour, low-moisture mozzarella offers a saltier and denser taste profile. The ageing process and controlled drying environment contribute to the development of tangy notes, reminiscent of aged cheeses like provolone or cheddar. This added tanginess enhances the overall flavour of the pizza without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Additionally, low-moisture mozzarella is a versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of toppings. Its neutral flavour serves as an excellent foil for spicy ingredients like sausage or hot peppers. At the same time, its subtle tang can complement milder toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
Another advantage of low-moisture mozzarella is its longer shelf life compared to fresh mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella is at its prime on the day it's made and tends to deteriorate quickly, while low-moisture mozzarella can be refrigerated for weeks, making it more convenient for transportation and bulk purchases. This extended shelf life also contributes to cost-effectiveness.
Lastly, when selecting low-moisture mozzarella, it's worth noting that full-fat whole milk mozzarella is generally preferred over part-skim varieties. The former provides a silkier, richer mouthfeel when melted and avoids becoming chewy upon cooling.
In summary, low-moisture mozzarella is the ideal choice for pizza due to its superior meltability, flavour, and versatility. Its ability to stretch without releasing excess moisture, along with its longer shelf life and flavourful tang, make it the perfect cheese to elevate your pizza-making experience.
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Provolone is the second most popular cheese for pizza
When it comes to pizza, mozzarella is the most popular cheese. However, Provolone, a semi-hard Italian cheese, is the second most popular choice. It is known for its sharp and tangy flavour, and its ability to melt makes it perfect for pizza. Provolone is typically made from cow's milk and is aged, resulting in two main varieties: Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante. Provolone Dolce is aged for two to three months and has a mild, creamy, and slightly sweet flavour. Provolone Piccante is aged for at least four months and has a sharper taste, making it a more popular choice for pizza.
Provolone is often blended with mozzarella to give pizza a deeper flavour. While mozzarella is known for its soft texture and mild flavour, provolone adds a bit of sharpness and depth of flavour to the pizza. The two cheeses complement each other well, and when melted, provolone can provide a more interesting flavour profile to the pizza.
In addition to provolone, other cheeses that melt well on pizza include cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, and raclette. These cheeses have good meltability and stretchability, creating the classic gooey, stringy texture that is desired in a pizza. However, it is important to note that the harder and more aged a cheese is, the less willing it is to melt atop a pizza. Therefore, softer and younger cheeses are generally preferred for pizza-making.
When choosing cheese for a pizza, it is essential to consider the other toppings and flavours present. For example, mozzarella pairs well with spicy sausage or hot peppers, while provolone may be better suited for pizzas with milder toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives. Additionally, the type of pizza crust and sauce can also influence the choice of cheese. For instance, a crisp crust and rich sauce may call for a gooey, stretchy cheese like mozzarella, while a thicker crust and heartier sauce could pair well with a sharper cheese like provolone.
In conclusion, while mozzarella may be the most popular cheese for pizza, provolone is a close second. Its sharp and tangy flavour, melting abilities, and versatility make it a favourite among pizza enthusiasts. Whether used on its own or blended with other cheeses, provolone adds a depth of flavour and texture that enhances the overall pizza-eating experience.
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Parmesan is a great addition to vegetarian pizzas
While mozzarella is America's favourite pizza cheese, it is fairly neutral in flavour. This makes it a good pairing with spicy meat toppings, but it can be underwhelming when paired with gentler vegetarian toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
Vegetarian pizzas require a few extra minutes in the oven to develop their full flavour and structure, and a young Parmesan will melt beautifully during this time without becoming lumpy.
For a vegan alternative, there are many recipes for vegan Parmesan that can be sprinkled on top of a pizza after baking, adding a similar savoury flavour to that of regular Parmesan.
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Goat's cheese is a gourmet option
Goat cheese is a gourmet option for pizza lovers who want to elevate their pie. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour pair beautifully with a variety of toppings, creating a delicious and healthy meal.
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre or feta, adds a rich and creamy dimension to pizza. Its distinct flavour can be described as tangy, earthy, or nutty, with a hint of sweetness. This unique taste complements a variety of toppings and sauces, making it a versatile ingredient. The creamy texture of goat cheese also provides a delightful contrast to the crispy crust of a well-baked pizza.
When crafting a goat cheese pizza, it's essential to choose complementary toppings that enhance its flavour. Sun-dried tomatoes, figs, and caramelised onions are classic choices, as they provide a sweet contrast to the tangy cheese. For those who enjoy a savoury twist, roasted peppers, red onions, zucchini, mushrooms, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and garlic are excellent options. The natural sweetness of bell peppers also blends beautifully with goat cheese, and their crunchy strips soften during cooking, creating a delightful textural contrast.
Herbs are another essential component of a gourmet goat cheese pizza. Basil, with its peppery notes and sweet, aromatic finish, is a perfect pairing. Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme also enhance the flavour of goat cheese, adding depth and complexity to the dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or extra virgin olive oil can take your pizza to the next level.
Creating the perfect goat cheese pizza begins with selecting the right dough. A thin crust made with gluten-free or traditional dough can be a fantastic base for showcasing the cheese's flavour. Stretching the dough by hand helps retain gas bubbles, resulting in a crispier texture. Baking the pizza on a hot stone or steel ensures a crunchy crust, while preheating the oven to a high temperature delivers the initial burst of heat needed for that perfect crispness.
In conclusion, goat cheese is a gourmet option for pizza enthusiasts seeking a unique and indulgent experience. Its distinct flavour and creamy texture elevate the classic pie, and with a variety of complementary toppings and herbs, it's a delicious and sophisticated treat for any occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar are some of the most popular cheeses for pizza in general, and can be used in the border.
Low-moisture mozzarella is best for pizza as it melts faster and has a longer shelf life.
Some less common cheeses that can be used in pizza borders include gouda, muenster, raclette, and pepper jack.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be paired with most toppings. Provolone goes well with chicken pesto, tomato and basil, or sweet vegetables. Parmesan is a good addition to vegetarian pizzas with eggplant, capsicum, or caramelised onion. Goat's cheese is a great option for a gourmet pizza and pairs well with sweet vegetables.
Pizza Hut is well-known for its stuffed crust pizza, which was introduced in 1995. Little Caesars and Papa John's also offer stuffed crust pizzas.
