Frederic Melton
A classic cheese pizza is a timeless dish, but sometimes it's fun to switch things up. Whether you're making pizza from scratch or using a frozen pizza, there are endless ways to dress up a simple cheese pizza and make it your own. From different types of cheese to various toppings, you can get creative and turn a boring frozen pizza into a restaurant-worthy meal.
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What You'll Learn
Top with cooked meats like pepperoni, chicken, or sausage
Adding cooked meats to a cheese pizza is a great way to elevate its flavour and texture. You can choose from a variety of meats, such as pepperoni, chicken, sausage, or even bacon.
When it comes to pepperoni, it is generally recommended to place it on top of the cheese. This is because pepperoni is a fatty meat, and if placed below the cheese, the fat will render out and get trapped, making the pizza greasier. Putting it on top allows the pepperoni to crisp up nicely in the oven, which is a characteristic of Detroit-style pizza. Similarly, other fatty meats like salami, Italian sausage, and chorizo are best placed on top of the cheese.
If you're using chicken as a topping, it is recommended to place it below the cheese. Chicken is a leaner protein that can dry out quickly when cooked on top of the cheese. By placing it underneath, you prevent it from drying out too much. However, to ensure food safety, it is important to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to your pizza. This way, it reaches the right core temperature and avoids any potential health risks.
When adding cooked meats to your pizza, it's essential to consider the placement of other toppings as well. For example, if you're using vegetables that are prone to burning, such as thin slices of onions or peppers, place them below the cheese. This will protect them from direct heat and prevent them from burning too quickly. On the other hand, vegetables with high water content, like mushrooms or zucchini, are best placed on top of the cheese to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Remember, the key to a great pizza is balance. Avoid over-topping your pizza, as it can lead to a longer cooking time and a soggy crust. Limit yourself to a few types of toppings, and consider the flavours and textures that will work well together.
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Add vegetables like mushrooms, green peppers, or olives
If you want to dress up a cheese pizza with vegetables like mushrooms, green peppers, or olives, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can use fresh or frozen vegetables. If you're using frozen vegetables, simply add them to the pizza before baking, and you're good to go. If you're using fresh vegetables, there are a few extra steps you can take to ensure they cook properly and don't make your pizza soggy. For instance, thinly slice watery vegetables like mushrooms and use them sparingly, or par-cook them before adding them to your pizza. You can also stir-fry fresh mushrooms in oil or butter for 1-2 minutes before adding them to your pizza to prevent sogginess. If you're using green peppers, slicing them thinly will ensure they cook properly. You can also microwave them for 45 seconds before putting them on your pizza.
If you're making your pizza from scratch, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure it turns out well. First, let your dough rest for at least 30 minutes outside of the fridge before rolling it out. This will give the gluten time to chill out and make the dough more pliable. You can also try the no-knead method of folding the dough and letting it develop flavor overnight, which will create pillowy air bubbles in the crust. Once your dough is ready, stretch it out and brush the border with olive oil. Then, bake the dough without any toppings for a few minutes to prevent the sauce or toppings from making the crust soggy. After this, you can add your sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake your pizza for another 10 minutes or so.
If you're using plain tomato sauce, you can season it with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. You can also add a small amount of sugar to balance out the acid. As for the cheese, you can use vegan mozzarella, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of these. Finally, add your vegetables. You can try a combination of green olives and mushrooms, or black olives and mushrooms, or even add green peppers to the mix. If you're using fresh tomatoes, it's best to add them after baking, unless they are anemic winter or strip-mined tomatoes, in which case you should dice them, press out the extra juice, and scatter them on the pizza before baking.
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Use pesto instead of tomato sauce
If you're looking to switch up your classic cheese pizza, why not try using pesto instead of tomato sauce? This simple swap will give your pizza a rich, herbaceous flavour. You can use classic basil pesto, or experiment with spinach or arugula pesto for a unique twist.
To make the pesto sauce, blend together basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts. If you don't have pine nuts, you can use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. For a more intense garlic flavour, use fresh garlic cloves. If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, you can use minced garlic from a jar.
Once you've made your pesto sauce, it's time to assemble your pizza. Start by brushing your dough with olive oil. Then, spread the pesto sauce evenly over the dough, just as you would with tomato sauce. Next, it's time for the cheese. You can use shredded mozzarella, or thick slices of fresh mozzarella. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, salty kick.
Finally, it's time for toppings. Sliced tomatoes are a great addition, especially halved cherry tomatoes. You can also add sliced sweet peppers, mushrooms, spinach or kale, or even pepperoni slices. If you're a meat lover, try adding cooked shredded chicken to your pizza. Bake your pizza until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, and you're ready to enjoy a delicious, pesto-based cheese pizza!
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or herbs
Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and herbs are a great way to dress up a cheese pizza. Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that can be grated, shredded, or shaved over the top of a pizza. It can be added to the crust for extra flavor and works well with Sicilian, Hawaiian, or Margherita pizzas. It can also be used as a starter sprinkle for those who are timid when it comes to seasoning their pizza.
Red pepper flakes, on the other hand, add spice and heat to your pizza. They are made from dried red chili peppers and can be sprinkled sparingly over the top of the pizza for flavor and a bit of crunch. They can be added before or after baking and pair well with other herbs like basil and oregano.
Basil is another popular herb used on pizzas, often found on classic pizzas like Margherita. It has a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements other ingredients and toppings. It can be added to pizzas with tomatoes, onions, olives, mushrooms, or garlic. Oregano is another herb that enhances the taste of tomato sauce and traditional pizza flavors with its earthy, warm, and peppery tones. It blends sweet and bitter tastes and pairs well with salty toppings like pepperoni, dried meats, olives, and capers.
In addition to these, there are many other herbs and seasonings that can be used to dress up a cheese pizza. For example, garlic powder, garlic salt, or roasted garlic cloves can be chopped and sprinkled over the pizza. Parsley, the cousin of cilantro, has a fresh taste and is often combined with other herbs like oregano or basil. It has a strong flavor and smell and can be chopped finely or used as a garnish. Thyme is another herb used in Mediterranean-style dishes, enhancing the taste of tomatoes and onions. It can be used as a garnish or chopped finely for sprinkling.
So, whether you choose to sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese, add some heat with red pepper flakes, or enhance the flavors with herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme, you can easily dress up a cheese pizza to your taste!
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Drizzle with hot honey or sriracha
Honey and Sriracha are two condiments that can take your cheese pizza to the next level. The combination of sweet honey and spicy Sriracha is a match made in heaven, and when drizzled over a pizza, it creates a unique and mouth-watering flavour profile.
For those who enjoy a little extra kick, adding a drizzle of hot honey to your pizza can be a game-changer. Hot honey is a simple condiment to make at home, and it can be customised to your preferred spice level. All you need is honey and your choice of spices or chillies to create a sweet and spicy kick that will elevate the flavours of your pizza.
Honey and Sriracha can be combined to make a sauce that can be drizzled over your pizza. This combination of sweet and spicy is a popular choice, with many praising the balance it brings to a pizza. The sauce can be drizzled over the pizza before baking or reserved as a dip for your pizza slices. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, adding more Sriracha to the mix can enhance the heat.
Honey and Sriracha can also be used as individual condiments to be drizzled over your pizza. For those who want to add a touch of sweetness to their pizza, drizzling honey over the top can create a unique finish. Similarly, Sriracha can be drizzled over the pizza for those who enjoy a spicier kick. Whether used together or separately, honey and Sriracha can be a delicious addition to your cheese pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some interesting topping combinations to elevate your cheese pizza:
- Pepperoni, pimentos, and jalapenos.
- Crisp tater tots, bacon, onions, pickled jalapenos, and hot sauce.
- Anchovies, garlic, olives, and tomatoes.
- Chorizo, hot serrano peppers, sliced onions, and salsa verde.
Some good toppings to add to a cheese pizza include:
- Cooked meats like pepperoni or sausage.
- Vegetables like mushrooms, green peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, and spinach.
- Cured meats like chicken, barbecue, or bacon.
- Watery vegetables like onions and peppers (added thinly and sparingly or par-cooked).
- Fresh toppings like arugula, prosciutto, or burrata cheese.
- Herbs like basil and oregano.
Here are some sauce options to consider for your cheese pizza:
- Tangy tomato sauce.
- Pesto sauce made with basil leaves, spinach, or arugula.
- Garlic sauce made by steeping minced garlic in olive oil.
To get the perfect crust on your cheese pizza:
- Preheat your oven for an hour with a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet on the upper third rack.
- Brush the crust with olive oil.
- For a crispier crust, preheat the sheet pan in the oven before adding the dough.
- Don't overload the pizza with cheese and sauce as it can make the pizza soggy.
