Patrick Oconnell
Ordering a pizza is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the pizza you want. The type of cheese and amount of cheese are important factors to consider when ordering a pizza. Different types of cheese melt differently and have distinct flavours, so it's worth knowing what you're getting. For example, mozzarella is a popular choice due to its meltability and stretchiness, but it can be quite plain in flavour. Fontina, smoked gouda, and pepper jack are some alternative cheeses with more complex flavours. When ordering, you can specify the amount of cheese, whether you want extra, light, or no cheese at all. Some pizza places may offer gluten-free options and the ability to customise your pizza with additional toppings like garlic crust, vegetables, or meat.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its excellent melting and stretchability characteristics, as well as its mild and creamy flavour. There are different types of mozzarella available, including low-moisture, fresh, whole milk, and part-skim. Low-moisture mozzarella is commonly used in restaurants as it has a longer shelf life and lower water content, reducing the risk of a soggy pizza. However, if using fresh mozzarella, be sure to dry it thoroughly before baking to prevent a soggy crust.
For a classic Neapolitan pizza, fresh mozzarella is the go-to option, while a New York-style pizza might use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for added stretch and flavour. Deep-dish pizzas can benefit from a combination of mozzarella and cheddar or Parmesan for added sharpness. Provolone is a versatile semi-hard cheese that blends well with other cheeses and offers a smooth, creamy flavour with a hint of tanginess.
Other cheeses that melt well on pizza include Wisconsin brick cheese, cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, and raclette. When choosing a cheese, consider the desired flavour profile and how it will pair with other toppings. Harder and more aged cheeses may not melt as well, but a small amount of grated Parmesan or aged cheddar can add extra umami and depth of flavour.
Additionally, consider the quality of the cheese and the freshness of the ingredients. Look for reputable cheese shops, specialty grocery stores, or online retailers that offer high-quality options suitable for pizza-making.
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Preparing the dough
Ingredients:
To make the dough, you will need the following ingredients: flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes also call for a sweetener like sugar or honey, which can help activate the yeast and give the dough a slightly sweeter taste. You can also add spices like garlic powder or dried basil to enhance the flavour.
Tools:
You will need a large mixing bowl, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, a dough scraper, a rolling pin, and a pizza pan or baking sheet. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it, but it's not necessary.
Mixing the Dough:
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the flour, salt, and any spices you wish to add. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the wet ingredients: water, olive oil, and yeast. If using sugar or honey, add it to the wet mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast is activated and bubbly.
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water or flour slightly to get the right consistency. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to work with.
Kneading and Rising:
Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it's smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten and gives the dough a nice chewy texture. After kneading, shape the dough into a ball.
Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough in it, and turn it to coat the dough lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, humid place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. If your room is cool, you can place the dough in a slightly warm oven (100°F) that has been turned off to rise.
Shaping the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, it's time to shape it into a pizza base. Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking tray or pizza pan by lightly dusting it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Roll it out thinner than you think you need, as it will puff up slightly during baking. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared pan.
Final Steps:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and prevents shrinkage during baking. After resting, brush the dough with olive oil and press around the edges to form a crust. Press down in places on the crust to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
Your dough is now ready for sauce, cheese, and your favourite toppings!
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Making the sauce
Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. For the cheese, you can use any type you like, such as cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella. You can also add seasonings such as salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic to taste.
Cooking the Sauce
Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux. Make sure to cook the flour thoroughly to get rid of any starchy flavour.
Next, slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly. Keep adding the milk in small amounts until the mixture smooths out. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 2-5 minutes.
Adding the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese. The residual heat from the sauce will be enough to melt the cheese. Add the cheese to the sauce and whisk or stir until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. You can add more cheese to adjust the consistency and make it thicker if desired.
Seasoning
Finally, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to taste. You can also add other ingredients like Dijon mustard, garlic, or herbs such as thyme and basil to enhance the flavour of your sauce.
Your sauce is now ready to be used as a base for your cheese pizza! Simply spread it over your pizza dough, add your desired toppings, and bake according to the dough instructions. Enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness!
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Baking the pizza
Now that your pizza is assembled, it's time to bake it!
First, preheat your oven to a high temperature for about an hour. The setup of your oven makes a huge difference to the final product. If you have a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet, place it on the upper third rack to preheat as well. This will ensure your pizza cooks evenly and gives your crust that perfect char. If you don't have a pizza pan, a regular sheet pan will do. Grease it with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal, then press your dough into the desired shape and size.
Once your oven is preheated, place your pizza inside and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks—it can go from pale to burnt very quickly! Rotate the pizza as needed to promote even browning.
When your pizza is done, let it cool for a few minutes on a rack before transferring it to a plate. Sprinkle with basil leaves and red pepper flakes, and drizzle with olive oil if desired. Then, it's ready to be sliced and served!
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Ordering online
Ordering a normal cheese pizza online is a straightforward process. Many pizza restaurants offer online ordering through their websites or mobile apps. For example, Domino's offers a 4-cheese pizza that can be ordered online through their website or mobile app. Similarly, Pizza Hut offers online ordering for various cheese pizzas, although it is unclear if they offer a normal cheese pizza. Local pizza restaurants may also have their own websites or apps that allow for online ordering.
To order a normal cheese pizza online, simply follow these steps:
- Visit the website or download the mobile app of the pizza restaurant you want to order from.
- Create an account or log in to your existing account. This step may not be required, but having an account can make it easier to track your orders and earn rewards.
- Browse the menu and select the cheese pizza you would like to order. Some restaurants may offer multiple sizes and crust options, so choose the one that best suits your preferences.
- Customize your pizza by selecting any additional toppings or sides that you would like. Some restaurants may also offer deals or discounts when ordering online, so be sure to look out for those.
- Enter your delivery address or select the pickup option if you prefer to collect your pizza yourself.
- Provide payment information and place your order.
- Track your order status and wait for your pizza to arrive or head to the restaurant to pick it up yourself.
Ordering a normal cheese pizza online is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy your favorite pizza from the comfort of your home. By following the steps outlined above, you can have a hot and fresh cheese pizza delivered directly to your doorstep.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either make it at home or order it from a restaurant. To make it at home, you'll need pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. You can follow a simple recipe to knead the dough, spread the sauce, sprinkle cheese, and bake. If you want to order it, you can either call a restaurant or order online. Many restaurants offer pizza delivery or pickup.
Mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza cheese due to its meltability and stretchiness. However, you can also use other cheeses such as Fontiago, Fontina, Smoked Gouda, Pepper Jack, Cheddar, Provolone, Raclette, or a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and Cheddar.
Here are a few tips:
- Preheat your oven for about an hour with a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet on the upper third rack.
- Use a pizza peel to transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated baking stone or sheet.
- Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle basil leaves on top before serving.
