Frederic Melton
Mozzarella cheese is a key ingredient in pizza making, with 85% of consumers choosing it as their favourite cheese for pizza. Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice, but it can make pizza watery due to its high moisture content. To avoid this, it is recommended to drain the mozzarella before adding it to the pizza. This can be done by slicing or tearing the cheese and placing it on a towel to absorb excess moisture for at least 15 minutes. Another option is to bake the dough, sauce, and other toppings first and then add the fresh mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the creamy texture and flavour of fresh mozzarella on your pizza without it becoming soggy.
How to put mozzarella cheese balls on pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Mozzarella | Fresh mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza, but aged mozzarella can also be used. |
| Preparation | To avoid a watery pizza, fresh mozzarella should be drained before adding to the pizza. |
| Cut the cheese into thin slices or tear it into smaller pieces before placing them on a towel to absorb moisture for at least 15 minutes. | |
| Baking | Place the dough, sauce, and other toppings in the oven first and add the fresh mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking. |
| Bake for around 10-16 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness of the crust. | |
| Toppings | Fresh mozzarella pairs well with basil and tomatoes, making it a popular choice for Margherita pizza. |
| Other toppings include olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. | |
| Crust | The crust should be thin, with a crisp crunch, and slightly thicker edges. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Fresh vs. aged mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a moist, white cheese that usually comes in the form of a ball. It is soft and creamy with a milky flavour and contains a decent amount of water, which makes it low in fat. It is typically packaged in water or hand-wrapped in plastic wrap and has a short shelf life, lasting about a week in the refrigerator. It is not easily melted and can turn into a soupy puddle when heated. This is because it contains at least 52% water, which can make pizza watery if the cheese is not prepared correctly.
Aged or 'regular' mozzarella is the same cheese as fresh mozzarella but is prepared differently. It is a low-moisture version of fresh mozzarella, made by souring and drying out the fresh variety for longer. This lower moisture content makes aged mozzarella more susceptible to browning and stretching when heated and gives it a longer shelf life, making it more appealing for mass production and consumption. It is also more easily grated and is often the type of mozzarella used in string cheese.
When using fresh mozzarella on a pizza, it is important to drain the cheese of excess moisture before adding it to the pizza to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. This can be done by slicing the cheese and placing the slices on a paper or tea towel for at least 15 minutes to absorb the moisture. Another method is to bake the dough, sauce, and other toppings first and then add the fresh mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking time.
Aged mozzarella is more commonly used on standard American pizzas, but fresh mozzarella is a delicious option, especially for a pizza Margherita or a classic Neapolitan pizza, which traditionally uses fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.
The Art of Cheese: Perfect Pizza Topping Techniques
You may want to see also
Draining mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a delicious option for pizza, especially if you're making a pizza Margherita. However, because fresh mozzarella holds so much moisture, it can make your pizza watery and soggy. To avoid this, it's important to drain the mozzarella before adding it to your pizza.
The first step in draining mozzarella is to remove it from the liquid in which it is stored. Open the container or plastic bag and take out the ball of cheese. Shake off any excess water, then tear the mozzarella into 3-4 smaller pieces. Smaller pieces will drain faster.
Next, place the mozzarella pieces in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Cover the strainer with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent a dry crust from forming on the cheese. Leave the mozzarella in the fridge for at least a couple of hours to drain. Leaving it for a full day is even better.
If you're short on time, you can also place the mozzarella slices on a paper or tea towel to absorb excess moisture. Let them rest for at least 15 minutes before adding them to your pizza. You can also dab the top of the slices to soak up any extra moisture.
The Great Pizza Debate: Cheese, Top or Bottom?
You may want to see also
When to add mozzarella to pizza
Mozzarella is an essential ingredient in pizza, with 85% of people choosing it as their favourite cheese for pizza. The type of mozzarella you use can vary depending on the desired taste and texture. Fresh mozzarella, for example, has a higher moisture content, which can make your pizza watery if not prepared correctly. To avoid this, it is recommended to drain the cheese for at least 15 minutes before adding it to your pizza. You can do this by cutting the cheese into thin slices and placing them on a paper or tea towel to absorb the excess moisture. Once the cheese seems dry, you can add it to your pizza.
If you are using pre-shredded mozzarella, it is important to note that it often contains additives and preservatives to extend its shelf life and prevent clumping. These additives can cause the cheese to brown prematurely during the cooking process. Therefore, it is generally recommended to shred your own cheese from a block of low-moisture mozzarella, as it will melt more evenly and reduce the risk of burning.
The timing of when to add mozzarella to your pizza depends on the desired texture and appearance. Some people prefer to add the cheese on top of the other toppings at the beginning of the baking process. This allows the cheese to melt and brown evenly, creating a cohesive layer of cheese that holds the toppings in place. This method is often used when making frozen pizzas, as it ensures that the cheese is fully melted and browned by the time the pizza is baked.
However, if you are using fresh mozzarella, it is recommended to add it during the last few minutes of cooking. This is because fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content and can release water if it melts too quickly. By adding it towards the end of the baking process, you can avoid a soggy pizza and still enjoy the creamy texture and flavour of fresh mozzarella.
Ultimately, the decision of when to add mozzarella to your pizza depends on personal preference and the type of cheese you are using. Experiment with different types of mozzarella and timing to find the combination that best suits your taste and desired texture.
The Ultimate Guide to Parmesan Cheese on Pizza
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mozzarella quantity
Mozzarella is a key ingredient in pizza, with 85% of consumers choosing it as their favourite cheese for this dish. Fresh mozzarella is the classic choice for a Neapolitan pizza, but it can be tricky to work with due to its high moisture content. To avoid a soggy pizza, you'll need to use the right quantity of mozzarella and prepare it properly.
The quantity of mozzarella you'll need for your pizza will depend on the size and thickness of the pizza you're making. For a thin-crust pizza, you'll need less cheese than for a thicker, deeper dish pizza. As a general rule, aim for an even layer of cheese across your pizza base, with a higher concentration towards the centre. This will ensure a good balance of flavours and textures.
For a standard 10-inch pizza, you'll typically need around 8 ounces (226 grams) of mozzarella. This quantity can be adjusted to your personal preference, but keep in mind that too much cheese can make your pizza greasy and heavy. If you're using fresh mozzarella, it's important to slice or tear it into thin pieces to ensure even melting.
If you're using pre-shredded mozzarella, you may need a slightly larger quantity, as shredded cheese tends to have a lighter, fluffier texture that doesn't cover the same surface area as sliced or torn mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese also tends to have added preservatives and less moisture, which can affect the melting process and overall texture of your pizza.
Remember, the key to a great pizza is balance. Too much mozzarella can overpower the other ingredients and make your pizza greasy. Experiment with different quantities and types of mozzarella to find the perfect ratio for your taste preferences.
Cheese, Meat, and Minions: Pizza's Trump Card
You may want to see also
Mozzarella shape and size
Mozzarella cheese is typically sold in shredded form, as well as in slices, sticks, and sometimes balls. Fresh mozzarella is usually formed into a ball shape and packaged with some liquid. Before using fresh mozzarella on a pizza, it is important to drain the excess moisture by placing slices or torn pieces of the cheese on a paper or tea towel for at least 15 minutes. This will prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
When it comes to the shape and size of mozzarella cheese balls for pizza, there is no definitive answer. The size of the cheese balls can vary depending on personal preference and the desired bite-size. Smaller cheese balls can be used if you want to ensure that every bite of pizza has a gooey, cheesy texture. Larger cheese balls can be torn or cut into smaller pieces before being added to the pizza.
The shape of the mozzarella cheese balls can also vary. Some cheese balls may be perfectly round, while others may have an irregular shape. The shape of the cheese balls can affect how they are arranged on the pizza. For example, round cheese balls can be placed in a uniform pattern, creating a visually appealing design. Irregularly shaped cheese balls can be arranged in a more organic layout, giving the pizza a rustic appearance.
Ultimately, the shape and size of the mozzarella cheese balls can be tailored to your preferences. Consider the overall aesthetics of the pizza, the desired cheese distribution, and the textural experience you want to create when choosing the shape and size of the cheese balls. Experimenting with different shapes and sizes can also be a fun way to explore and discover your favourite style.
California Pizza Kitchen: Vegan Cheese Options Explored
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fresh mozzarella holds a lot of moisture, so it's important to drain the cheese before adding it to your pizza. Cut the cheese into thin slices and place them on a paper or tea towel to absorb the excess moisture for at least 15 minutes. You can also try adding the fresh mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking time to avoid it melting and then releasing moisture while the pizza cools.
You can either cut the mozzarella cheese balls into thin slices or tear them into smaller pieces before topping the pizza.
If you are assembling your pizza and then baking it, add the mozzarella to the pizza after you have spread the sauce and before baking. If you are baking the dough and toppings first, add the mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking time.
