Frederic Melton
There are many ways to slice cheese for pizza, and the method you choose will depend on the type of cheese you are using. For example, soft-ripened cheese wedges should be sliced on a diagonal, whereas hard and semi-hard cheeses can be sliced width-wise for thinner slices. If you are using pre-sliced cheese, you can chop it into thin strips or shred it with a kitchen knife. Additionally, the type of cheese you use can affect the texture of your pizza. For instance, a thin layer of Parmesan beneath a pizza crust can add flavour and crispiness, while other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella may form an unpleasant leathery layer.
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What You'll Learn
Slicing cheese for pizza toppings
When it comes to slicing cheese for pizza toppings, there are a few things to consider. The type of cheese, the desired thickness of the slices, and the overall look of the pizza are all important factors. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect cheese slices for your pizza toppings.
First, consider the type of cheese you are using. Different cheeses require different cutting techniques. For semi-hard or hard cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda, you can use a wire cheese slicer or a sharp knife to cut thin slices. Place the block of cheese on its side and use gentle pressure to push the wire or knife through the cheese. For softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert, slicing on a diagonal will give you nice, even slices.
If you're using a hard cheese wedge, you can cut thinner slices by laying the wedge on its side and slicing down the width, making cuts every 1/4 to 3/4 inch. For crumbly cheeses, cut the wedge on a bias for a rustic look. For circular cheeses, cut them like a pie, slicing the wheel in half and then into smaller wedges. This works well for cheeses like Brie, Belstone, and Pecorino.
When it comes to mozzarella, a popular choice for pizza, you can use thin deli slices, but they may not melt as well as shredded cheese. To improve melting, chop the slices into thin strips or shred them with a kitchen knife. Alternatively, buy a solid chunk of mozzarella and shred it yourself at home.
Remember, the thickness of your cheese slices will impact the cooking time and the overall look of your pizza. Thinner slices will cook faster and create a more even melt, while thicker slices may take longer to melt and can create a more textured topping.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and cutting techniques to find what works best for your pizza creations!
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Slicing cheese to go underneath the pizza crust
Slicing cheese to place underneath the pizza crust is a unique way to add flavour and texture to your pizza. It is especially recommended for thicker-crust pizzas. When it comes to the type of cheese, it is best to use a cheese with a low moisture level, such as Parmesan, to achieve a crispier crust. Other cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella may not crisp up as well and can form an unpleasant leathery layer.
To begin, prepare your pizza dough as you normally would, stretching it out to the desired size. Then, sprinkle a thin layer of grated Parmesan cheese onto the dough, creating an even coating. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar or smoked Gruyère, to complement the smoky char of the pizza crust.
After adding the cheese, you can continue building your pizza with your preferred sauce, toppings, and cheese on top. It is important to note that the amount of cheese you use underneath the crust should be sparse, allowing the sauce and crust to be visible in spots. This technique is commonly used in Italian-style pizzas.
Once your pizza is assembled, bake it according to your recipe. When it comes out of the oven, let it cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the cheese to settle and prevent it from sticking to the knife or cutter. Enjoy your unique and delicious pizza with cheese underneath the crust!
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Slicing cheese into thin strips/batons
Slicing cheese into thin strips or batons is a great way to prepare cheese for pizza. Here is a detailed guide to achieving the perfect thin cheese slices:
First, it is important to consider the type of cheese you are using. Different varieties of cheese have different textures, which will impact the slicing technique. For example, softer cheeses like Brie and young goat cheeses have varying textures from the interior to the exterior. On the other hand, aged cheeses tend to be firmer and crumblier. Understanding the cheese's texture will help guide your choice of cutting method.
If you are using a semi-hard or hard cheese, such as cheddar, Asiago, or Gouda, you can create thin slices by following these steps: Place the block of cheese on its side and hold it in place with one hand. Take a wire cheese slicer or a sharp knife and position it at the edge of the cheese. Apply gentle pressure to glide the wire or knife through the cheese, making cuts every 1/4 to 3/4 inch or even thinner slices of approximately 1/8 inch thick.
For softer cheeses, a different approach is needed. Start by cutting the cheese in half diagonally. Then, cut small pieces from the sides, working from the exterior to the center, towards the middle of the triangle. This method works well with cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese.
If you are using pre-sliced cheese, you can simply chop it into thin strips or batons. This technique is especially useful if you are in a hurry or have limited tools.
Remember, the way you slice and portion your cheese can impact the flavor and texture of each bite. By following these steps, you will be able to create delicious, thin cheese strips or batons for your pizza, ensuring optimal flavor and presentation.
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Slicing cheese with a wire cheese slicer
First, prepare your cheese block. Place the block of semi-hard or hard cheese on its side. For a standard block of cheese, this means turning it so that one of the smaller sides is facing up. If you're working with a larger block, you may want to cut it in half first to make it more manageable. Hold the cheese block in place with one hand.
Now, get your wire cheese slicer ready. These slicers usually have a tensioning wheel that you can use to tighten the wire before use. Place the wire cheese slicer on top of the cheese block, positioning the wire at the edge of the cheese. Some wire cheese slicers have an adjustable roller or an adjustment feature, allowing you to control the thickness of each slice.
Using gentle pressure, push the wire of the slicer through the cheese. Continue pushing until you reach the bottom of the cheese block. If you're using a high-quality wire cheese slicer, the wire should glide smoothly through the cheese, creating a thin, even slice. Repeat this process as needed to get the desired number of slices.
When you're finished, you can use the sliced cheese for your pizza or any other dish you're preparing. Remember to clean your wire cheese slicer according to the manufacturer's instructions to keep it in good condition.
Using a wire cheese slicer is an efficient and effective way to get thin slices of cheese for your pizza. With this tool, you can quickly prepare the cheese, ensuring that your pizza-making process is smooth and enjoyable. So, get your wire cheese slicer ready and start crafting the perfect pizza!
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Slicing cheese with a knife
For soft-ripened cheese wedges, use your knife to slice diagonally. Press the knife into the top corner of the cheese, with the blade reaching from the top edge to the side edge. Keep slicing until you reach the tip. This method is suitable for cold soft-ripened cheeses like brie and camembert.
If you have a wheel of cheese, you can cut it into 1 to 2-inch (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wedges. Place the tip of your knife in the centre of the wheel and slice, then move the end of the knife closest to the handle over to create the desired wedge size. Repeat this process around the wheel, or cut just a few slices to display the wheel on a platter. Use a thin-bladed or soft cheese knife to avoid large chunks of cheese sticking to the knife. This technique works well with brie, belstone, and pecorino cheeses.
For tall hard round cheeses, first cut the wheel into wedges by splitting it in half, then half again, and finally into pie-like wedges. You can also use a wire cheese slicer or cutter for semi-hard or hard cheeses. Place the block of cheese on its side, holding it in place with one hand. Set the wire at the edge of the cheese and use gentle pressure to push it through. Some wire cheese slicers even let you adjust the thickness of each slice.
When using sliced cheese for pizza, it's important to note that cheese with cellulose may not melt properly. If you're using pre-sliced cheese, you can chop it into thin strips or shred it with a kitchen knife. To reduce excess moisture, place the cheese between paper towels or kitchen towels and put a heavy plate on top.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of cheese on a pizza, but it is recommended to use low-moisture mozzarella. You can also use provolone or muenster slices.
If you are using pre-sliced cheese, chop it up into thin strips or shred it with a kitchen knife.
Place the cheese slices between two thick paper towels or kitchen towels, and place a heavy plate on top. Within an hour, it will release excess moisture.
Yes, you can. A thin layer of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the bottom of the pizza adds flavour and a crispy texture.
