Bushra Griffith
There's nothing quite like a classic cheese pizza, but sometimes it's fun to switch things up. Whether you're starting from scratch or giving a frozen pizza a glow-up, there are plenty of ways to add some pizzazz to your pie. From simple swaps like using a pizza stone for a crispier crust to more adventurous additions like throwing on some sliced chorizo or jalapeños, you can elevate your cheese pizza in no time. So, if you're looking to take your pizza to the next level, read on for some mouth-watering ideas.
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What You'll Learn
Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust
Pizza stones are a great way to achieve a crispy crust when making a cheese pizza at home. They are a subset of what is broadly known as baking stones, but not all baking stones are pizza stones. Pizza stones are usually made of ceramic and are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be circular or rectangular, thick or thin, and glazed or unglazed.
The key to a crispy crust is a hot pizza stone. To get the stone hot enough, place it in a cold oven, set the temperature to 500°F, and preheat for about an hour. Heating the stone is essential as it transmits heat to the bottom of the crust, similar to the floor of a wood-fired oven. Once the oven is preheated, place your pizza on the stone and bake until the cheese is lightly browned.
It is important to note that pizza stones are susceptible to thermal shock, which can cause them to crack. Therefore, avoid placing a cold stone in a hot oven, and always allow the stone to cool down before handling it. When cleaning, do not use soap as the stone will absorb the detergent. Instead, use a plastic or metal scraper to remove any residue, and then wipe away any excess grease with a wet cloth.
Additionally, you can add a thin layer of Parmesan cheese to the bottom of your pizza before baking to enhance the crispiness and add extra flavour.
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Add fresh herbs and spices
Fresh herbs and spices can be added to a cheese pizza before or after baking, and they can be sprinkled on top of the pizza or mixed with other ingredients. Oregano is a popular herb to add to pizzas, and it can be used in dried or fresh form. Parsley is another herb that can be added to a pizza, and it has a unique bitter but fresh taste that enhances the flavour of the pizza. Thyme is often used in Mediterranean-style dishes and can be used on its own or with mild or sweet toppings. Its slightly sweet flavour enhances the taste of tomatoes and onions. Rosemary has a strong, savoury, woody flavour and a fragrant aroma and is often paired with other herbs like thyme, basil and oregano for a complex pizza flavour. Black pepper is another spice that can be added to a pizza and is easy to use as it pairs well with other spices, seasonings and toppings.
For those who like spicy food, crushed red pepper can be added to a pizza, and chilli flakes can be sprinkled over the cheese before baking. Cumin seeds are another spice with a warm, sweet flavour and a hint of bitterness and earthy tones. They can be used as a whole seed or ground into a fine powder. Fresh or dried dill can also be added to a pizza for a unique flavour combination, and it pairs well with sweet or mildly spicy toppings like tomatoes or roasted vegetables.
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Try different types of cheese
A cheese pizza is a classic, but sometimes you want to change things up a bit. A great way to do this is to experiment with different types of cheese.
Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, but you can try using different types of mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella, for example, makes pristine white pools of melted, gooey cheese that add textural contrast to chewier, low-moisture mozzarella. If your mozzarella comes packed in water, remember to drain it well and slice it thinly if it's too soft to grate.
You can also try adding ricotta. Ricotta will add an extra layer of creaminess to your pizza. You can also try sprinkling on some parmesan. Parmesan can act as a barrier to protect the crust from the sauce, and it also adds a savory, salty flavor.
If you want to get a little more creative, try using pepper jack for a bolder flavor, or gouda for a unique twist. You could also try edam or gruyere for an exotic flair. For a pizza that's a little more scientific, researchers at the University of Auckland found that cheddar, combined with mozzarella, struck the perfect balance in terms of elasticity, oil content, moisture levels, texture, and something called "transition temperature."
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Add cured meats for a rich flavour
Cured meats are a great way to add a rich flavour to a cheese pizza. The relationship between pizza and cured meats is not a new one, with pepperoni pizza being a classic example. However, there are many other types of cured meats that can be used to add a unique twist to your pizza.
Prosciutto, for example, is a popular choice and can be used to make a simple yet well-developed thin-crust pizza with a zesty tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The prosciutto can be paired with other ingredients such as arugula, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese for added flavour and texture.
Salami is another great option for a cured meat pizza. You can try different varieties of salami, such as spicy salami with Calabrian chili peppers or black summer truffles. Salami pairs well with mozzarella cheese, and you can also add other ingredients like vegetables or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavour.
Other cured meats to consider include pepperoni, capocollo, Italian sausage, and Tiroler speck. These meats can be used as toppings on your pizza, adding a savoury and rich flavour to the overall profile.
When choosing cured meats for your pizza, remember that there are no limits to the combinations you can create. You can mix and match different types of cured meats and cheeses, as well as add vegetables or other toppings, to create a pizza that suits your taste preferences.
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Drizzle with olive oil
Drizzling olive oil on a cheese pizza is a great way to enhance its flavour. It is a simple way to add a gourmet touch to your pizza. Olive oil is a key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet and is known for its ability to elevate the taste of a variety of dishes.
When choosing an olive oil for your pizza, opt for extra virgin olive oil from a reputable brand, such as Kirkland, California Olive Ranch, Filippo Berio, or Cento. Select a mild-flavoured olive oil so that it does not overpower the other flavours on your pizza. You can also use a more robust olive oil if you prefer a stronger taste, but be mindful that it may alter the overall flavour profile of your pizza.
Before drizzling the olive oil, consider heating it slightly to enhance its aroma and flavour. Warm olive oil has a more pronounced fragrance and can add a subtle complexity to your pizza. However, some prefer to use olive oil uncooked, as heating it may alter its flavour and nutritional properties.
Once you have prepared your pizza and it is fresh out of the oven, retrieve your olive oil. You can pour a small amount into a bowl for crust-dipping, adding a delightful dimension to your pizza experience. Then, drizzle the olive oil generously or sparingly, according to your preference, directly onto the pizza. The oil will enhance the flavours of the cheese and other toppings, creating a rich and indulgent taste.
Additionally, you can also incorporate olive oil into your pizza dough. Olive oil can help adjust the moisture content of the dough, especially if you are using an electric oven. It promotes a golden, crispy crust and influences the health and vigour of the yeast, potentially improving the overall quality of the dough. However, some people prefer to omit olive oil from their dough to avoid a softer crust.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook a frozen pizza, you should first defrost it and then set your oven to a high temperature to replicate the heat of a pizza oven. You can then place the pizza directly on the oven rack, or use a cast-iron skillet or griddle to bake it.
You can add extra cheese, such as freshly grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar. You can also add fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or chives. If you want to add some spice, you could add jalapeno slices or a dash of ghost pepper sea salt.
To get a crispy crust, you should cook your pizza on a preheated pizza stone, or a cast-iron pan. You can also brush the crust with butter or olive oil and sprinkle on seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese.
You could add cooked chorizo, leftover chicken, or cured meats such as prosciutto and salami.
You could add sliced vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or frozen vegetables such as peas and corn.
