Randy Chandler
There's no denying that pizza is delicious, but sometimes plain cheese pizza can get a little boring. Luckily, there are endless ways to upgrade your cheese pizza and take it to the next level. Whether you're starting with a frozen pizza or a freshly made one, adding a variety of toppings, sauces, and seasonings can make a world of difference. From classic pepperoni to international flair, the possibilities are endless. So, if you're looking to transform your basic cheese pizza into a culinary masterpiece, read on for some mouth-watering ideas and tips.
Explore related products
Add more cheese
Adding more cheese is an obvious way to upgrade your cheese pizza. But it's not just about quantity, it's about quality too. Opt for a higher-quality Italian cheese blend, such as freshly grated Parmesan, whole slices of fresh mozzarella, or a blend of melty cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, and Gruyère. You can also add more complex cheeses to offset the sweetness of the pizza. Try a sprinkling of feta or blue cheese, or go bold with slices of pepper jack, Edam, or Gouda.
If you're using a frozen pizza, it's best to sprinkle on extra-melty cheeses before baking, and crumble on less melty cheeses, like feta, after baking. You can also add a drizzle of razzle-dazzle to your baked pizza with condiments like olive oil, spicy honey, or balsamic vinegar.
If you're feeling creative, blend up some fresh herbs with olive oil and drizzle this infused oil over your pizza. You can also sprinkle on some fresh herbs, like basil, oregano, or chives, just before serving.
Don't forget about the crust! You can add cheese here too. Coat the crust with melted butter and sprinkle on seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese.
Cheese Pizza Rolls: Carb Content and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Fry an egg on top
Adding a fried egg to your cheese pizza is a great way to elevate your meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect fried egg pizza:
First, prepare your pizza as you normally would. If you're using a frozen pizza, follow the instructions on the packaging to preheat your oven and cook the pizza. If you're using a fresh pizza, ensure your oven is preheated to the appropriate temperature.
While your pizza is cooking, fry your egg(s). Heat a glug of oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully crack an egg into the pan, being careful not to break the yolk. For a sunny-side-up egg, fry until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny. If you prefer your eggs over-easy or over-medium, carefully flip the egg after the whites have set, and cook until the yolk is done to your liking.
If you want the egg to be cooked on top of the pizza, you can create a small indentation in the frozen pizza before cooking, and crack the egg into it. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolk is still slightly runny.
Once your egg and pizza are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's time to assemble. Place the fried egg on top of the pizza, seasoning the egg with salt or a spice mix of your choice. The runny yolk will mix with the cheese and create a delicious, creamy texture. Enjoy your upgraded cheese pizza!
This method of topping your pizza with a fried egg is a fun and unique way to enhance your dining experience. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you're craving a cheesy, eggy delight.
Vegan Cheese at Midici Pizza: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Add meat toppings
Meat toppings are a great way to upgrade a cheese pizza. You can add meat toppings before or after baking the pizza. Meats like pepperoni, sausage, and prosciutto are typically added last so that they get crispy in the oven. However, meats like prosciutto and basil can dry out, so it's best to place them under the cheese.
If you're looking for a classic meat topping, pepperoni is always a good option. It pairs well with a sweeter sauce and can be added with other toppings like banana peppers and red onion. If you want to get more creative, you can try chorizo, which is a fatty and highly seasoned pork sausage. It's typically used in Mexican cuisine but can add some spice to your pizza. For an even spicier option, try 'nduja, a spreadable sausage that can be added to the pizza after it comes out of the oven. The heat from the pizza will melt the fat and create a spicy, soft meat sauce.
If you're looking for something heartier, you can add cooked ground beef with chopped onion, salt, pepper, and ketchup for a hamburger pizza. You can also try chopping up some boneless chicken breast and sautéing it with salt, garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, and chile powder for a Tex-Mex twist. For something more indulgent, shred some leftover rotisserie chicken and toss it in a buffalo sauce and honey mixture. Add some light bacon, banana peppers, and red onion for a sweet and spicy kick.
No matter which meat toppings you choose, remember to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also try adding eggs in different forms, like a runny egg cracked directly onto the pizza or scrambled and hard-boiled eggs added with other toppings. Don't forget to season your eggs with salt and pepper!
Enhancing Frozen Pizza: Cheese and Mushroom Magic
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use fresh herbs
Fresh herbs can be a great way to add flavour to a cheese pizza. You can use a variety of herbs, such as basil, oregano, chives, or rosemary. If you want to add a more intense flavour, you can loosely shred the basil leaves before adding them to the pizza.
To make an herb and garlic cheese pizza, you can start by mixing olive oil and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle this mixture over the pizza dough. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheese of your choice with the herbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the pizza. You can also add some fresh garlic on top.
Bake the pizza in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 to 16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. If you want a crispier crust, you can place the pizza directly on the oven rack or use a pizza stone. For an even crispier crust, you can also brush the crust with butter or olive oil and sprinkle on some seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese a few minutes before it's done cooking.
Let the pizza cool for about five minutes before cutting into it. You can also add some razzle-dazzle with your favourite condiments, such as spicy honey, aged balsamic, or even ranch.
Weight Watcher Points for Big Cheese Pizza Revealed
You may want to see also
Upgrade the crust
Upgrading the crust of a frozen pizza can make a huge difference in its overall taste. The crust is often the most neglected part of a frozen pizza, with a texture and taste that can be indistinguishable from the cardboard it's packaged with.
The simplest way to maintain great crust consistency is to use a pizza stone. Preheat the pizza stone in the oven, and then place the pizza on it. This replicates the surface of a wood-fired pizza oven, allowing you to get a crispier crust and more evenly cooked toppings. If you don't have a pizza stone, you can place the pizza directly on the oven rack to achieve a similar effect. The key is to let the pizza touch as few surfaces as possible, so it cooks evenly and gets a crispy crust.
Another trick to try is to "dock" the dough by punching little holes in the centre of the pizza, where the toppings are. This will allow the steam to escape, resulting in a less-limp crust. You can do this by using a fork or paring knife to make the holes before unwrapping the pizza and placing it in the oven.
To add some extra flavour to your crust, try brushing the outer ring with garlic butter, garlic oil, olive oil, or a combination of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper and parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or parmesan cheese on the crust and then bake the pizza as directed.
Grated Goodness: 12-Inch Pizza's Cheesy Math
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Place the pizza directly on the oven rack, or use a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet to bake the pizza. You can also punch little holes in the dough before baking to allow steam to escape.
You can add a fried egg, leftover ham or salami, or fresh vegetables.
Try adding bacon, shredded chicken, or arugula.
You can add more cheese, drizzle olive oil, spicy honey, or balsamic vinegar, or sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, or parmesan cheese.
Choose a more expensive frozen pizza, add more complex cheeses, and season the crust with melted butter and seasonings.
