Andy Montoya
Whether or not a pizza without cheese can be considered a pizza is a topic of debate. Some people may argue that a pizza without cheese is not a pizza, while others may disagree, especially those who follow a vegan diet. In fact, traditional pizzas did not have any cheese, and the addition of tomatoes as a topping in the 18th century by the poor people of Naples is what gave us the flatbread we now call pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a pizza be without cheese? | Yes |
| Is it tasty? | Yes, but some people might disagree |
| Is it vegan? | Yes |
| Is it healthy? | Yes, as it does not have the fat from cheese |
| Can it be ordered from restaurants? | Yes, but some restaurants might give funny looks |
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What You'll Learn
- Pizza without cheese is one of the three authentic Neapolitan pizzas
- Some people believe that sauce is more important than cheese on a pizza
- Authentic Italian pizzas without cheese focus on other flavours
- A pizza with no cheese can be considered a pizza-like dish
- There are vegan alternatives to cheese on pizza, such as tofu
Pizza without cheese is one of the three authentic Neapolitan pizzas
Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, and there are many opinions on what makes a "true" pizza. While some may argue that a pizza without cheese is an oxymoron, others maintain that traditional pizzas did not have any cheese. In fact, the addition of tomatoes to yeast-based flatbread in the 18th century by the people of Naples is considered the innovation that gave us the pizza we know today.
Neapolitan pizza, or pizza napoletana, is the version of round pizza typically prepared in Naples, Italy. It is characterised by a soft, thin dough with high edges and simple flavours. The dough consists of wheat flour, natural Neapolitan yeast or brewer's yeast, salt, and water. The tomatoes are traditionally either San Marzano tomatoes or pomodorini del Piennolo del Vesuvio, which grow on the volcanic plains south of Mount Vesuvius.
The Marinara pizza, one of the two flavours served at Da Michele, a well-known Neapolitan pizza restaurant, is a classic example of pizza without cheese. It is topped with tomatoes, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and usually basil. The name "Marinara" comes from the fact that it was the food fishermen ate when they returned home, not because it contains seafood.
The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) grants protected status to pizzerias that meet strict requirements in following Neapolitan traditions in the art of pizza-making. This status is recognised by the European Union and the United Kingdom as a traditional speciality guaranteed.
So, is pizza without cheese one of the three authentic Neapolitan pizzas? The answer is yes. While cheese, typically mozzarella, is a common ingredient in Neapolitan pizza, it is not a requirement. The key characteristics of an authentic Neapolitan pizza are the traditional methods and ingredients, including the hand-formed dough, the use of specific types of tomatoes, and the cooking technique of baking in a very hot, wood-fired oven.
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Some people believe that sauce is more important than cheese on a pizza
It is generally believed that a pizza without cheese is not a pizza. However, this is not true. In fact, the innovation that gave us the particular flatbread we call "pizza" was the use of tomato as a topping. The tomato was brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, and it was only by the late 18th century that the poor people of Naples started adding tomato to their yeast-based flatbread. The Marinara is the oldest pizza served in pizzerias, and it does not contain any cheese. It is topped with tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and basil.
The cheese, however, does matter. If it's a watery type of fresh mozzarella, then you cannot add too much, otherwise, it ruins the pizza. Greasy cheese will also ruin the pizza. The sauce and the cheese need to be balanced. Too much focus is placed on making pizzas super cheesy. It is about quality, too—a great sauce can make or break a pizza.
The crust and the sauce are the two most important things in a pizza. The toppings don't vary much, but the quality of the crust and sauce makes all the difference. The crust, sauce, and cheese are all necessary for the pizza's success.
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Authentic Italian pizzas without cheese focus on other flavours
Pizza is often associated with cheese, and many people assume that cheese is an essential component. However, this notion may be surprising when it comes to authentic Italian pizzas, as some of the most authentic and beloved varieties are made without cheese. Instead, Italian pizzas focus on balancing fresh, simple ingredients that honour the roots of the dish.
The history of pizza can be traced back to the streets of Naples in the 19th century, where it started as a simple fast food. The classic Pizza Napoletana, for instance, featured a thin crust dough base with tomatoes, virgin olive oil, garlic, basil, salt and sometimes oregano. The Marinara pizza, considered the oldest pizza served in pizzerias, also does not contain any cheese. It typically includes a topping of tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and basil. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and savoury flavour profile that stands on its own without cheese.
Cheese, particularly in large quantities, is not always a defining feature of traditional Italian pizza. When cheese is used, it is typically fresh mozzarella, such as Fior di Latte (made from cow's milk) or Mozzarella di Bufala (made from water buffalo milk). These cheeses are known for their delicate flavour and creamy texture, adding richness without overwhelming the other ingredients. This differs from the American-style pizzas, where cheese often takes centre stage with heavy layers.
Creating delicious pizzas without cheese involves recognising the importance of the crust, sauce, and toppings. For example, a well-made crust can provide a crisp base that sets the tone for the entire pizza, filling your nose with a smoky aroma. The sauce and toppings can also be enhanced by using dried herbs and spices like paprika, adding depth and brightness to the flavour. Additionally, vegan alternatives like artichoke tofu ricotta can be used as a satisfying substitute for cheese, providing a similar texture and taste.
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A pizza with no cheese can be considered a pizza-like dish
There are many different opinions on what constitutes a pizza, and whether a pizza needs to have cheese to be considered a pizza. Some people believe that a pizza without cheese is not a pizza, and that cheese is one of the requisite ingredients. However, others argue that a pizza without cheese can still be considered a pizza-like dish, and that it is more about the dough or crust, and having a sauce.
Historically, traditional pizzas did not have any cheese. The innovation that led to the creation of the flatbread we now call "pizza" was the use of tomato as a topping. The tomato was brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, and it was only in the late 18th century that the poor people of Naples started adding tomatoes to their yeast-based flatbread, creating the first pizzas. The Marinara, the oldest pizza served in pizzerias, does not contain any cheese. Instead, it is topped with tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and usually basil.
In addition, for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant, it is possible to enjoy pizza without cheese. Vegan pizzas often include other toppings such as artichoke tofu ricotta, miso-caramelized onions, and shiitake bacon, which provide flavor and texture in place of cheese.
Ultimately, whether a pizza without cheese is considered a true pizza or a pizza-like dish may depend on personal opinion and cultural background. However, it is worth noting that pizza can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, with or without cheese, and that each component, including the crust, sauce, and toppings, plays an important role in creating a delicious and satisfying pie.
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There are vegan alternatives to cheese on pizza, such as tofu
While some may argue that a pizza without cheese is not a pizza, this is not necessarily true. Firstly, traditional pizza did not have any cheese on it. Secondly, there are many vegan alternatives to cheese on pizza, such as tofu. For instance, pureed artichokes can be whipped into tofu to make a ricotta cheese substitute. This can be used on a pizza with roasted garlic and miso-caramelized onions.
There are also many other vegan cheese alternatives available, such as cashew-based cheeses, which perform similarly to regular cheese in terms of melt and flavor. For example, Miyoko's Cashew Milk Mozzarella can be purchased or made at home. There is also a recipe for liquid mozzarella, which is also cashew-based and made with simple ingredients. This type of cheese is already liquid, so it does not need to melt, and it solidifies in the oven. However, it does not have the same stretch as dairy cheese.
Other vegan cheese options include store-bought brands such as Violife, Follow Your Heart, Chao, and Wegmans. Some people also prefer to make their own vegan pizzas without any cheese at all, using a variety of other toppings such as hummus, vegetables, and pesto.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a pizza without cheese is still a pizza. In fact, some of the most authentic and beloved Italian pizzas don't include cheese at all. Instead, Italian pizza is about balancing fresh, simple ingredients that honor the roots of the dish.
Some traditional varieties of Italian pizza that skip the cheese are Pizza Marinara, which is a tomato-based pizza, and Pizza Strips, which are rectangular slices of focaccia-style bread topped with spicy tomato sauce.
Some alternatives to cheese on a pizza include tofu ricotta, miso-caramelized onions, and shiitake bacon.
The key components of a pizza are its crust, sauce, and toppings.
Some examples of sauces that can be used on a pizza include marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, and olive oil.
