Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a popular pizza topping due to its sharp taste and versatility. While mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza, cheddar is commonly used on specialty pies like chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. Cheddar pairs well with specific toppings like ground beef sautéed with onions, black bean mixture, and taco-type pizza toppings. However, older and sharper cheddars tend to have a stronger flavour and do not melt as smoothly, potentially overpowering the flavour of the rest of the pizza. Therefore, younger, milder cheddars are recommended for a more balanced flavour and better melt. Additionally, mixing cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone can improve its melting properties and create interesting flavour combinations. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired taste profile of the pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Cheddar cheese is widely loved because of its sharp taste. |
| Meltability | Cheddar does not melt as well as mozzarella. Older cheddars are drier and don't melt as smoothly. |
| Best used with | Mozzarella, provolone, ground beef sautéed with onions, black bean mixture, tomato salsa, chopped mild green chilies, diced cooked chicken, and cilantro |
| Best used on | Specialty pies like chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. |
| Best type | Younger, softer cheddars are ideal if used as the primary/only cheese on a pizza. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese can scorch, creating a bad taste and smell
Cheddar cheese is commonly used on pizzas, especially specialty pies like chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. It is also used in taco-type pizzas. However, one of the challenges of using cheddar cheese on pizza is its tendency to scorch, creating a bad taste and smell. Cheddar, especially sharper varieties, does not melt as smoothly as other cheeses, and when exposed to high heat, its fats can separate from the solids as a yellowish oil.
To prevent scorching, it is recommended to use younger, milder cheddars, as they melt more easily and are less likely to burn. Another strategy is to add the cheddar halfway through the cooking process or to cook the pizza at a lower temperature for a longer time. This allows the cheese to melt without burning, but it can also impact the texture of the crust.
Additionally, using a blend of cheeses can help prevent scorching. Mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan are commonly blended with cheddar to create a more balanced flavor and improve meltability. When blending cheeses, it is important to consider the fat and moisture content of each variety, as this will impact the overall melting and browning ability of the cheese mixture.
Overall, while cheddar cheese can be a tasty addition to pizza, it requires careful consideration and experimentation to avoid the negative effects of scorching.
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It's best to use younger, softer cheddars
Cheddar is a commonly used cheese for pizza, often in combination with other cheeses like mozzarella. While older, sharper cheddars have a great flavour, they don't melt as well and can overpower the other toppings.
It is best to use younger, softer cheddars if you want to use cheddar as the primary or only cheese on a pizza. Younger cheddars melt more smoothly and are less likely to scorch, which can give off a bad taste and smell. Younger cheddars also have a milder flavour, so they won't overpower the other ingredients.
When using younger cheddars, it is still recommended to mix them with other cheeses like mozzarella to improve meltability and prevent greasiness. Mozzarella has a neutral-salty taste, so adding a sharper cheddar will still give your pizza a unique flavour profile.
If you do want to use an older, sharper cheddar, it may be best to add it halfway through the cooking process or towards the end. This will prevent it from burning while still allowing you to enjoy the flavour it adds to your pizza.
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Cheddar can be used in combination with other cheeses
Cheddar is commonly used in combination with other cheeses on pizzas. Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, and it is often blended with cheddar. The mozzarella provides the desired melt, while the cheddar adds a distinctive flavour.
When using cheddar on a pizza, it is recommended to use younger, softer, milder cheddars as they melt better and are less likely to overpower the other flavours. Aged cheddar is drier and does not melt as smoothly. It can also scorch, resulting in a bad taste and smell. To avoid this, some people add the cheddar halfway through cooking or use a mix of cheeses, with mozzarella as the base.
Some popular combinations include mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone; mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan; or mozzarella and cheddar with ground beef sautéed with onions. Cheddar is also commonly used on speciality pies, such as chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas.
When experimenting with different cheeses, it is important to consider the fat and moisture content, as this will impact the cheese's ability to stretch and melt. For example, mozzarella typically used on pizza is low moisture to prevent sogginess and has a mild stretchiness.
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Cheddar works well with certain toppings
Cheddar is a widely loved pizza topping due to its sharp taste. It is commonly used on specialty pies, such as chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. Cheddar also works well with taco-type pizza toppings and pairs nicely with ground beef sautéed with onions. When using cheddar on a pizza, it is recommended to mix it with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, to improve meltability and prevent the cheese from overpowering the other flavours. For example, a mix of 10% cheddar, mostly mozzarella, and 15-20% provolone is recommended by one source.
Cheddar also works well on a BBQ chicken bacon and pineapple pizza. One source recommends using younger, softer cheddars if you are trying to use cheddar as the primary or only cheese on a pizza. Additionally, the quality of the cheddar matters, and it is recommended to avoid pre-shredded cheddar.
When using cheddar on a pizza, it is important to consider the melting point of the cheese. Cheddar tends to melt and run to a larger extent than mozzarella, so it should be used more sparingly. It is recommended to add cheddar halfway through the cooking process to manage its melting. Cheddar also has a higher fat content than other cheeses, so it can scorch and produce a bad taste and smell. To avoid this, it is recommended to cook pizzas with cheddar at a lower temperature for a longer time.
Overall, cheddar can be a great cheese to use on pizza, but it is important to consider the type of cheddar, the amount used, and how it is cooked to ensure the best results.
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Cheddar is widely loved for its sharp taste
Cheddar cheese is widely loved for its sharp taste. It is commonly used on specialty pies like chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. Cheddar is also a popular choice for those who enjoy a sharper flavour profile, as the cheese lends a distinctive taste to the pizza.
While mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza, cheddar is a well-loved alternative. Its sharp taste can add a unique flavour to the pizza. However, it is important to note that cheddar does not melt as well as mozzarella, and it can scorch at high temperatures, resulting in a bad taste and smell. Therefore, it is recommended to use a mix of cheeses, with mozzarella providing the desired melt and cheddar adding a sharp undertone of flavour.
When using cheddar on pizza, it is best to opt for younger, milder varieties. Older cheddars tend to be drier and do not melt as smoothly. By choosing a younger, softer cheddar, you can avoid the cheese overpowering the other flavours on the pizza. Additionally, the quality of cheddar makes a difference; cheese from specialty producers will likely taste better than typical grocery store blocks.
Cheddar pairs well with various toppings, such as ground beef sautéed with onions, black beans, tomato salsa, and chicken. It is also commonly used on specialty pies, including chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and enjoy the combination of cheddar with beans, salsa, and vegetables.
Overall, cheddar cheese is a versatile and tasty option for pizza, especially when paired with complementary toppings and cheeses. Its sharp taste adds a unique flavour profile that deviates from the traditional mozzarella-based pizzas, offering a delightful variation for cheese lovers.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is commonly used on pizzas like chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. However, some people believe that cheddar cheese does not melt as well as mozzarella and can scorch, which tastes and smells bad.
Younger, softer cheddars with mild sharpness are ideal for pizza as they melt better.
Cheddar has a stronger flavour than mozzarella, so it is recommended to use less of it. A mix of 10% cheddar, mostly mozzarella, and 15-20% provolone is suggested.
A popular recipe is a southwest pizza with black beans, tomato salsa, chopped mild green chillies, diced cooked chicken, and grated sharp cheddar. Another recipe includes ground beef sautéed with onions.
Yes, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and feta are also commonly used on pizzas.
