Bushra Griffith
The placement of cheese and toppings on a pizza is a highly contested topic in the pizza world. While some people prefer their toppings underneath the cheese, others prefer them on top. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, experimentation, and the type of crust, nature of toppings, and desired texture. In the pizza industry in North America, most pizza places put cheese underneath toppings, unless the customer requests extra cheese, in which case the cheese is loaded on top of all the toppings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese placement | Cheese is usually placed below the toppings |
| Cheese placement exceptions | Extra cheese is placed on top of the toppings; Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has toppings sandwiched between two layers of cheese |
| Topping placement | Toppings are placed on top of the cheese to be visually appealing and to prevent burning |
| Topping exceptions | Delicate ingredients like arugula, spinach, fresh basil, or other green herbs are added in the last few minutes of cooking or after the pizza is fully cooked; fresh mozzarella should be dried and added in small pieces to prevent sogginess; pepperoni tastes similar when baked under layers of cheese but develops a crunch when baked on top |
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What You'll Learn
The science behind cheese placement
The placement of cheese and toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with several factors influencing the decision. The science behind cheese placement involves considerations such as aesthetics, taste, texture, and the type of crust and toppings used. Here is an in-depth exploration of the key factors:
Aesthetics and Presentation
The visual appeal of a pizza plays a crucial role in the dining experience. Placing toppings on top of the cheese allows diners to easily identify the ingredients and creates a more visually appealing presentation. This is especially important in the pizza industry, where customers expect to see the toppings they have selected and paid for. A well-presented pizza with toppings visible can enhance the overall dining experience.
Taste and Texture
The desired taste and texture of the toppings and cheese are essential considerations. Traditional toppings like pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions tend to taste better when slightly crispy. Placing them on top of the cheese allows them to crisp up during the baking process. Additionally, the texture of the cheese itself can be controlled by its placement. For example, cheese placed on top of the toppings will result in a crispier, browner cheese, while cheese placed underneath will be lighter and stringier.
Type of Crust and Toppings
The type of crust and toppings used can influence the placement of cheese. For example, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza typically has a layer of cheese, followed by toppings, then another layer of cheese, and finally, the sauce on top. Detroit-style pizza also adds the sauce on top. However, most other pizza styles start with the crust, followed by sauce, then cheese, and finally, toppings. Placing certain toppings, such as vegetables with high moisture content, on top of the cheese can help prevent a soggy crust. On the other hand, ingredients that burn easily, like thin vegetable slices, may be better placed under the cheese to prevent burning.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the placement of cheese and toppings comes down to personal preference. Experimenting with different arrangements allows pizzaiolos and pizza enthusiasts to find their ideal combination based on taste, texture, and visual appeal. The beauty of pizza is that it can be customized to cater to a variety of preferences and tastes.
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Pros and cons of toppings on top of the cheese
The placement of toppings in relation to the cheese is a highly contested topic in the pizza world, with valid arguments for both sides.
Pros of putting toppings on top of the cheese:
- The toppings are called "toppings" for a reason.
- It looks better, and hungry diners can see the toppings and know exactly what they are getting.
- The toppings can get crispy, which is the traditional texture for toppings on a Neapolitan-style pizza.
- It prevents the crust from getting soggy, especially when using vegetables with a high water content.
- It can enhance the flavour of the toppings, such as pepperoni, by making it crispy and bringing out the smokiness.
Cons of putting toppings on top of the cheese:
- The cheese may not be visible, which can be important for presentation and to show that the customer is getting what they paid for.
- The toppings may not stay in place and can fall off during the cooking process or when transferring the pizza.
- The toppings may burn, especially if they are thin or delicate, such as onions, peppers, or herbs.
- It can make the pizza overly dry.
- It may not be traditional, as Neapolitan-style pizzas typically have light and stringy cheese on top of the toppings.
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Pros and cons of toppings underneath the cheese
The placement of toppings in relation to the cheese is a highly contested topic in the pizza world, with no clear consensus on the correct method. However, there are several pros and cons to placing toppings underneath the cheese.
One advantage of putting toppings underneath the cheese is that it can help to prevent burning. Certain ingredients, such as thin slices of vegetables like onions and peppers, are prone to blackening and burning during the cooking process. By placing them under the cheese, the cheese acts as a protective layer, shielding these toppings from direct heat and preventing them from burning too quickly.
Another benefit of placing toppings underneath the cheese is structural integrity. The cheese acts as a glue, holding the toppings in place, especially on thicker crusts where the cheese becomes a structural component. This helps to ensure that the toppings don't slide off the pizza when it's being handled or eaten.
However, there are also some drawbacks to placing toppings underneath the cheese. One of the main concerns is the impact on texture. If vegetables with high moisture content, such as fresh tomatoes or pineapple, are placed under the cheese, they can release moisture that gets trapped, resulting in a soggy crust. To mitigate this, it's important to squeeze out the moisture from wet ingredients before adding them to the pizza.
Additionally, placing toppings underneath the cheese can impact the visual presentation of the pizza. With the toppings hidden beneath the cheese, it's harder for diners to identify the specific ingredients used, which may be off-putting to those who want to know exactly what they're eating.
Ultimately, the decision to place toppings underneath the cheese comes down to personal preference and the specific ingredients used. Experimentation is key to finding the ideal arrangement that suits one's taste and texture preferences.
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The impact of pizza style on cheese and topping placement
The placement of toppings and cheese on a pizza is influenced by various factors, including the style of pizza, desired texture, and visual appeal. While personal preference plays a role, certain pizza styles have distinct characteristics that impact the arrangement of toppings and cheese.
Let's examine the impact of pizza style on cheese and topping placement, exploring the nuances of popular varieties.
Neapolitan-style Pizza:
In the traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, the cheese is placed below the toppings. This style favours light and stringy cheese, with toppings like pepperoni, ham, prawns, or onions allowed to crisp up slightly. Aesthetics also come into play, as customers expect to see the toppings, and this style showcases the fresh ingredients used.
North American Pizza:
In North America, the standard practice is to place cheese underneath the toppings. However, if a customer requests "extra cheese," the cheese is loaded on top of all the toppings. This practice evolved due to visual appeal, as customers want to see the extra cheese they paid for. Additionally, certain toppings, like pepperoni, are placed on top of the cheese to enhance their flavour and texture, achieving a crispy bite.
Chicago-style Deep-Dish Pizza:
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has a unique layering process. It starts with a layer of cheese, followed by toppings, then another layer of cheese, and finally, the sauce on top. This style embraces a generous amount of cheese and creates a distinct textural experience.
Detroit-style Pizza:
Detroit-style pizza shares a similar approach to Chicago-style, with sauce added on top of the cheese and toppings. This style also prioritizes a generous amount of cheese and a distinct presentation.
Italian-style Pizza:
Italian-style pizzas typically have a sparse layer of cheese, allowing the sauce and crust to peek through. This style embraces a lighter approach to toppings, ensuring they don't overwhelm the other flavours.
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The role of aesthetics in pizza topping placement
The placement of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with several factors influencing the decision, including the desired taste, texture, and aesthetics. While the order of toppings may vary according to personal preference, the visual appeal of a pizza plays a significant role in its overall enjoyment.
Aesthetics is a crucial aspect of the pizza-making process, influencing the placement of toppings and cheese. In the pizza industry, particularly in North America, it is customary to place cheese beneath the toppings. This practice stems from the understanding that as visual creatures, people tend to appreciate seeing the cheese on their pizza. When customers request extra cheese, it is often placed on top of all the toppings, giving the appearance of a more generous serving. This strategic placement satisfies the customer's desire to see the cheese they have paid for.
The placement of toppings on top of the cheese also has a significant impact on the visual appeal of the pizza. When toppings are visible, diners can easily identify the ingredients and know exactly what they are getting. This transparency not only enhances the dining experience but also builds trust between the customer and the pizzeria. The visual presentation of toppings allows for a more appealing pizza, making it look more attractive and inviting.
Additionally, the type of toppings and their placement can influence the overall aesthetics of the pizza. For example, traditional toppings like pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions taste excellent when slightly crispy. Placing them on top of the cheese allows for this desired texture. On the other hand, delicate ingredients like arugula, spinach, and fresh basil are typically added towards the end of the cooking process or after the pizza is fully cooked to maintain their freshness and prevent wilting. This strategic placement ensures that each topping is presented at its best, visually and taste-wise.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cheese is not the last topping on pizza. In North America, most pizza places put cheese underneath toppings. However, if a customer requests extra cheese, it is loaded on top of all the toppings.
There are several reasons why cheese goes underneath the toppings. Firstly, it is traditional for the cheese on a Neapolitan-style pizza to be light and stringy, while the toppings are allowed to be crispy. Secondly, putting toppings on top of the cheese allows them to be seen and identified, which is important for the presentation and plating of the dish. Finally, some ingredients that can easily burn, such as thin slices of vegetables, should be placed on top to prevent them from burning.
Cheese would be the last topping on pizza when making a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, which involves layering cheese, then toppings, then more cheese, and finally, the sauce on top. Additionally, if you are adding extra cheese to your pizza, it is added on top of the other toppings so that it becomes crispy.
