Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a popular pizza topping, but some people question whether it is suitable. Pizza is generally accepted to have originated in Naples, Italy, and while parmesan is a common pizza topping in the US, it is not typically found on pizzas in Italy. Some people suggest that parmesan should be freshly grated by hand and added to a pizza after cooking, as heating it can cause it to break down and make the pizza oily. However, others argue that parmesan can be added to a pizza before cooking, as long as it is not exposed to high temperatures, as this can ruin its umami taste. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to add parmesan to a pizza comes down to personal preference, as there are no set rules regarding pizza toppings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parmesan on pizza | It is generally accepted that you can put Parmesan on pizza |
| How to use Parmesan on pizza | Parmesan should be used as a garnish on pizza after it is baked |
| Best type of Parmesan | Parmigiano Reggiano |
| Best pizza types for Parmesan | Sicilian, Margherita, or Hawaiian |
| Other cheeses that can be used on pizza | Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, gouda, Gruyere, goat cheese, pecorino romano |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan is a suitable garnish for pizza
There are differing opinions on whether to put Parmesan under or over the mozzarella, or not at all. Some people prefer to put it under the mozzarella, while others put it on top to get a nice brown color. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Parmesan on a pizza comes down to personal preference, and there is no definitive right or wrong answer.
Parmesan is particularly recommended for Sicilian, Margherita, or Hawaiian pizzas, as it will accentuate the taste of other fresh and flavorful toppings. It can be combined with savory toppings or sweet pineapple, and it adds a nutty saltiness to the pizza.
In the United States, it is common to see packets or containers of Parmesan provided with pizza, allowing customers to add it to their pizza if desired. While Parmesan may not be traditionally used as a topping on pizzas in Italy, it is a popular choice in the US and other parts of the world.
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Parmesan is best added after cooking
Parmesan is a popular cheese to add to pizza, and it is one of the four main pizza cheese types, along with mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone. However, there are differing opinions on whether it is best to add Parmesan to pizza before or after cooking. While some people add Parmesan to their pizza before cooking, there are several reasons why adding it after cooking is the better option.
Firstly, Parmesan has a delicate flavour and dry texture, and exposing it to heat can ruin its umami taste. Cooking Parmesan can cause it to break down, resulting in an oily pizza. Therefore, to preserve its unique flavour, it is best added after cooking as a garnish. This way, it can enhance the flavour of the entire pizza without being altered by the heat of the oven.
Secondly, Parmesan is known for its nutty, salty taste, which can accentuate the flavours of other toppings. By adding it after cooking, you can ensure that the Parmesan remains the star of the show, rather than being overpowered by other ingredients. This is especially true if you are using high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan, which is the preferred choice of many Italians.
Additionally, adding Parmesan after cooking allows for greater control over the amount and distribution of the cheese. You can sprinkle it evenly over the entire pizza or focus on specific areas you want to enhance. This customisation ensures that every slice delivers the perfect balance of flavours.
Finally, adding Parmesan after cooking is a simple way to elevate your pizza presentation. The cheese can add a visually appealing garnish, enhancing the colour and texture of the pizza. Whether you choose to add a light dusting or a more generous amount, it can transform the overall appearance of the dish.
In conclusion, while the addition of Parmesan to pizza is a matter of personal preference, adding it after cooking has several advantages. By preserving its delicate flavour, accentuating other toppings, and allowing for customisation and enhanced presentation, adding Parmesan after cooking creates a more refined and dynamic pizza experience.
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Parmesan is best freshly grated
Parmesan is a popular cheese option for pizza, and many people enjoy its unique, nutty taste. However, the delicate flavour of this hard Italian cheese can be altered when exposed to heat, so it should be used as a garnish rather than baked in the oven.
Freshly grated parmesan is considered superior to pre-grated or powdered parmesan, which is often sold in a plastic container or packet. Freshly grated parmesan has a better texture and a more intense flavour. It is also more authentic, as Italians typically grate parmesan by hand.
When adding parmesan to a pizza, it is important to consider the timing. Parmesan can be added before or after cooking, but it should not be baked in the oven. If added before cooking, it can be placed under or over the mozzarella. If added after cooking, it can be sprinkled on top as a garnish.
The amount of parmesan added to a pizza is also important. Too much parmesan can overwhelm the other flavours in the pizza. A light sprinkle of parmesan can add a nutty, savoury flavour that enhances the taste of the pizza without being overpowering.
In conclusion, parmesan is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be a great addition to pizza when used correctly. For the best results, use freshly grated parmesan, add it sparingly, and avoid baking it in the oven.
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Parmesan can be added under or over mozzarella
Parmesan is a great addition to pizza, and it can be added under or over mozzarella. There are several ways to add parmesan to pizza, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Some people prefer to add parmesan under the mozzarella. This can add a sharpness to the pizza and enhance its overall flavour. It can also add a nice brown colour to the pizza. However, it is important to note that parmesan has a low moisture content and is drier than mozzarella, so it can be difficult to melt. Adding parmesan under the mozzarella can help to prevent the parmesan from burning or creating an oily pizza.
Others prefer to add parmesan over the mozzarella. This can make the parmesan more fragrant and allow it to be used as a garnish or topping. Adding parmesan over the mozzarella can also be a good way to add a small amount of parmesan to the pizza without it overwhelming the other flavours.
Some people even add parmesan both under and over the mozzarella to get the best of both worlds. This can be a good way to enhance the flavour of the pizza and add a nice sharpness.
Ultimately, there is no wrong way to add parmesan to pizza, and it is a versatile cheese that can be added in many different ways. So, feel free to experiment and find the method that you like the best!
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Parmesan is best not added to the bake
Parmesan cheese is a divisive topic when it comes to pizza toppings. While some people enjoy the nutty, salty flavour it adds to their pizza, others believe it has no place in the bake. Here are several reasons why Parmesan is best left off your pizza:
Traditional Italian Pizza: Authentic Italian pizza, especially those from Naples, where pizza is said to have originated, does not include Parmesan. Italians are particular about their cheese, and the plastic container of dehydrated Parmesan cheese that is commonly found in stores would not be considered "proper cheese" by Italians. Instead, they opt for freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a hard and granular cheese made from skimmed milk.
Heat Sensitivity: Parmesan is a delicate cheese that does not respond well to heat. When exposed to high temperatures, Parmesan can break down, resulting in an oily mess on your pizza. Its umami taste can be ruined, and it may even burn, detracting from the overall appearance and flavour of your pizza.
Overpowering Flavour: Parmesan has a strong, nutty, and salty flavour that can overwhelm the other ingredients on your pizza. Pizza is about balancing flavours, and the dominant taste of Parmesan may detract from the more subtle notes of your other toppings.
Moisture Content: Parmesan is a dry cheese, and when baked, it can further draw moisture away from your pizza, resulting in a drier, less appealing texture. This is especially important to consider if you are using other ingredients that are sensitive to moisture, such as certain types of meat or vegetables.
Visual Appeal: A pizza should have a visually appealing golden-brown colour when baked. Parmesan, when exposed to heat, can burn easily, detracting from the desired colour and leaving unsightly dark spots on your pizza.
While personal preference plays a significant role in choosing pizza toppings, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks of including Parmesan. To maintain the integrity of your pizza's flavour, texture, and appearance, it may be best to leave the Parmesan off the bake and explore other cheese options that complement your chosen toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan is one of the four main pizza cheese types, along with mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone. It is commonly used on Sicilian, Margherita, or Hawaiian pizzas.
Parmesan should be freshly grated by hand and added to the pizza after it is cooked, as heating parmesan can cause it to break down and make the pizza oily. It can be added under or over the mozzarella, or on its own.
Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavour to pizza.
Ultimately, the amount of parmesan you put on your pizza is up to you. However, parmesan has a delicate flavour, so adding too much could overpower the other flavours in the pizza.
