Bushra Griffith
The classic combination of sauce and cheese is a staple of pizza toppings. However, the order in which these ingredients are layered can vary depending on pizza style and personal preference. The famous Pizza Margherita, for instance, is said to have originated when Italian King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889 and was topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. This combination is believed to represent the Italian colours. While some prefer their toppings, including sauce, on top of the cheese for better presentation and to avoid burning, others opt for the New York-style of layering sauce, followed by toppings, and then cheese, to prevent toppings from moving during baking. Ultimately, the choice of layering sauce and cheese on a pizza comes down to individual taste and experimentation.
Characteristics and Values Table for Sauce and Cheese Toppings on Pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical order of toppings | Sauce, then cheese, then toppings |
| Reasoning | Allows cheese to bubble and brown, and toppings to get direct heat and crisp |
| Exceptions | Sicilian-style, Chicago-style deep-dish, Detroit-style, New York-style, Neapolitan-style, Chicago thin crust, and more |
| Purpose of cheese | Creates a melty layer that holds everything together and prevents sogginess |
| Cheese placement | Depends on personal preference and pizza style |
| Topping placement | Toppings that need the most cooking and browning should go on top |
| Toppings that burn easily | Should go under the cheese |
| Toppings that resist high temperatures | Should go over the cheese |
| Presentation | Pizzas with toppings on top of the cheese look better |
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What You'll Learn
Sauce, cheese, then toppings is the classic pizza arrangement
While there are many ways to arrange pizza toppings, the classic arrangement is to place sauce, then cheese, and finally toppings. This is the most popular method, having been popularized by many pizza styles such as New York, Neapolitan, and Chicago thin crust.
The main reason for this order is to create a barrier that prevents the toppings from making the crust soggy. It also allows the cheese to melt and mix with the toppings, creating a harmonious flavor. In addition, it is much easier to spread the liquid tomato sauce on a blank pizza base rather than spread it evenly over cheese and toppings. This way, you can get a nice even layer of tomato sauce.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, Sicilian-style pizzas, Chicago deep-dish, and Detroit-style pizzas put the cheese directly on the crust, followed by the sauce, and then the toppings. This style is common in Chicago, New York tomato pie, and many other parts of the USA. The idea behind this method is that the crust cooks better without the wet sauce directly on it. The Sicilian pizza is deeper and cooked in a tray, almost like a focaccia with toppings.
Ultimately, the choice of placing toppings above or below the cheese comes down to personal preference and the style of pizza being made. For example, some people prefer to cook their toppings separately before adding them to the pizza to prevent them from burning or drying out. Others may choose to put delicate ingredients like arugula, spinach, or fresh basil on top in the last few minutes of cooking or after the pizza is fully cooked.
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Cheese on top of sauce creates a melty layer that holds toppings together
The placement of cheese on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with many arguing that cheese is a default component of a pizza and not a topping. However, in the context of the question, we will consider cheese as a topping.
Cheese on top of the sauce creates a melty layer that holds the toppings together. This classic pizza structure is known as the "toppings on top" method and is popular in various pizza styles, such as New York, Neapolitan, and Chicago thin crust. By placing the cheese on top of the sauce, a barrier is created, preventing the toppings from making the crust soggy. This arrangement ensures that each ingredient receives the perfect amount of heat. The cheese melts and blends with the toppings, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
The "toppings on top" method is visually appealing, allowing diners to easily identify each topping. It also simplifies the process of spreading the sauce on the pizza base, as it can be evenly distributed without the obstruction of cheese and toppings.
However, there are exceptions to this classic structure, such as the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza. In this style, the cheese is placed directly on the crust, followed by the toppings, and then the sauce is poured on top. This method helps protect the crust from becoming soggy due to the wet sauce.
Ultimately, the choice of placing toppings above or below the cheese depends on personal preference and the type of pizza being made. For example, ingredients that burn easily, such as vegetables, may be placed under the cheese to prevent them from drying out or burning. On the other hand, toppings that require more cooking and browning, like raw meat or certain vegetables, are typically placed on top to receive direct heat.
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Toppings that burn easily should go under the cheese
The order of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with several factors to consider, such as the type of crust, toppings, and desired pizza texture. While there is no definitive answer, as it ultimately depends on personal preference, there are some specific considerations for toppings that burn easily.
Toppings that are prone to burning, such as dried oregano, thinly sliced vegetables, and less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp, should generally be placed under the cheese layer. This prevents them from drying out, burning, or turning into blackened dust before the pizza is even out of the oven. Examples of vegetables that fall into this category include onions, green peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes. By placing these toppings under the cheese, you can maintain their flavour, texture, and moisture while also creating a harmonious flavour profile with the cheese.
On the other hand, fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo are recommended to be placed on top of the cheese. The high temperature of the oven will cause these meats to release their greasy fat and crisp up, which is a desirable characteristic for some pizza styles, such as Detroit-style pizza. Placing these meats under the cheese would trap the rendered fat, adding more grease to the pizza.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the placement of cheese and toppings can impact the cooking of the crust. For example, in Sicilian-style pizzas, the cheese is placed directly on the crust before adding the sauce to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Similarly, when using a wet tomato sauce, placing the cheese underneath can help create a barrier to prevent the pizza base from getting mushy.
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Chicago-style deep-dish pizza reverses the classic order
The classic way to top a pizza is to spread tomato sauce on the dough, followed by cheese, and then toppings. However, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza reverses this order.
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is baked in a deep dish cake pan. The cheese goes directly on top of the crust, followed by the toppings, and then the sauce. This style of pizza is said to be baked in an upside-down pizza pie fashion. The crust is also unique, with a crunchy and flaky texture. The thick pizza crust is sometimes made with cornmeal for texture and may be parbaked before the toppings are added.
The order of toppings is also reversed in Sicilian-style pizzas, where the cheese goes directly on the crust, followed by the sauce. This method is also common in New York tomato pies and many other parts of the USA. The idea behind this method is that the crust cooks better without the wet sauce directly on it.
The choice of placing toppings above or below the cheese ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding where to put pizza toppings, such as the type of crust, whether the toppings are vegetables or proteins, and the desired pizza texture. For example, putting pizza toppings under the cheese makes sense when using ingredients that can easily burn, such as thin slices of vegetables.
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Cheese is not a topping, it's a default
The question of whether cheese is a pizza topping or a default ingredient is a highly debated topic. Some people argue that cheese is a topping, while others claim that it is a fundamental component of a pizza. The truth lies in the definition of a "topping."
A pizza is typically composed of a crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings. The crust forms the base, followed by the sauce, which adds flavour and moisture. Cheese is then added, providing flavour, texture, and serving as a glue to hold the toppings in place. Finally, the toppings are added, which can include a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or herbs.
Cheese, however, is not typically considered a topping in the traditional sense. When ordering a pizza, one does not specify the inclusion of cheese as it is expected to be there unless stated otherwise. It is an inherent part of the pizza, providing structure and flavour. Without cheese, a pizza would be reduced to bread with tomato sauce. Cheese is what transforms a flatbread with toppings into a pizza.
Additionally, the placement of cheese in a pizza is crucial. In most cases, the cheese is placed on top of the sauce and under the toppings. This creates a barrier that prevents the crust from becoming soggy due to the moisture released by vegetable toppings. It also allows the cheese to melt and blend with the toppings, creating a harmonious flavour. However, there are exceptions, such as the Chicago deep-dish pizza, where the cheese is placed directly on the crust, followed by the toppings, and then the sauce.
In conclusion, cheese is not merely a topping on a pizza; it is a default ingredient that defines the essence of this beloved dish. Its placement and function within the layers of a pizza contribute to its unique taste, texture, and visual appeal. While variations exist, cheese remains the binding agent that transforms a collection of ingredients into the universally cherished pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
The classic order of toppings for a pizza is to put the tomato sauce on first, followed by the cheese, and then the toppings.
Putting the sauce on first makes it easier to spread. It also creates a barrier to prevent the toppings from making the crust soggy.
Cheese helps to hold the toppings together and prevents them from drying out or burning. It also creates a more visually appealing pizza.
Yes, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has the cheese put on the crust first, followed by the toppings, and then the sauce. Sicilian-style pizzas also put the cheese on the crust first and then add the sauce.
This is a matter of debate. Some people believe that cheese is a default part of a pizza and not a topping, while others believe that it counts as a topping.
