Patrick Oconnell
Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the world, and cheese is an integral part of the dish. In fact, cheese and pizza have been inseparable since the first pies were served in Naples. While some may argue that cheese is not necessary for a pizza, it is hard to deny that it adds a certain richness to the dish. The ooey-gooey texture of melted cheese is a delight for many, and the variety of cheeses available means that there is something for every taste and texture preference. From stretchy mozzarella to sharp cheddar, creamy gorgonzola to salty scamorza, the options are endless.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese colour | Golden |
| Cheese texture | Bubbling, oozy, stretchy, gooey, stringy |
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, provolone, havarti, gorgonzola, scamorza, caciocavallo, jack, gouda, muenster, swiss raclette, fontina, asiago, sharp cheddar, wisconsin brick cheese, buffalo mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella, high-moisture mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, aged provolone, stracciatella, squacquerone, smoked mozzarella, cacio e pepe, burrata |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in America, with over 70,000 pizzerias across the country. While there are many factors that make a pizza amazing, the choice of cheese is one of the most important. The best cheese for pizza should turn a light golden brown without burning in a hot oven, have a low melting point, and be mildly stretchy.
While mozzarella is the most popular, there are several other cheeses that can be used on pizza. These include cheddar, parmesan, provolone, fontina, gouda, jack, muenster, swiss raclette, and havarti. Some people also like to experiment with blends of different cheeses, such as parmesan, asiago, and sharp cheddar.
In conclusion, while there are many cheeses that can be used on pizza, mozzarella is the most popular option due to its meltability, stretchiness, and versatility.
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Cheddar, Parmesan, and Provolone are also common
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese option for pizza, there are several other types of cheese that can be used to add a unique taste. Cheddar, Parmesan, and Provolone are also common.
Cheddar is a powerful, iconic, and flavourful classic that goes well with both mild and spicy ingredients. Its deep flavours can enhance the flavours of all that it touches. Castello Aged Havarti, which shares similarities with cheddar, is also a good option. It is intricate, creamy, and aromatic, and adds heaps of unique nuances to your pizza.
Parmesan is another popular cheese option for pizza. It is known for its rich flavour and smooth texture. While two-year-old Parmesan does not melt easily, younger, minimally aged Parmesan with a low melting point can be used.
Provolone, a type of aged Provola, is also a great option for pizza. It has good meltability and is mildly stretchy.
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Fresh cheeses like stretchy Provola and creamy Burrata
On the other hand, Burrata is a soft, fresh Italian cheese made from cow's milk, rennet, and cream. It is often described as the "queen of Italian cheeses" due to its heavenly, creamy, and delicate texture. Burrata is made by heating milk and separating the curds, then warming part of the curd until it becomes stretchable to form the mozzarella shell. The remaining curds are soaked in cream and stuffed inside the mozzarella pouch. This two-in-one cheese has a rich, buttery flavour and a creamy, stringy texture. While it is an excellent choice for salads, antipasto, and bread, Burrata may not be the best option for pizza as its soft centre is lost when melted.
When choosing a cheese for pizza, it is essential to consider characteristics such as browning capability, melting point, stretchability, and flavour. The cheese should be able to turn a light golden brown without burning in the high heat of a pizza oven. A low melting point is also desirable, as it allows the cheese to spread evenly over the crust and avoid clumping. Mild stretchiness is another sought-after trait, as it creates those irresistible strands of cheese when you take a bite out of your slice.
Mozzarella, a classic choice for pizza, ticks many of these boxes. It has excellent meltability and stretchability, a mild flavour, and is widely available. However, if you're looking for something a little different, other suitable pizza cheeses include cheddar, parmesan, provolone, fontina, gouda, jack, muenster, swiss raclette, and havarti. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and textures that can elevate your pizza experience.
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Aged cheeses like Parmesan don't melt as well
Pizza is one of the most beloved foods across the globe, and cheese is a key ingredient in this beloved dish. While mozzarella is the most popular cheese option for pizza, there are several other varieties that can be used to add a unique taste. However, not all cheeses are suitable for pizza.
Parmigiano-reggiano, an aged cheese from Italy, has a low moisture content, which makes it challenging to melt on its own. However, when grated finely and added to high-moisture dishes like pasta, it can incorporate itself into the sauce to some extent. Similarly, aged goat cheese, halloumi, and feta are other examples of aged cheeses that don't melt readily due to their chemical makeup or low acidity.
To enhance the melting capability of aged cheeses, one can employ a few techniques. Adding starch or thickeners can impede fat molecules from coalescing. Acids, such as tartaric acid from tart white wine, can prevent casein proteins from clumping and turning stringy. Additionally, increasing the liquid content can also improve the meltability of aged cheeses.
In summary, aged cheeses like Parmesan present a challenge when it comes to melting uniformly due to their low moisture content and the changes in protein structure that occur during the aging process. However, with certain techniques, such as adding starch or acid or increasing liquid, the melting capabilities of aged cheeses can be improved to some extent.
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Cheese is not always necessary, but often preferred
Pizza is one of the most beloved foods across the globe, with over 70,000 pizzerias in the United States alone, generating more than $32 billion in revenue annually. While pizza is often associated with cheese, and many would argue that it is an essential component, it is not always necessary. The beauty of pizza is that it can be customized to cater to various tastes and preferences, and there are endless combinations of flavours and textures to explore.
Cheese has been a staple ingredient on pizzas since the very first pies were served in the markets of Naples. The combination of melted cheese and dough is irresistible to many, and it has become a classic comfort food. Mozzarella, with its signature stretchiness and meltability, is the most popular choice for pizza cheese. It turns golden easily and has a mild flavour that pairs well with various toppings. However, other cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, provolone, and gouda can also be used to add unique tastes and textures.
While cheese is not mandatory on pizza, it is often preferred by many. It adds a creamy, savoury element to the dish and can enhance the flavours of other ingredients. Cheese also provides a textural contrast to the dough, creating a satisfying bite. For those who enjoy cheese, the gooey, stretchy strands of melted cheese are a large part of the pizza-eating experience.
However, there are occasions when one might opt for a pizza without cheese. For those with dairy intolerances or allergies, a cheeseless pizza is a necessity. Additionally, some may choose to forgo cheese for health or dietary reasons, such as veganism or a preference for lower-calorie options. In these cases, a pizza without cheese can be a delicious and satisfying option.
Ultimately, the decision to include cheese on a pizza comes down to personal preference. While cheese is not always necessary, it is often the star ingredient that elevates the dish. With its ability to add flavour, texture, and visual appeal, cheese is a popular choice that continues to define the classic pizza experience for many.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but cheese and pizza have been inseparable since the first pies were served in Naples. Cheese is a popular topping for pizza, especially among children.
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza. Other popular options include cheddar, parmesan, provolone, and gouda.
A good pizza cheese should have a low melting point, mild stretchiness, and a low moisture level.
Yes, you can use fresh cheeses like stretchy Provola, burrata, and stracciatella on pizza.
Low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life, saltier flavour, and melts faster when baked, making it a better option for pizza than high-moisture mozzarella.
