Andy Montoya
The placement of cheese on a pizza is a highly debated topic, with various factors influencing whether it should be on top or bottom. While personal preference plays a significant role, the type of crust, toppings, moisture content, and desired texture are also crucial considerations. In North America, most pizza places put cheese underneath toppings unless customers request extra cheese, which is then loaded on top. However, the layering order can vary depending on the specific ingredients and desired outcomes, such as preventing vegetables from drying out or ensuring meat gets crispy. Ultimately, the decision to place cheese on top or bottom depends on the pizzaiolo's and diners' preferences, resulting in a versatile and customizable pizza experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese placement | On top of toppings, underneath toppings, or both |
| Cheese placement in North America | Underneath toppings unless "extra cheese" is requested |
| Cheese placement in Italy | One-half to one-third of the amount of cheese compared to North America |
| Topping placement | On top of cheese, underneath cheese, or both |
| Topping placement factors | Type of crust, nature of toppings (fatty or moisture-rich), desired texture, type of topping |
| Toppings that go on top of the cheese | Meat, pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, chorizo, tomatoes, baby spinach, cilantro |
| Toppings that go underneath the cheese | Vegetables with high moisture content, basil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, chicken, shrimp |
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What You'll Learn
- The placement of cheese depends on the type of crust and toppings used
- Cheese placement can be used to prevent toppings from burning or drying out
- Tradition dictates that pepperoni is placed on top of the cheese
- In North America, cheese is usually placed underneath toppings unless extra cheese is requested
- The placement of toppings can impact the flavour and texture of the pizza
The placement of cheese depends on the type of crust and toppings used
The placement of cheese on a pizza depends on the type of crust and toppings used. The crust and toppings used in a pizza vary according to the type of pizza, such as Neapolitan, Sicilian, Chicago, or Detroit-style pizzas.
When it comes to the crust, the type of dough and thickness can impact the placement of cheese. For example, in a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the layers start with cheese, then toppings, more cheese, and lastly, sauce. On the other hand, most other pizza styles, such as Neapolitan and Sicilian, start with the crust, followed by sauce, and then cheese. In the case of thin-crust pizzas, the placement of cheese and toppings needs to be carefully considered to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
The toppings used, whether it be meat, vegetables, or herbs, play a crucial role in determining the placement of cheese. Meat toppings like pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo are ideally placed on top of the cheese. This allows the meat to cook properly, releasing essential oils and enhancing the flavor and appearance of the pizza. Placing fatty meats under the cheese can result in a greasy mess as the fat renders out and gets trapped. Vegetables with high moisture content, such as zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes, are best placed on top of the cheese to allow the moisture to evaporate. However, thinly sliced vegetables that are prone to burning, such as onions, green peppers, and spinach, should be placed under the cheese to protect them from direct heat. Additionally, fresh herbs like basil are typically added after the pizza is baked to prevent charring.
The amount of cheese used and the preference of the pizza maker and diners also influence the placement. In North America, it is common to put cheese underneath the toppings unless extra cheese is requested, in which case the cheese is loaded on top. Ultimately, the placement of cheese and toppings comes down to personal preference, experimentation, and finding the ideal arrangement that satisfies individual taste preferences.
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Cheese placement can be used to prevent toppings from burning or drying out
The placement of cheese on a pizza can be used strategically to prevent toppings from burning or drying out. This is influenced by factors such as the type of crust, the nature of toppings (fatty or moisture-rich), and the desired texture and flavour.
For example, when using fresh mushrooms on a thin-crust pizza, placing them directly on top of the cheese and exposing them to high heat will cause them to dry out quickly. To prevent this, mushrooms should be placed under the cheese, allowing the cheese to insulate the mushrooms from the heat while still cooking them. Similarly, vegetables with high moisture content, such as zucchini, should be placed on top of the cheese to allow the moisture to evaporate. If placed under the cheese, the moisture gets trapped, resulting in a soggy crust.
Meat toppings like pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo should also be placed on top of the cheese. These fatty meats have enough oils and durability to withstand the high heat of the oven. If placed under the cheese, the fat will render out and get trapped, adding grease and moisture to the pizza.
On the other hand, less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp can quickly dry out if cooked on top of the cheese. Therefore, these toppings should be placed under the cheese to protect them from direct heat.
In summary, the placement of cheese in relation to toppings can be a strategic decision influenced by factors such as moisture content, fat content, and heat sensitivity. By adjusting the placement of cheese, one can enhance the flavour, texture, and overall presentation of the pizza.
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Tradition dictates that pepperoni is placed on top of the cheese
Placing pepperoni on top of the cheese also has functional benefits. Meat toppings generally go on top of the cheese because they get nice and crispy in the oven. If the pepperoni is placed underneath the cheese, it may not cook as well and may become dry. However, some people prefer to put pepperoni under the cheese to ensure it stays in place and does not slide off the pizza. Additionally, adding a layer of pepperoni under the cheese can give the pizza an extra pepperoni flavour.
Some pizza makers get creative with their pepperoni placement, using a combination of both techniques. They may start with a layer of pepperoni, then add cheese, and finally add another layer of pepperoni on top. This technique allows for crispy pepperoni on top and ensures the pepperoni flavour permeates the pizza.
While the traditional placement of pepperoni on top of the cheese is common, it is not a hard and fast rule. Pizza makers can experiment with different placements of toppings and cheese to create unique flavour and texture combinations. Ultimately, the placement of pepperoni and cheese on a pizza can be tailored to personal preference.
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In North America, cheese is usually placed underneath toppings unless extra cheese is requested
The placement of cheese on a pizza depends on personal preference, the type of crust, the nature of toppings, and the desired texture. In North America, cheese is usually placed underneath toppings unless extra cheese is requested. This means that the cheese goes on top of the sauce, followed by toppings, and then a little more cheese is sprinkled over the toppings. This method is also used for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, where the cheese goes on top of the dough, followed by toppings, more cheese, and finally the sauce.
Placing cheese on top of the toppings is done for visual appeal, as customers like to see the cheese, especially when they have requested and paid for extra cheese. This practice is common in North America, where pizzas tend to have more cheese than Italian-style pizzas. However, the placement of cheese underneath the toppings can also be functional. For example, when using moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, putting them on top of the cheese allows the moisture to evaporate, preventing a soggy crust. Similarly, ingredients that can easily burn, such as thin slices of vegetables or less fatty proteins like chicken or shrimp, can be placed under the cheese to protect them from direct heat.
On the other hand, fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo are typically placed on top of the cheese. This allows the meat to cook and crisp up in the oven, releasing essential oils and enhancing the flavor and appearance of the pizza. Additionally, larger toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms may need to go on top to prevent them from sliding off the pizza. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, prosciutto should be placed under the cheese to prevent it from drying out, and basil, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes should be placed under the cheese or added after baking to prevent them from burning.
Ultimately, the decision to place cheese on top or underneath the toppings depends on the desired taste, texture, and presentation of the pizza. Pizza chefs may experiment with different layering approaches to create their unique masterpieces, taking into account the type of crust, the nature of the toppings, and the customer's preferences.
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The placement of toppings can impact the flavour and texture of the pizza
The placement of toppings can significantly impact the flavour and texture of a pizza. The order in which ingredients are layered can affect the cooking process and the overall taste experience.
For example, moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms are best placed on top of the cheese. This allows the heat from the oven to evaporate the moisture, preventing a soggy pizza. On the other hand, placing these vegetables under the cheese traps the moisture, which is then released when the pizza is sliced, resulting in a soggy crust. Similarly, fresh baby spinach is delicate and can easily wilt, so it is recommended to place it partially under the cheese or chop it and mix it with the shredded cheese.
Meat toppings, such as pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo, are typically placed on top of the cheese. This placement allows the meat to cook properly, releasing essential oils and enhancing the flavour and appearance of the pizza. Placing fatty meats under the cheese can cause them to render out their fat, adding extra grease to the pizza. However, there are exceptions, as some meats like prosciutto or bacon are better placed under the cheese to prevent them from drying out.
The type of crust and the desired texture also play a role in topping placement. For instance, with a thin crust pizza, it is essential to consider the moisture content of the toppings to avoid a soggy crust. Additionally, the amount and distribution of cheese can impact the overall taste and texture. A generous amount of cheese that extends beyond the sauce onto the crust can help keep the toppings from sliding off.
Ultimately, the placement of toppings on a pizza involves a combination of tradition, appearance, and culinary technique. While there are guidelines, the decision is also influenced by personal preference and creativity. Experimenting with different arrangements allows pizzaiolos and pizza enthusiasts to discover their preferred combinations of flavours and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
Putting cheese on top of the toppings can improve the appearance of the pizza as it allows the diner to identify each topping. It also means that the cheese will not be overwhelmed by the flavours of the toppings.
Putting cheese underneath the toppings can help to prevent the toppings from burning or drying out. It can also help to prevent a soggy crust by stopping moisture from vegetables from being released when the pizza is sliced.
Putting cheese on top can cause the toppings to burn or dry out. It can also make the pizza less visually appealing, especially if the toppings are covered by a thick layer of cheese.
Putting cheese underneath the toppings means that the cheese may become overwhelmed by the flavours of the toppings. It can also make the pizza less visually appealing, especially if the toppings are not visible.
