Kamil Perry
The order of toppings on a pizza is a hotly debated topic. The classic arrangement is crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings, but some people prefer to put the cheese on top. The order of toppings can make a difference to the taste and texture of the pizza. For example, putting toppings that burn easily, such as vegetables, under the cheese can prevent them from burning. On the other hand, putting toppings on top of the cheese can prevent them from becoming soggy and mushy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese before toppings | To avoid sogginess, burn toppings, or toppings that are prone to drying out |
| Toppings before cheese | To achieve a crispy texture, or for toppings that are prone to burning |
| Cheese type | Whole milk low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for even browning |
| Cheese preparation | Shredding your own cheese is recommended to avoid premature browning |
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What You'll Learn
The classic order of toppings
However, there are some exceptions to this classic order. For example, if you are using ingredients that can easily burn, such as thinly sliced vegetables like onions and green peppers, it is recommended to place them under the cheese to protect them from the direct heat of the oven. This will prevent them from burning before the pizza is even cooked through. Similarly, less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp can dry out if cooked on top of the cheese, so placing them under the cheese can help to retain moisture.
On the other hand, some toppings are better suited for placement on top of the cheese. For example, if you are using relatively dry toppings like bacon, pepperoni, or olives, they are better placed on top. This allows them to get direct heat and become crisp, enhancing their flavour and texture.
Additionally, the type of crust and the desired pizza texture can also influence the order of toppings. For example, Chicago-style "deep dish" pizza reverses the classic order by placing the sauce on top, resulting in a uniquely decadent but less crispy pizza compared to the traditional Neapolitan-style pizza.
Ultimately, the order of toppings on a pizza comes down to personal preference and the specific ingredients being used. Experimenting with different topping orders can help you find the perfect combination that suits your taste and ensures your pizza is cooked to perfection.
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Avoiding soggy toppings
The placement of cheese and toppings on a pizza is a matter of personal preference. However, placing cheese on top of certain toppings can trap water inside and make the pizza soggy. To avoid a soggy pizza, it is recommended to cook the pizza at the correct temperature and to preheat the oven for at least 30 minutes. Additionally, stretching the dough out thinly and evenly is crucial to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
To avoid soggy toppings, it is important to consider the type of toppings used. Raw vegetables, such as mushrooms, can release water during cooking, leading to a soggy pizza. Therefore, it is advisable to sauté or roast vegetables before adding them to the pizza to remove excess moisture. Similarly, wet and soggy toppings should be avoided as they can cause the crust to become soggy.
When using a traditional oven, it is recommended to cook the pizza at a lower temperature for a longer period on a lower rack. This allows the dough to cook thoroughly without burning the toppings. Pre-cooking proteins, such as chicken, is also suggested since the baking time for pizza is relatively short.
To prevent a soggy pizza base, it is crucial to work quickly when applying the sauce to the dough to minimise the amount of time the wet sauce is in contact with the dough. Brushing the base with oil before adding the sauce can create a waterproof layer, preventing the dough from becoming soggy. Additionally, using a pizza stone or steel can help ensure even cooking and a crispier base.
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Cheese melt-ability
The cheese melt-ability of a pizza is a key consideration when deciding whether to put cheese or toppings on first. The melt-ability of the cheese will depend on the type of cheese used and the method of preparation.
For example, whole milk low-moisture mozzarella tends to spread and melt more evenly. It is also recommended to shred your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated in starch, which can cause the cheese to brown prematurely.
The melt-ability of the cheese will also impact the placement of the toppings. If the toppings are placed under the cheese, they will be steamed and rapidly cooked in the oven. This can lead to soggy and mushy toppings, especially for ingredients like pineapple or pepperoni. On the other hand, placing the toppings on top of the cheese can prevent them from drying out and allow them to get direct heat and become crisp.
Additionally, the desired texture and type of crust can influence the decision. For a crispy, crunchy Neapolitan-style pizza, it is recommended to put the sauce, cheese, and other "melty" ingredients below the uppermost layer of toppings. This ensures that the toppings receive direct heat and can brown properly.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to put cheese or toppings on a pizza first depends on personal preference and the desired outcome in terms of taste, texture, and appearance.
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Exceptions to the classic order
While the classic order of constructing a pizza involves placing the sauce, cheese, and then toppings on the crust, there are exceptions to this sequence. The placement of toppings in relation to the cheese depends on various factors, including the type of crust, the toppings themselves, and the desired pizza texture. Here are some scenarios where you might want to place the cheese on top of the toppings:
Preventing Topping Burn:
Placing certain toppings under the cheese can protect them from direct oven heat, preventing burning. This technique is particularly useful for thin vegetable slices, such as onions and green peppers, which tend to blacken and burn quickly. By placing them under the cheese, you can ensure they cook evenly without turning to dust.
Avoiding Topping Dryness:
Some toppings, like chicken and shrimp, are less fatty and can dry out quickly if placed on top of the cheese. Putting these toppings under the cheese helps retain their moisture and prevents them from drying out during the short baking time.
Visual Appeal:
Some people prefer to see the combination of toppings, especially when using ingredients like pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Placing these toppings on top of the cheese allows for a visually appealing presentation where each ingredient is visible.
Topping Crispness:
Putting toppings on top of the cheese allows them to receive direct heat and become crisp. This is ideal for toppings like pepperoni, which can become soggy if placed under the cheese.
Reducing Sogginess:
Placing toppings on top of the cheese can prevent them from becoming soggy or mushy. When toppings are placed under the cheese, they can get steamed and rapidly cooked, causing them to release water vapor that gets trapped under the cheese. This results in toppings that are cooked unevenly and have an undesirable texture.
Ultimately, the order of toppings and cheese is a matter of personal preference and experimentation. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and pizzaiolos should feel free to explore different combinations to discover the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal for their pizzas.
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Personal preference
The order of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic and often depends on personal preference. Some people prefer the classic arrangement of crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings. This allows the cheese to bubble and brown, and the toppings to get direct heat and become crisp. However, there are exceptions where cheese is put first, or toppings are placed under the cheese, depending on the type of pizza. For example, Chicago-style "deep dish" pizza reverses the order by covering thick layers of sausage and cheese with a final topping of sauce.
Putting pizza toppings below the cheese can be a good option when using ingredients that can easily burn in the oven, such as thinly sliced vegetables like onions and green peppers. It can also help prevent less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp from drying out. On the other hand, putting toppings on top of the cheese can prevent them from becoming soggy and mushy, as they will cook and crisp in the oven. This is especially important for toppings like pepperoni, which may become soggy if placed under the cheese.
The type of cheese used can also impact the decision. For example, whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella tends to spread and melt more evenly, which may be preferable for those who want a crispier pizza. Additionally, shredding your own cheese is recommended, as pre-packaged shredded cheese can brown prematurely due to the added starch.
Ultimately, the order of toppings on a pizza is a matter of personal preference, and experimenting with different combinations can be a fun way to find your perfect pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
The classic order of toppings on a pizza is crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings.
Putting cheese before toppings on a pizza can prevent the toppings from getting soggy and mushy. If the toppings go under the cheese, they will be steamed and rapidly cooked when the pizza goes into the oven.
Putting toppings before cheese on a pizza allows the toppings to get direct heat and become crisp. It also allows you to see the toppings and is aesthetically pleasing.
It is recommended to use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella cheese for pizza as it tends to spread and melt more evenly.
Some other factors to consider are the type of crust, whether the toppings are vegetables or proteins, and the desired pizza texture. For example, if you are using ingredients that can easily burn, such as thinly sliced vegetables, it is better to put them under the cheese.
