Frederic Melton
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used for pizza, with provolone coming in second. However, the type of cheese used on pizzas varies depending on the region and the pizzeria. For instance, Pizza Hut uses skim milk mozzarella in the USA, while Domino's uses a mix of cheeses, including mozzarella, Pecarino, Parmesan, and asiago cheeses. In the UK, Domino's claims to use 100% mozzarella. Other types of cheese used on pizzas include cheddar, gouda, and Monterey Jack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular pizza cheese | Mozzarella |
| Second most popular pizza cheese | Provolone |
| Third most popular pizza cheese | Cheddar |
| Fourth most popular pizza cheese | Parmesan |
| Other popular pizza cheeses | Emmental, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta, Gouda, Jack, Mueller, Swiss Raclette, Wisconsin Brick Cheese |
| Cheese used by Pizza Hut | Skim milk mozzarella |
| Cheese used by Domino's | Mozzarella, Pecarino, Parmesan, Asiago |
| Cheese used by Casey's | Mozzarella |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese
Mozzarella is popular for its ooey-gooey textural experience and its stretchability. Its stretchiness is due to its high moisture content, which can be an issue as it may make the pizza too wet. Thus, low-moisture mozzarella is often preferred for pizza, as it also browns better. However, low-moisture mozzarella can be harder to find in grocery stores, and it can be more expensive. Fresh mozzarella is a good alternative, but it should be patted dry before use to remove excess moisture.
While mozzarella is the most popular, other cheeses are also commonly used on pizza, including provolone, cheddar, gouda, and parmesan. These cheeses may be mixed with mozzarella to improve flavour and texture. For example, cheddar can be added to mozzarella to preserve chewiness, while provolone can be added for a more authentic pizzeria taste. In addition, processed pizza cheeses, such as Provel, are often used and are designed to have optimal qualities in browning, melting, stretchiness, and fat and moisture content.
The Best Bread for a Philly Cheesesteak
You may want to see also
Low-moisture mozzarella is best for pizza
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizzas globally, with 30% of all pizza cheese in the United States being mozzarella. However, the type of mozzarella used on pizzas is important. Fresh mozzarella has a high water content, which can make the pizza soggy. It also tends to form a single piece when it cools, causing it to fall off the pizza.
Low-moisture mozzarella can be found at most grocery stores, typically in the refrigerated cheese and dairy section. It is often sold in pre-shredded form, but it is better to buy a block and shred it yourself to avoid anti-caking agents that can affect meltability. Some stores offer cuts from blocks, wrapped and sold in cases.
While low-moisture mozzarella is ideal for pizza, other cheeses can be added for flavour. Cheddar, for example, can be paired with mozzarella to enhance the chewiness and richness of the pizza. Provolone is another popular pizza cheese that can be added for a signature pizzeria taste. Combining mozzarella with provolone offers both stretch and flavour, and many pizzerias use this blend.
Cheese's Environmental Impact: Resources Required
You may want to see also
Pizza cheese blends are common
Mozzarella is a soft spun-curd cheese made from cow's milk. It has a high water content, which can make pizza wet, so low-moisture mozzarella is often used for pizza. This variety browns less during cooking compared to other cheese blends. Mozzarella is also commonly paired with harder, sharper cheeses like cheddar or provolone to enhance flavour and texture. Cheddar is a popular addition to mozzarella because it preserves the chewiness of the pizza. Provolone is the second most popular pizza cheese and is often used in blends because it has a signature pizzeria taste.
Other cheeses used in pizza blends include gouda, muenster, pepper jack, smoked gouda, fontina, raclette, parmesan, asiago, and Swiss raclette (or just regular Swiss cheese). These cheeses are chosen for their good meltability and stretchability. Some blends use harder, aged cheeses like Parmesan, but these melt less easily. Processed pizza cheeses are also manufactured specifically for pizza and are mass-produced. An example of a processed pizza cheese is Provel, which uses cheddar, Swiss, and provolone as flavourants.
Amul Cheese: Rennet-Free or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar, gouda, and provolone are popular alternatives
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese used for pizza globally, accounting for about 30% of all pizza cheese used, it is not the only cheese used for pizza. Cheddar, gouda, and provolone are popular alternatives.
Mozzarella is known for its stretchability and ooey-gooey textural experience, but it is considered to be lacking in flavour. For this reason, it is often paired with other cheeses, such as provolone, to enhance the taste. Provolone is the second most popular pizza cheese and is known for its signature pizzeria taste. It is often used in combination with mozzarella to create both stretch and flavour.
Cheddar is another popular alternative to mozzarella and is commonly used in the Eastern and Southern regions of the US. It has less elasticity than mozzarella, which can affect the blistering characteristics of the pizza when cooked. Cheddar is also often mixed with mozzarella to preserve chewiness. While it is a popular choice, it is important to note that not all cheddars are suitable for pizza. Harder and more aged cheddars are less willing to melt, so it is best to opt for a softer, younger cheddar when using this cheese on pizza.
Gouda is also a suitable cheese for pizza, offering a richer, more complex flavour than mozzarella. It is produced in far higher bulk and is therefore a more cost-effective option for pizzerias. Smoked gouda is one variety that can be used to add a unique flavour to pizza.
Unsalted Farmer Cheese: Creative Uses and Recipes
You may want to see also
Cheese meltability is key
Mozzarella, in particular, is the most popular pizza cheese globally and is used by many pizzerias, including Pizza Hut and Domino's, often in combination with other cheeses. However, the mozzarella used by pizza chains is not always pure mozzarella but a "pizza cheese" made by companies like Leprino Foods, which is loaded with modified food starch. Pure mozzarella is also often combined with other cheeses, such as provolone, gouda, or cheddar, to enhance its flavour.
To achieve the perfect melt, it is important to use the right type of mozzarella. Low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella is ideal for pizza because it has a higher melting point than fresh mozzarella, which can make the pizza wet. It also browns nicely on top. However, it is important not to overcook low-moisture mozzarella, as it can split and produce orange oil. Fresh mozzarella can also be used, but it should be diced and dried with paper towels before use to remove some of its moisture.
In addition to the type of cheese, the way it is prepared also affects its meltability. Pre-shredded mozzarella, for example, is coated with an anti-caking agent that can prevent it from melting properly. It is, therefore, best to buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself.
Creative Ways to Use Up Velveeta Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used for pizza globally, but in the US, only 30% of pizza cheese is actual mozzarella.
Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella is the best option for pizza as it has better stretchability and won't make the pizza wet.
Provolone, cheddar, gouda, muenster, and pepper jack are also popular options for pizza.
Mozzarella has a high moisture content, which makes it stretchy. Skim milk mozzarella is even stretchier but loses a little flavour.
"Pizza cheese" is a term for processed and modified cheese, such as mozzarella-like processed cheeses and variants. It is designed and manufactured specifically for use on pizza.
