Bushra Griffith
There are many types of cheese that can be used to make a homemade pizza. The choice of cheese depends on the desired flavour and texture. For instance, mozzarella is a popular choice for its meltability, but it has a plain flavour. Other types of cheese that melt well on pizza include cheddar, fontina, gouda, jack, muenster, provolone, raclette, and swiss raclette. Goat cheese is another option, offering a tangy and slightly earthy flavour with a creamy texture. To achieve the perfect pizza, one must consider the interplay between meltability and stretchability, which enhances the enjoyment of the pizza and achieves the iconic pizza pull.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Provolone, Monterey Jack, Goat Cheese, Blue Cheese |
| Cheese properties | Meltability, stretchability, flavour, moisture content |
| Ideal cheese characteristics | Good meltability, stretchability, flavour balance |
| Temperature | 425°F to 450°F |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella
When selecting mozzarella for pizza, it is important to consider its moisture content. Fresh mozzarella has a high water content and can make the pizza soggy. Low-moisture mozzarella, also known as low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, is preferred for pizza as it browns nicely and has a better texture. This type of mozzarella can be found pre-packaged in blocks or balls in the cheese section of grocery stores. If only full-moisture mozzarella is available, it can be dried out by dicing it up and placing it between paper towels for 30 minutes before using.
When preparing a pizza with mozzarella, it is recommended to add the cheese before baking. The oven temperature should be between 400 and 550 degrees Fahrenheit, with higher temperatures yielding better results. The pizza is baked until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted with golden spots.
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Goat cheese
To make a delicious goat cheese pizza, start by preparing your favorite pizza dough. You can opt for a standard dough recipe, a thin crust, or a grilled dough for a smoky flavor. Preheat your oven to 400-500°F, depending on your chosen recipe. If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
For the toppings, sauté sliced red onions in butter or olive oil with dried oregano and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, avocado, or spinach. Spread your pizza sauce over the dough, leaving space for the crust. Tomato sauce pairs well with goat cheese, especially if it has a tangy flavor. Fire-roasted canned tomatoes or a blend of cherry and Roma tomatoes will add a sweet and smoky taste.
Finally, add small spoonfuls of goat cheese across the pizza and top with your desired toppings. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is warmed through. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the pizza after it's baked. Enjoy your homemade goat cheese pizza!
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Parmesan
A blend of aged parmesan, asiago, and cheddar can be soft and meltable, similar to Velveeta. Parmesan can also be mixed with mozzarella and other ingredients to make a creamy, garlicky sauce to top the pizza. This sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with garlic flavour, making it a perfect base for toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or bacon.
When using parmesan on a pizza, it is recommended to grate your own cheese, as it blends more easily into the sauce and has a fresher, more flavourful taste.
If you are making a chicken parmesan pizza, parmesan can also be used in the crust. This pizza uses a pre-cooked cauliflower crust, with the chicken breaded using gluten-free breadcrumbs. This pizza is easy to make and can be personalised with various toppings, such as mushrooms, spinach, or olives.
To achieve a crispy crust for your parmesan pizza, preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally 550°F (288°C), and use a pizza stone if you have one.
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Provolone
When making a provolone pizza, it's important to consider the other toppings you will use, to ensure that they complement each other well. One popular option is to use provolone with pepperoni, as the cheese provides a good foundation for this classic pizza topping. You could also try provolone with other meats, such as chicken. If you want to make a vegetarian pizza, a simple and popular option is to combine provolone with Roma tomatoes and fresh basil. This option doesn't require a tomato sauce, as the tomatoes provide moisture and flavour. However, if you prefer a saucier pizza, you can add a layer of tomato sauce, or even a spaghetti sauce.
To make a provolone pizza, start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out your pizza dough and coat a pizza pan with olive oil. Spread the dough out evenly across the pan. You can then sprinkle the dough with grated parmesan cheese, before topping with sliced provolone. Place your tomatoes on top of the cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Finally, sprinkle fresh basil evenly across the pizza. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
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Cheddar
For the best results, blend cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella and provolone. This will improve the meltability of the cheese mixture and add a great undertone of flavour to your pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, but there are many other options with good meltability, such as cheddar, fontina, gouda, jack, muenster, provolone, and Swiss raclette.
Fresh mozzarella has a high moisture content and can make your pizza wet. It's best to use low-moisture mozzarella, which can be found in most grocery stores.
Yes, using multiple types of cheese can create a balanced and flavorful blend.
Avoid using cheeses that don't melt well or overpower the other ingredients.
Goat cheese is a good substitute for mozzarella, offering a tangy and slightly earthy flavor with a creamy and smooth texture.
