Domino's Pizza Cheese: What's Their Secret Sauce?

what cheese does dominos put on their pizza

Domino's Pizza uses a variety of cheeses on its pizzas, depending on the type of pizza and the region. In the UK, Domino's claims to use 100% full-fat mozzarella. In the US, they are said to use a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar in equal proportions. However, some sources suggest that Domino's US may have switched to part-skim mozzarella in recent years.

Characteristics Values
Number of cheeses 4
Cheese types Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, White Cheddar, Provolone
Cheese types (UK) Mozzarella, Pecarino, Parmesan, Asiago

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Mozzarella, Monterey Jack and White Cheddar

The cheese blend used by Domino's is a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar in equal proportions. This combination of cheeses creates a unique flavour and texture that has become synonymous with Domino's pizzas.

While the exact proportions are not publicly known, it is believed that Domino's uses a blend of these three cheeses in a 1:1:1 ratio, ensuring that no one cheese overpowers the others. This creates a balanced and harmonious flavour profile that has become a signature of the Domino's brand.

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar each bring something unique to the table. Mozzarella, known for its stretchiness and meltability, provides that signature pizza cheese pull and a creamy texture. Monterey Jack, on the other hand, adds a slight tanginess and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. White cheddar contributes a sharper, more robust flavour and a slightly crumbly texture, rounding out the blend.

The combination of these three cheeses creates a flavour profile that is both familiar and addictive. The equal proportions ensure that the blend is not too overwhelming in any one direction, creating a well-rounded and versatile cheese topping that can complement a variety of pizza toppings.

While the specific sourcing and quality of the cheeses may vary based on location and availability, Domino's has maintained this signature cheese blend as a cornerstone of their pizza recipe, contributing to the distinct taste that has made them a household name in the pizza industry.

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Provolone flavouring

Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, nutty flavour that is produced from cow's milk. It is a type of Italian cheese that originated in the Campania region, near Vesuvius, and is now primarily produced in northwestern Italy, especially in the city of Cremona. Provolone is often shaped into pears, sausages, or cones, typically ranging from 10 to 15 cm in length. The cheese is aged, resulting in two main varieties: Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante. Provolone Dolce, the younger and milder version, is aged for two to three months and has a pale yellow colour with a creamy, slightly sweet taste. On the other hand, Provolone Piccante is the more mature and sharp-tasting version, aged for a minimum of four months. The longer Provolone is aged, the sharper its flavour becomes.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in various ways. It is commonly used as a table cheese, paired with bread, crackers, or fruit. Its melting properties make it ideal for sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, lasagna, and baked pasta. Provolone's nutty flavour also pairs well with different types of wine, such as Pinot Grigio, which offers a refreshing contrast with its crisp acidity and light citrus notes.

In terms of Domino's pizza, while I couldn't find specific information on the cheese they use, Provolone is a popular choice for pizza due to its melting properties and flavour. Its mild, nutty, and tangy taste can complement other pizza toppings without overwhelming them. Therefore, it is likely that Domino's may use Provolone cheese on their pizzas, possibly blended with other cheeses to create a unique flavour profile.

Provolone cheese has a significant impact on the culinary world, especially in the realm of pizza making. Its versatility and distinct flavour profile make it a favoured ingredient for pizza chefs and enthusiasts alike. The cheese's melting properties and ability to blend seamlessly with other ingredients contribute to its popularity in pizza recipes. Additionally, Provolone's sharpness can be customised through ageing, allowing for a range of flavour profiles to suit different palates.

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Skim milk mozzarella

Domino's uses a mix of cheeses on its pizzas, including mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar in equal proportions. They also offer a reduced-fat cheese option, which may be part-skim mozzarella. While the exact moisture content of the mozzarella used by Domino's is not known, it is recommended that the moisture level be below 48% to avoid an unappealing translucent gray colour and a slight bitter flavour.

In the UK, Domino's claims to use 100% full-fat mozzarella. However, in other countries, they may use a mix of cheeses or part-skim mozzarella. It is important to note that the "pizza cheese" used by many chains, including Domino's, is not considered "real" mozzarella as it is loaded with modified food starch.

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Pecarino, Parmesan and Asiago

Domino's uses a mix of cheeses on its pizzas, including mozzarella, pecorino, parmesan, and asiago. In the UK, Domino's claims to use 100% full-fat mozzarella, and also offers a reduced-fat cheese option. However, according to a former employee, the chain used to have a different blend of cheeses, including equal proportions of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar. This mixture was changed in the 2009-2010 pizza reboot. The new cheese blend has a Provolone flavoring, and it is speculated that all of the chains use a "pizza cheese" made by Leprino Foods, which is not "real" mozzarella and contains modified food starch.

Mozzarella is a key ingredient in pizza cheese blends, providing the desired stretchiness and meltability. However, skim milk mozzarella, which is commonly used in the USA, may result in a compromise on flavor. Full-fat mozzarella is generally preferred by more expensive pizzerias. The quality of mozzarella can also make a significant difference in the final product, with higher-end "low-moisture" cheeses performing better than those with higher moisture content, which can result in an unappetizing translucent gray color and a slight bitter taste.

Pecorino, also known as pecorino Romano, is a hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a salty, nutty flavor and is often used as a topping or finishing cheese for pizzas. Adding pecorino to the cheese blend can enhance the savory flavor profile and provide a unique, distinctive taste.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is another classic Italian hard cheese that is commonly grated over pizzas. It is known for its complex, nutty, and fruity flavor, adding a depth of taste to the pizza. Parmesan also has a higher melting point than other cheeses, which allows it to retain its texture and flavor even when exposed to high temperatures during baking.

Asiago is a versatile Italian cheese that can be used in both fresh and aged forms. The fresh variety is soft and mild, while the aged version is harder and sharper in flavor. Asiago contributes a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor to the pizza. It pairs well with other cheeses in the blend, enhancing the overall taste and mouthfeel.

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Full-fat vs low-moisture

There is some variation in sources regarding the type of cheese Domino's uses on its pizzas. One source states that Domino's uses a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar in equal proportions. This source also notes that Domino's switched to this blend from a previous mix of mozzarella, Pecorino, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses. They also note that Domino's uses a "pizza cheese" made by Leprino Foods, which is not "real" mozzarella and is loaded with modified food starch.

Another source claims that Domino's (in the UK) uses 100% full-fat mozzarella, as they also offer a reduced-fat cheese option. This source also mentions that high-end pizzerias typically use full-fat mozzarella, while pizza chains may opt for low-moisture mozzarella to avoid an unappetizing translucent gray colour and a slight bitter flavour that can develop in full-fat mozzarella during baking.

A third source supports the claim that Domino's uses a mix of cheeses, specifically mentioning mozzarella, Pecorino, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses. They also speculate that Domino's may have switched to part-skim mozzarella in a recent menu reboot.

While the exact blend of cheeses used by Domino's may vary by region or over time, it is clear that mozzarella plays a significant role in their cheese mixes. The use of full-fat vs. low-moisture mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses, likely depends on various factors, including cost, availability, and the desired flavour and texture profile of the final product.

Full-fat mozzarella is generally considered to have a richer, more robust flavour and a creamier texture. However, it can be more expensive and may not perform as well during the high-heat baking process used for pizzas, resulting in an unappetizing colour and bitter flavour. Low-moisture mozzarella, on the other hand, tends to have a milder flavour and a firmer texture, making it easier to grate and bake. It is also typically more affordable, which may be a consideration for pizza chains producing pizzas in high volumes.

Frequently asked questions

The cheese blend used by Domino's is a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar in equal proportions. They also offer a reduced-fat cheese option.

Most pizzerias use either skim milk or full-fat mozzarella. Domino's uses a blend of cheeses, which is uncommon among pizzerias.

Using a blend of cheeses allows for a more complex flavor profile and can improve the texture of the pizza.

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