Patrick Oconnell
Pepperoni pizza is a classic dish enjoyed by many, but what type of cheese is best suited for this beloved meal? The answer may depend on personal preference, but some cheeses are more commonly used on pepperoni pizzas than others. Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its meltability and stretchability, creating the classic gooey texture many associate with pizza. However, other cheeses like provolone, fontina, and gouda can also be used, offering their own unique flavours and textures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Wisconsin Brick, Cheddar, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, Raclette, Parmesan, Asiago, Velveeta, Processed American, Parmigiana |
| Cheese form | Sliced, cubed, shredded, grated, block |
| Cheese quantity | 21g per muffin half |
| Cheese state | Melted, gooey, bubbly, stretchy, drippy, caramelized |
| Crust | Crispy, golden brown |
| Other toppings | Pepperoni, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeño slices, sausage, chicken, bacon, mushrooms, bell peppers, yellow peppers, onion, arugula, olives, black olives, garlic, anchovies, balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes with basil, sugar, yeast, salt, olive oil, flour, cornmeal |
| Other ingredients | Water, oil, tomato sauce, pizza dough, pizza stone, skillet, grill, pan, cast-iron pan, stand mixer, dough hook attachment, fork, plastic wrap, freezer-safe container, parchment paper, baby arugula |
| Storage | Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for up to three days |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is a popular choice
Mozzarella is also a good choice because of its meltability. It is a soft, fresh cheese, and the harder and more aged the cheese, the less willing it is to melt. Other soft cheeses like Jack cheese, fontina, and provolone are also good options for pizza because they melt well. However, aged cheeses like Parmesan do not melt as easily.
Overall, mozzarella is a popular choice for pepperoni pizza because of its classic flavour, gooey texture, and wide availability. It is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of toppings and can be used in different forms to create the perfect, mouth-watering pizza.
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Cheddar, gouda, and provolone are also good
While mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese, there are several other varieties that can offer a richer, more complex flavor. Cheddar, gouda, and provolone are also good choices for a pepperoni pizza. These cheeses have good meltability and will give your pizza a gooey, messy texture.
Cheddar, a "young" (minimally aged) cheese, melts in a matter of minutes. It has a low melting point, so it's perfect for pizza. It also has excellent stretchability, so you can expect those long, aromatic strands of cheese as you pull your slice from the pan to your mouth.
Smoked gouda is another tasty option. Like cheddar, gouda is a soft cheese with good meltability. It has a rich, complex flavor that will complement the pepperoni nicely.
Provolone is a traditional pizza cheese with excellent meltability and average stretchability. It's often combined with mozzarella to add a bit more character to the classic cheese.
In addition to these three cheeses, there are several other varieties that will work well on a pepperoni pizza. Fontina, Jack, Muenster, and Raclette are all worth considering.
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Cheese should be sliced, not grated
When making a pepperoni pizza, it is best to slice the cheese rather than grate it. This is because grated cheese will melt faster and may burn in the oven, which can give your pizza a bitter taste. Sliced cheese, on the other hand, will melt more slowly and evenly, resulting in a gooey, stretchy texture that is characteristic of a good pizza.
There are several types of cheese that are suitable for a pepperoni pizza. Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its excellent meltability and stretchability. However, it is fairly neutral in flavour, so if you want something with more character, you could opt for provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and cheddar. These cheeses all melt well and have more complex flavours that can enhance the taste of your pizza.
It is worth noting that the harder and more aged a cheese is, the less willing it is to melt. So, if you are looking for a cheese that will provide a good melt and stretch, it is best to choose a "young" or minimally aged variety. Soft cheeses, such as Jack cheese, melt quickly, while harder, more aged cheeses like Parmesan may not melt at all.
When preparing your pizza, it is also important to consider the order in which you layer the ingredients. Start by spreading a light layer of sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1/4-inch crust around the edges. Chop half of the pepperoni and sprinkle it over the sauce, then top with your sliced cheese and the remaining pepperoni. This will ensure that your cheese melts evenly and creates a gooey, bubbly topping.
Finally, when baking your pizza, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Depending on your oven and the thickness of your dough, it should take between 15 to 20 minutes for the crust to turn golden brown and the cheese to melt and bubble. Remember to let your pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from sliding off your slices.
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Hiding pepperoni under cheese is a trick
When making a pepperoni pizza, the general consensus is to put the pepperoni on top of the cheese. However, some pizza places, like Papa John's, have been known to sometimes put the pepperoni under the cheese. This may be due to a busy pizza maker forgetting to add the cheese before the pepperoni and deciding to just put the cheese on top.
If you are making a pepperoni pizza at home, the process is simple. First, roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and size. Then, add a layer of sauce, leaving a margin of about a quarter-inch for the crust. Next, chop and sprinkle half of your pepperoni over the sauce. After that, add your grated cheese. Finally, top it off with the rest of your pepperoni, and season with black pepper.
For the cheese, you can use whatever you like, but it is recommended to use block cheese and grate it yourself, as it is better quality. A combination of provolone and mozzarella or fontina and mozzarella is a good choice. You can also add some parmigiana for extra flavour.
If you want to try the trick of hiding some pepperoni under the cheese, simply add some extra pepperoni to the sauce before sprinkling on the cheese. This can be a fun surprise for your pizza night guests or a game for kids to find the hidden pepperoni.
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Cheese should be bubbly and golden
To achieve the perfect bubbly and golden cheese on a pepperoni pizza, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to select the right type of cheese. While mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its meltability and stretchability, it may not offer the most flavour. Consider a combination of cheeses, such as provolone and fontina, or even shredded mozzarella, to enhance the taste. The key to achieving the desired bubbly and golden texture is in the baking process.
When baking your pepperoni pizza, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 450°F. Place your assembled pizza, with the cheese and pepperoni toppings, into the oven and bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on your pizza during the final minutes of baking. You want to ensure that the cheese is bubbly and has achieved a golden colour without burning.
The ideal pizza should have a crispy crust and melted, bubbly cheese that is golden in colour. To test if your pizza is ready, look for an even golden brown colour on the crust and cheese. Additionally, the cheese should be melted and bubbling, indicating that it is ready to be enjoyed. If the cheese is not yet bubbly and golden, return the pizza to the oven and continue baking, checking every minute or so to prevent overcooking.
To enhance the flavour and texture of your pepperoni pizza, consider adding some extra pepperoni slices hidden under the cheese layer. This will ensure a burst of flavour in every bite. Additionally, the type of crust you choose can also impact the cooking time and the overall texture of the pizza. A thicker, deep-dish crust may require a slightly longer baking time to ensure the centre is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
By following these steps and keeping a close eye on your pizza during the baking process, you can achieve the perfect bubbly and golden cheese on your pepperoni pizza. Remember to adjust the baking time as needed, depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust. Enjoy your homemade pepperoni pizza with the ideal balance of flavours and textures!
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses for pepperoni pizza are those that melt well and stretch into gooey, messy strands. These include mozzarella, provolone, fontina, gouda, jack, muenster, and raclette.
To replicate the amount of cheese on a typical slice of pizza, use 21g (3/4 of an ounce, or about 3 tablespoons) of cheese per slice.
No, it is better to grate block cheese yourself as it is higher quality.
