Kamil Perry
Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, and while the dough and sauce are important, the cheese is what really makes it delicious. The most popular cheese for pizza is mozzarella, but there are many other options to choose from, including provolone, cheddar, gouda, and parmesan. When choosing a cheese for your pizza, consider the flavour and texture you want to achieve. Harder, aged cheeses like parmesan are great for garnishing a pizza after it's baked, while softer cheeses like mozzarella and provolone melt well and create a gooey, stretchy texture.
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What You'll Learn
- Mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza toppings
- Low-moisture mozzarella is best for achieving a browned top
- Cheddar is a common ingredient in pizza cheese blends
- Provolone is versatile and popular among the pizza-making crowd
- Parmesan is best used as a garnish to enhance the flavour of the whole pie
Mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza toppings
Mozzarella is also a good choice because of its meltability and stretchability. When melted, mozzarella has a gooey, stretchy texture that is very popular on pizzas. To achieve this, it is best to buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese is coated with an anti-caking agent that affects its ability to melt. If you are using fresh mozzarella, it is recommended to dice it and place it between two paper towels for 20-30 minutes before using to remove some of the moisture.
Mozzarella is also a popular choice because it is a mild-flavoured cheese that will not overpower other toppings. It is also a good base to mix with other cheeses, such as provolone, which will add more flavour without sacrificing stretch.
Mozzarella is also a key component of the classic Pizza Margherita, along with fresh basil and sweet tomato sauce. One of the most popular kinds of fresh mozzarella is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, also known as Buffalo Mozzarella, which is produced in certain areas of Italy and whose recipe dates back several centuries.
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Low-moisture mozzarella is best for achieving a browned top
Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese for pizza toppings. However, using fresh mozzarella can result in a soggy pizza due to its high water content. To avoid this, opt for low-moisture mozzarella, which will give you a browned top and a more flavoursome pizza.
Low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life, stronger flavours, and is easier to melt. It is also a good choice if you are looking to achieve a New York pizzeria-style pizza. This type of mozzarella will give you a crispier and more flavoursome pizza, without the sogginess that can sometimes occur with fresh mozzarella.
When using low-moisture mozzarella, it is important not to overcook it, as it can split and leave an orange oil on top of your pizza. To avoid this, keep an eye on your pizza while it is cooking and remove it from the oven once the cheese has reached your desired level of browning.
You can find low-moisture mozzarella in most grocery stores, typically in the refrigerated cheese and dairy section. If you are unable to find it, you can use fresh mozzarella instead, but be sure to dice it up and place it between paper towels for 20-30 minutes before using it to remove some of the moisture.
Using pre-shredded low-moisture mozzarella is not recommended, as it is coated with an anti-caking agent that can affect its melting ability. For best results, buy a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself.
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Cheddar is a common ingredient in pizza cheese blends
While cheddar may not be the first cheese that comes to mind when thinking about pizza toppings, it is actually a common ingredient in pizza cheese blends. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of toppings, such as savoury meat or sweet pineapple, to create a unique pizza. Its sharp, earthy and pungent flavour adds depth to the blend without being too overpowering.
Cheddar is particularly well-suited for specialty pies, such as chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. Its lower elasticity means it doesn't blister as easily as other cheeses, like mozzarella, and it adds a nice orange tint to the pizza. When paired with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone, cheddar can help create a blend that is both flavourful and visually appealing.
While cheddar may not be the star of the show when it comes to pizza toppings, it certainly plays a supporting role in enhancing the overall flavour and appearance of the pie. Its versatility and unique characteristics make it a popular choice for those looking to add a little something extra to their pizza.
When creating a pizza with cheddar, it is important to consider the other ingredients and toppings that will complement the cheese. For example, a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar can provide a good balance of stretch and flavour. Additionally, the type of cheddar used can make a difference; a sharper cheddar with a deep orange tint will add more colour and intensity to the pizza.
Overall, cheddar is a versatile and popular ingredient in pizza cheese blends, offering a unique flavour and visual appeal that can enhance the dining experience.
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Provolone is versatile and popular among the pizza-making crowd
Provolone is a popular choice for pizza-making, with its versatility making it a favourite among pizza enthusiasts. It is a type of Italian cheese that is widely available and commonly used in cooking. Provolone is known for its meltability and stretchability, making it ideal for pizza toppings. It has a mild, sharp, or nutty flavour and a semi-soft texture, depending on how long it has been aged.
Provolone is often used as a substitute for mozzarella, another popular pizza cheese. While mozzarella is known for its stretch, provolone offers a similar melting quality with a slightly firmer texture. This makes it a preferred choice for those who want a more substantial bite to their pizza. The slight firmness of provolone gives the pizza a boost in texture and taste.
Many pizzerias use a blend of mozzarella and provolone, combining the best of both cheeses. This mixture offers both stretch and flavour, creating a delightful cheese pull and a rich, savoury taste. The combination of these two cheeses is a well-kept secret of many pizza places, showcasing their mastery of craft.
Provolone is also a versatile cheese that can be used in various pizza recipes. It pairs well with other toppings, such as tomatoes, basil, and chicken parm. Its ability to complement different ingredients makes it a favourite among those who like to experiment with their pizza creations. Provolone can be purchased pre-sliced or shredded, making it convenient for pizza makers who want a quick and easy option.
In conclusion, provolone is a versatile and popular cheese among the pizza-making crowd. Its meltability, stretchability, and flavour make it a top choice for those who want a delicious and visually appealing pizza. Whether used on its own or blended with other cheeses, provolone adds a special touch to any pizza recipe, satisfying both traditional and experimental palates.
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Parmesan is best used as a garnish to enhance the flavour of the whole pie
Parmesan, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a popular go-to cheese to sprinkle on top of a pizza. While it can be used on any pizza, it is recommended for Sicilian, Margherita, or Hawaiian pizzas. This is because the savoury flavour of Parmesan accentuates the taste of other fresh and flavourful toppings. For example, Parmesan is often paired with toppings such as pulled pork or barbecue chicken.
When using Parmesan on a pizza, it is important to note that it should be used as a garnish and not blended into the cheese mix. This is because the delicate flavour and dryness of the cheese mean that it does not handle high heat well and its umami taste is ruined when exposed to heat. Therefore, Parmesan should be shaved or shredded on top of freshly baked pizzas.
In addition to Parmesan, other aged Italian hard cheeses can be used as a garnish on pizzas. These cheeses should also be shaved or shredded on top of freshly baked pizzas and not baked in the oven.
When making a pizza, it is important to preheat the oven to ensure a crispy base. The pizza should be baked until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted with golden spots. The pizza should then be allowed to cool before slicing, as this gives the cheese time to firm up. If the pizza is sliced when the cheese is too hot, it will melt and stick the slices back together.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for pizza toppings depends on the desired taste and texture. Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its meltability and stretchability. Cheddar, fontina, gouda, jack, muenster, provolone, raclette, and parmesan are also commonly used.
Pre-shredded cheese is coated with an anti-caking agent that can affect its ability to melt. It is recommended to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself.
Fresh mozzarella has a higher water content and must be consumed within a few days, while low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life and stronger flavour. Low-moisture mozzarella is better for pizza as it melts more easily and browns on top.
Harder, more aged cheeses are less likely to melt, so softer, younger cheeses are better for pizza toppings. The type of pizza crust and other toppings should also be considered when choosing a cheese. For example, gouda pairs well with barbecued meats and flatbread or thin-crust pizzas, while cheddar is commonly used on specialty pies like chicken bacon ranch.
