Patrick Oconnell
The Margherita pizza is a Neapolitan classic, featuring the colours of the Italian flag: red from the tomato sauce, white from the mozzarella, and green from the basil.
Mozzarella is the traditional cheese used in a Margherita pizza, but some recipes call for other cheeses to be added to the mix, such as feta, fontina, parmesan, or gorgonzola.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Feta, Fontina, Parmesan, Gorgonzola |
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella
When preparing a Margherita pizza, it is important to add the mozzarella cheese after spreading the tomato sauce on the dough. The pizza is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
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Fresh mozzarella
When using fresh mozzarella on a Margherita pizza, it is important to remove any excess moisture by patting the cheese with a paper towel before adding it to the pizza. This will help prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
In addition to fresh mozzarella, other types of cheese that can be used on a Margherita pizza include Parmesan, feta, and gorgonzola. However, fresh mozzarella is the most traditional and authentic choice.
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Parmesan
When used on a Margherita pizza, Parmesan can add a layer of complexity to the flavour profile. Its savoury, nutty notes can enhance the other ingredients, such as the sweetness of the tomato sauce and the creaminess of the mozzarella. Parmesan is a strong-flavoured cheese, so a little goes a long way. A light sprinkling of Parmesan over the other toppings is usually enough to provide a flavour boost without overwhelming the other ingredients.
In addition to its flavour, Parmesan can also add a textural element to the pizza. The hard, granular nature of the cheese provides a contrasting crunch to the softer, stretchy mozzarella. This can create an interesting and satisfying mouthfeel when combined with the chewy crust and other toppings.
When choosing Parmesan for a Margherita pizza, it is best to use freshly grated cheese rather than the pre-grated variety. Freshly grated Parmesan will have a stronger flavour and melt more easily, allowing it to blend with the other toppings. The pre-grated variety tends to be drier and less flavourful, and may not melt as well during baking.
To incorporate Parmesan into a Margherita pizza, simply sprinkle a light layer over the other toppings before baking. It is best to use a modest amount, as too much Parmesan can overpower the other flavours. The heat of the oven will cause the Parmesan to melt slightly, blending with the other cheeses and creating a complex, savoury flavour profile.
In conclusion, Parmesan can be a delicious addition to a Margherita pizza. Its unique flavour and texture can enhance the other ingredients, creating a more complex and satisfying dining experience. When used in moderation and combined with fresh, high-quality ingredients, Parmesan can help elevate this classic pizza to new heights of flavour.
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Feta
If you are making a Margherita pizza and would like to include feta, it is best to use a block of feta and crumble it yourself, as pre-crumbled feta can be more expensive. You can include feta in your Margherita pizza by sprinkling it on top of the other toppings before baking. This will result in a delicious, cheesy pizza with a unique flavour.
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Fontina
When making a four-cheese Margherita pizza, you will need four ounces of shredded Fontina cheese. First, brush each pizza crust with some of the tomato marinades, which can be made by stirring together olive oil, garlic, and salt, and tossing with sliced Roma tomatoes. Next, sprinkle the pizzas evenly with mozzarella and Fontina cheeses. Then, arrange the tomatoes on top, followed by shredded basil, Parmesan, and feta cheese. Finally, bake the pizzas in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, which should take about ten minutes.
If you're looking for a cheesy twist on the classic Margherita pizza, using Fontina cheese is an excellent option. Its rich and creamy texture, along with its nutty and buttery flavor, makes it a perfect addition to the traditional mozzarella, creating a decadent and indulgent pizza experience. So, if you're a cheese lover, why not give it a try?
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional cheese used on a Margherita pizza is fresh mozzarella cheese.
It is not recommended to use dried basil as it will burn in the oven. Fresh basil is best added after baking.
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough. However, making your own dough will result in a more authentic and flavorful pizza.
Yes, you can add other toppings such as spinach, apple, gorgonzola cheese, or jalapeños. However, a traditional Margherita pizza consists of only tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
