The Perfect Cheese For Hawaiian Pizza: A Guide

Hawaiian pizza is a sweet and savoury dish that combines pineapple, cheese, and ham. While mozzarella is the most common cheese used, other varieties such as Asiago Stagionato, smoked gouda, and blue cheese can also complement the pineapple's sweetness.

Mozzarella is the standard cheese for Hawaiian pizza

Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy cheese that is perfect for pizza because it melts so well. It has a high moisture content, which means it becomes deliciously gooey when heated, and its mild flavour is a great complement to the other toppings on a Hawaiian pizza.

Mozzarella is also a very versatile cheese. It can be used on its own or in combination with other cheeses to create unique flavour profiles. For example, a mix of mozzarella and cheddar can add a nice sharpness to your pizza, while a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can give it a more savoury, nutty flavour.

When choosing mozzarella for your Hawaiian pizza, opt for a high-quality variety. Fresh mozzarella, also known as "fior di latte," is a great choice if you want a creamy, mild flavour. Smoked mozzarella can also add a nice depth of flavour to your pizza, especially if you're using ingredients like grilled pineapple or bacon, which also have smoky notes.

While mozzarella is the standard cheese for Hawaiian pizza, some people like to experiment with other varieties that pair well with pineapple. For example, a salty, peppery blue cheese has chemical compounds in common with pineapple, creating a harmonious pairing. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a raw cow's milk cheese like Tarentaise, which has tropical fruity notes that can amplify the pineapple flavour.

Shred your own mozzarella for the best melt

Mozzarella is a soft cheese that can be challenging to shred. It tends to fall apart and create a huge mess. However, shredding your own mozzarella is worth the effort as it yields even shreds that melt beautifully on your Hawaiian pizza. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best melt:

Keep it cold:

Before shredding, it's essential to keep the mozzarella cold by storing it in the refrigerator. If left at room temperature, mozzarella will become softer and more challenging to work with. Cold mozzarella will maintain its firmness, making the shredding process less frustrating.

Freeze for a bit:

Freezing mozzarella for a short period (about 30 minutes to an hour) before shredding can work wonders. It stiffens the cheese, making it easier to grate and resulting in even shreds. However, be cautious not to over-freeze, as it will become too hard to grate.

Use the right tools:

You can use a coarse or fine cheese grater to shred the mozzarella. Hold the mozzarella in one hand and grate it against the large or small holes on the grater, respectively. Alternatively, use a sharp kitchen knife to cut the cheese into thin strips. If you have a food processor, cut the mozzarella into cubes, freeze them, and then use the shredder attachment.

Don't overload:

Shredding mozzarella can be tricky, so it's best to work with small amounts at a time. Overloading the shredder can clog the blade and result in uneven shreds.

Choose the right type of mozzarella:

When selecting mozzarella for shredding, opt for the softest kind of fresh mozzarella available. The softer the cheese, the easier it is to shred and stretch. Look for a block or ball of fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded bags.

Shredding your own mozzarella may take a bit of extra effort, but the payoff is well worth it. Not only will your Hawaiian pizza benefit from the perfect melt, but you'll also enjoy the freshness and authenticity that comes with grating your own cheese.

Try a different cheese like Asiago Stagionato

While mozzarella is the standard cheese for Hawaiian pizza, there are several other cheeses that could be used to elevate this sweet and savoury dish. One such cheese is Asiago Stagionato.

Asiago Stagionato is an aged version of the Italian cheese often used in bagels. It is a firmer, saltier version of the French cheese, Tarentaise, which is known for its fruity tasting notes. Asiago Stagionato is described by Di Bruno Bros as "a ride on cheese's own Pineapple Express", making it a perfect pairing for the pineapple on a Hawaiian pizza.

The saltiness of Asiago Stagionato will also complement the saltiness of the ham and bacon, while its fruity notes will enhance the sweetness of the pineapple. In addition, Asiago Stagionato is a great melting cheese, which is an important factor when choosing a cheese for pizza.

If you're looking for a cheese that will enhance the flavours of a traditional Hawaiian pizza, Asiago Stagionato is a great option to try. Its salty and fruity flavours will bring out the best in the pineapple, ham, and bacon, creating a delicious and unique flavour profile. So, if you're feeling adventurous, give Asiago Stagionato a go the next time you're making or ordering a Hawaiian pizza!

Use a combination of cheeses

While mozzarella is the standard cheese for Hawaiian pizza, you can elevate your pie by using a combination of cheeses.

For a harmonious pairing, try California's Point Reyes Bay Blue. This balanced blue cheese has a good amount of salt and sweet, and shares a compound with pineapple called methyl hexanoate.

For a tropical twist, try Spring Brook Farm Tarentaise, a raw cow's milk cheese. This cheese is modelled after France's Abondance and is known for its excellent melting properties. It also shares a fruity tasting note with pineapple.

If you're looking for an Italian cheese, try Asiago Stagionato, the aged version of the cheese commonly used in bagels. This firmer, saltier Italian cheese has been described as "a ride on cheese's own Pineapple Express".

For a smoky flavour, try a smoked mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda. These cheeses will add a fire-kissed note to your pizza that will play well with the sweetness of the pineapple.

Smoked mozzarella or gouda can complement the pineapple

Mozzarella is a milky, straightforward cheese that may not do pineapple any favours when it comes to flavour. There are several other cheeses that could bridge the gap between tomato sauce and tropical fruit, and enhance the sweetness of the pineapple.

A smoked mozzarella, for example, could add a subtle smoky flavour to the pizza, which would work well with the pineapple. Alternatively, a smoked gouda, with its washed-curd sweetness, would also pair well with the fruit.

When choosing pineapple for a Hawaiian pizza, opt for high-quality, fresh pineapple, or a premium canned product. This will ensure that the pineapple has a sweet and juicy flavour that stands up to the other toppings.

Frequently asked questions