The Perfect Pepperoni Pizza: Choosing The Right Cheesy Topping

Pepperoni pizza is a classic, beloved by many. But what type of cheese should you use to make it perfect? There are several options to choose from, including mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and parmesan. Some recipes even call for a combination of these cheeses to create the ideal flavour and texture. While mozzarella is the most popular choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite.

Mozzarella

When making a pepperoni pizza, the order of toppings is crucial. The cheese should be added first, followed by the sauce. This technique ensures that the pizza crust remains dry and crispy.

When baking a pepperoni pizza, it is essential to preheat the oven to a high temperature, typically between 450 and 550 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range ensures a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. The pizza should be baked for approximately 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired crispness.

Provolone

When using provolone on a pizza, it is recommended to use thin layers as it melts quickly and can become greasy if used in large quantities. It is best to add provolone after the other toppings are cooked so that it melts and browns evenly without burning. It can be used in combination with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Romano for extra flavour.

Fontina

When making a pepperoni pizza with fontina, it is important to consider the other ingredients. The cheese can be combined with pepperoni, oregano, salt, and garlic to create a delicious and flavourful topping. The pepperoni can be coarsely grated and mixed with the fontina, or layered separately on the pizza.

Parmesan

For a crispy, savoury crust, try adding Parmesan to your pizza dough. Here's a recipe for Parmesan-crusted pepperoni pizza:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated classic crust pizza crust
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
• 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (7 oz)
• 1/2 package (3.5-oz size) sliced pepperoni (25-30 slices)

Instructions:

• Heat your oven to 400°F. Grease a large dark or non-stick cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.
• Unroll the dough on the cookie sheet and press it out to a 15x10-inch rectangle.
• Spread butter over the dough, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 7 minutes, then remove from the oven.
• Spread pizza sauce over the partially baked crust and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Top with pepperoni.
• Bake for another 7 to 9 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.

You can also use Parmesan as a topping on your pepperoni pizza. Here's a recipe for a Cheesy Pepperoni Parmesan Pizza:

Ingredients:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fast-rising dry yeast
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 10 slices pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Mix 4 cups flour, 1 cup Parmesan, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add water and oil; stir until a soft dough forms.
• Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic, gradually adding the remaining flour.
• Cut the dough into 4 pieces. (Each piece is enough for a 12-inch pizza.) Spray 1 dough piece with cooking spray and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let stand for 15 minutes.
• To make one pizza, heat the oven to 400°F. Roll 1 dough piece into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface and place on a pizza pan.
• Bake for 6 minutes.
• Top with tomato sauce, drained tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoni, and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and the crust is golden brown. Cut the pizza into 6 slices.

Fresh oregano

There are differing opinions on whether fresh oregano should be added before or after baking a pizza. Some people prefer to add it before baking, either by sprinkling it on top of the cheese or placing it directly on the dough before adding the sauce and other toppings. This allows the oregano to cook along with the pizza, infusing its flavour throughout. Others prefer to add fresh oregano after the pizza is baked to preserve its fresh flavour and fragrance. Adding it after baking also prevents the herb from burning or drying out during the cooking process. Ultimately, the decision of when to add fresh oregano comes down to personal preference and the desired intensity of the herb's flavour and aroma.

When using fresh oregano on a pepperoni pizza, it is important to use a light hand as the herb has a strong flavour that can easily overpower the other ingredients. A small sprinkle of fresh oregano leaves is usually sufficient to add a pleasant aroma and taste to the pizza.

In addition to its culinary uses, oregano also has several health benefits. It is known to be rich in antioxidants and has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions