Patrick Oconnell
Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, and one of its key ingredients is cheese. The best pizza cheese should have the right balance of fat and moisture content, allowing it to stretch and melt evenly. While mozzarella is the most popular choice, there are several other types of cheese that can be used on pizza, including cheddar, parmesan, provolone, and feta. Each of these cheeses offers a unique taste, texture, and colour palette, from the sharp taste and orange tint of cheddar to the salty flavour and white colour of feta. The perfect pizza cheese will not only enhance the taste but also create a visually appealing dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | White, pale yellow, deep orange, golden brown |
| Texture | Stretchiness, mild stretchiness, crumbly, gooey, stringy, strands, visible separation of oils |
| Fat content | 9 grams per 1 oz. slice, low-fat content (~35-40%) |
| Moisture content | Low moisture level (~50-52%), high moisture level |
| Browning capability | Turns golden brown without burning |
| Taste | Sharp, earthy, pungent, mild, salty, sweet, rich, savory |
| Type | Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, provolone, feta, parmigiano-reggiano |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in America, with over 70,000 pizzerias in the United States alone, generating more than $32 billion in revenue each year. With so many options available, creating a pizza that stands out from the competition can be challenging. However, the secret to making an exceptional pizza lies in choosing the perfect cheese.
Mozzarella is the most popular choice of cheese for pizza. Its mild flavour and excellent meltability make it a favourite among pizza enthusiasts. Fresh mozzarella, also known as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana or Buffalo Mozzarella, is produced in certain regions of Italy and is used in both baked dishes and fresh applications. When used on pizza, it adds a classic, sharp flavour. It is also available in low-moisture varieties, which are commonly used in New York-style pizza.
Mozzarella's stretchiness is another desirable characteristic, as it produces visible strands when pizza slices are pulled apart. Its low melting point allows it to spread evenly over the crust without clumping. The mild stretchiness of mozzarella provides the perfect balance, ensuring that it can be chewed without being too difficult to break.
While mozzarella is the most popular, other cheeses can be used on pizza as well. Cheddar, for example, is a common ingredient in pizza cheese blends. Its lower elasticity means it doesn't blister as easily as mozzarella, and sharper cheddars with a deep orange tint can add colour to the pizza. Provolone, a semi-hard Italian cheese, is often used in conjunction with mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano, adding nuance and depth of flavour to the pie.
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Cheddar is a good addition to any pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the United States, with over 70,000 pizzerias across the country. While there are many factors that contribute to making a great pizza, choosing the perfect cheese is key. Although mozzarella is the most popular choice, cheddar is a good addition to any pizza.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in combination with other cheeses or on its own. Its sharp taste and lower elasticity make it a unique alternative to traditional pizza cheeses. When blended with other cheeses, cheddar adds a distinct undertone of flavour without overpowering the other ingredients. Its lower elasticity also means it doesn't blister as easily as mozzarella, resulting in a more even melt.
While cheddar doesn't handle high heat well and can be greasier than other cheeses, this can be mitigated by using younger, milder varieties of cheddar and cooking the pizza at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. Softer, less aged cheddars melt more smoothly and have a milder flavour, making them ideal for use as the primary cheese on a pizza. Additionally, the fat content of cheddar can be managed by mixing it with lower-fat cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
Cheddar also adds colour to a pizza, especially if you choose a sharper variety with a deep orange tint. This can make your pizza more visually appealing and help it stand out from the competition. The versatility of cheddar also allows you to get creative with your toppings, pairing well with a wide range of ingredients such as savoury meats, sweet pineapple, ground beef, onions, and taco-style toppings.
In conclusion, while cheddar may not be the first cheese that comes to mind when thinking of pizza, it is a delicious and unique addition that can elevate your pie to the next level. Whether used on its own or in combination with other cheeses, cheddar adds flavour, colour, and creativity to any pizza. So, the next time you're making a pizza, don't be afraid to experiment with this versatile and tasty cheese!
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Feta is an increasingly popular choice
Pizza is a versatile dish with a variety of toppings and cheese options. While mozzarella is the most popular choice, there are several other types of cheese that can be used on pizza. One increasingly popular option is feta, a firm, white, crumbly cheese that is a staple of Greek cuisine. Feta's tangy, salty, and piquant flavour pairs well with traditional pizza seasonings such as garlic, basil, and oregano, as well as sweeter tomato sauces. Its unique melt and consistency compared to other cheeses like mozzarella adds a new texture to the bite, making it a popular choice for those seeking something different.
Feta's versatility extends beyond its flavour and texture. It is lower in calories and saturated fat than many other cheeses, making it a favourite among health-conscious consumers. Its ability to elevate a variety of recipes has not gone unnoticed by cooks, who are increasingly using feta to add a new dimension to their pizzas. Feta is an excellent choice for white pizzas, where it pairs well with garlic, artichokes, spinach, and kalamata olives. It also works well with chicken and pesto, and its sweet-salty dynamic makes it a prime choice for dessert pizzas. For a unique treat, try a sugar cookie dough crust topped with cream cheese, feta, and blueberries or strawberries.
The popularity of feta cheese is not limited to its use on pizza. It has long been regarded as a salad cheese, particularly during the summer when it pairs well with crisp vegetables. Feta's ability to enhance the flavours of other ingredients has made it a sought-after ingredient in a variety of dishes. Its popularity has led to the creation of flavoured varieties, such as basil and tomato, garlic and herb, peppercorn, and Mediterranean styles, many of which have won awards in cheese championships.
While feta is a delicious and innovative choice for pizza, it's important to note that it doesn't melt in the same way as other cheeses. This can be managed by pairing it with a melting cheese like mozzarella, which has a higher moisture content and contributes a creamy texture. The combination of feta and mozzarella allows for a balance of flavours and textures, creating a unique and satisfying pizza experience.
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Parmesan adds a rich flavour
Pizza is one of the most popular dishes in America, with over 70,000 pizzerias across the country. While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, there are many other varieties that can be used, including cheddar, parmesan, and provolone.
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese made with raw cow's milk. It has a rich, nutty, and tangy flavor, with a firm, crumbly, and gritty texture. Its complex flavor and granular texture are a result of the long aging process, which can be anywhere from two to four or more years. Parmesan is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, salads, soups, sauces, and even pizza.
When used on pizza, parmesan adds a rich flavor and a punch of umami. Its savory taste and nutty aroma can enhance the overall flavor profile of the pizza. A little sprinkle of parmesan can go a long way, adding an extra dimension of flavor to the dish. The cheese pairs well with other ingredients commonly found on pizza, such as tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various toppings.
In addition to its flavor, parmesan also has a unique texture that can complement the overall mouthfeel of the pizza. Its granular texture can add a pleasant grittiness to the dish, creating a contrast between the softness of the dough and the crunchiness of the cheese. This texture is especially prominent in freshly grated parmesan, which is considered superior to pre-grated alternatives.
When choosing parmesan for pizza, it is important to consider the quality and origin of the cheese. Genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano is produced in specific regions of Italy, namely the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantova. These regions are recognized by European law as having a protected designation of origin for Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano. While domestic and imported Parmesans are available in the US, they may not have the same complex flavor and texture as the traditional Italian variety.
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Cheese should brown, not burn
When it comes to pizza, cheese is a key ingredient. While there are many varieties of cheese available, not all are suitable for pizza. The perfect pizza cheese should have the right balance of browning capability and stretchiness, with a mild stretch that produces strands when pulled apart but is not too difficult to break when chewed.
Mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza cheese. It has the perfect properties for melting on top of pizza, with oils that do not easily separate, minimizing greasy puddles. Mozzarella also browns nicely, adding a golden hue to the pizza, and has a gooey, stringy texture when melted. However, fresh mozzarella is too wet to be used in large quantities on heavily cheesed pizzas, so pizzerias often opt for low-moisture mozzarella, a variety with some of the liquid removed.
Other cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and provolone, can also be used on pizza. Cheddar, for example, adds a sharp, earthy, and pungent flavor to the pie. While natural cheddar is white or pale yellow, some companies add annatto seed to give it a distinct orange color. However, cheddar should not be used alone on pizza as it doesn't handle high heat well and is too oily. Instead, it is often combined with mozzarella to create a flavorful cheese blend.
Feta cheese, a Greek specialty, is another option for pizza, although it is not a classic choice. Feta has a crumbly texture, a salty flavor, and holds its shape as it melts. It adds a unique touch to specialty Greek pizzas and similar varieties.
In conclusion, the ideal pizza cheese should brown nicely without burning, contributing to the overall taste and appearance of the pizza. While mozzarella is the most common choice, blends of different cheeses can also be used to create unique flavor profiles and colors. The key is to find the right balance of browning and stretchiness to achieve the perfect slice of pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Pizza cheese is typically a light golden brown color. This is the result of the cheese browning in the high heat of a pizza oven.
The most popular cheese for pizza is mozzarella, which browns nicely and has a gooey, stringy texture when melted.
Yes, cheddar cheese is often used in pizza cheese blends. Natural cheddar is white or pale yellow, but some companies add annatto seed to their cheddar to make it orange.
