Patrick Oconnell
The order of toppings on a pizza is a hotly debated topic. The classic arrangement is crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings, but there are several variations. For example, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce, while Sicilian-style pizzas put the cheese directly on the crust, followed by sauce and toppings. Ultimately, the choice of placing toppings above or below the cheese depends on personal preference, the type of crust, the toppings, and the desired pizza texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classic arrangement | Crust, sauce, cheese, toppings |
| Chicago deep-dish arrangement | Cheese, toppings, sauce |
| Sicilian pizza arrangement | Crust, cheese, sauce, toppings |
| Topping placement | Toppings that need the most cooking and browning, such as raw meat or vegetables, should go on top of the pizza |
| Toppings that dry out, such as spinach and fresh herbs, should go under the cheese | |
| Toppings that are moisture-rich, such as zucchini or mushrooms, should go on top of the cheese | |
| Fatty meats, such as pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo, should go on top of the cheese | |
| Toppings that are relatively dry, such as bacon, pepperoni, or olives, can go under the cheese | |
| If you want to avoid mushy toppings, keep them on top of the cheese |
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What You'll Learn
The classic order of toppings
However, there are some variations to this standard order. For example, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza layers cheese, toppings, and sauce, while Sicilian-style pizzas put the cheese directly on the crust, followed by the sauce. Similarly, Detroit-style pizza adds sauce on top.
The order of toppings also depends on the type of toppings being used. For instance, moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms are typically added on top of the cheese to allow the heat from the oven to evaporate the moisture and prevent a soggy mess. In contrast, fatty meats like pepperoni, salami, sausage, and chorizo are placed on top of the cheese to allow the fat to render out and create a crispy texture.
Ultimately, the choice of placing toppings above or below the cheese comes down to personal preference, and experimenting with different orders can help individuals find their ideal arrangement.
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Toppings that go on top of the cheese
While the order of pizza toppings is largely a matter of personal preference, there are several reasons why certain toppings may be placed on top of the cheese.
For example, placing moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms on top of the cheese allows the heat from the oven to evaporate the moisture, preventing a soggy mess. Conversely, placing these vegetables under the cheese traps the moisture, which is then released when the pizza is sliced, creating a watery pizza.
Meat toppings that are high in fat, such as pepperoni, salami, sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo, should also go on top of the cheese. The high heat of the oven will cause the meat to release greasy fat, creating a characteristic crisp. If placed under the cheese, the fat will be trapped and create an overly greasy pizza.
Additionally, placing the toppings on top of the cheese allows each topping to be seen and identified by the diner, improving the presentation of the pizza.
Finally, some people prefer to place a light sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano on top of the pizza before baking to keep the toppings in place and protect them from falling off during the cooking process.
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Toppings that go under the cheese
The order of toppings on a pizza can vary depending on your personal preference, the type of pizza, and the toppings you are using. However, there are a few reasons why you might want to put certain toppings under the cheese.
Firstly, putting vegetables under the cheese can help to prevent them from drying out or burning. This is especially true for moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. The cheese acts as a protective layer, insulating the vegetables from the heat of the oven and helping to maintain their flavour, texture, and moisture. For example, thinly sliced mushrooms placed directly on top of the cheese may dry out and become flavourless, whereas placing them under the cheese will allow them to cook without losing their flavour and texture. Similarly, fresh spinach is fragile and can easily wilt, so placing it under the cheese or adding it after the pizza is cooked can help to preserve its texture and flavour.
Secondly, putting certain toppings under the cheese can help to prevent a soggy pizza. Covering your toppings with cheese can trap moisture in, leading to a watery pizza. This is especially true for toppings like mushrooms, which can become soggy and watery if placed on top of the cheese.
Thirdly, putting toppings under the cheese can help to hold the pizza together. For example, on a Louis-style pizza, layering the cheese first creates a stronger base to add more toppings. Similarly, on a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the cheese goes on top of the dough and under the sauce to insulate the dough and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Lastly, putting toppings that burn easily under the cheese can help to prevent them from burning. For example, fresh basil on a Margherita pizza should be added after the pizza comes out of the oven to prevent burning.
In summary, while the order of toppings on a pizza can vary, putting certain toppings under the cheese can help to prevent vegetables from drying out or burning, avoid a soggy pizza, hold the pizza together, and prevent toppings that burn easily from burning.
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The Sicilian style
Sicilian-style pizza is a thick-crusted, rectangular pizza that originated in the Sicily region of Italy. It is often topped with tomatoes, herbs, onions, anchovies, and strong cheese such as caciocavallo and toma.
The Sicilian methods of making pizza vary across different provinces. For instance, in the province of Syracuse, pizzòlu is a type of round stuffed pizza. In the Metropolitan City of Catania, the traditional scacciata is made with a first layer of dough, which is then covered with local cheese (toma) and anchovies. A second layer of dough brushed with eggs is then added.
The order of toppings is crucial to the Sicilian style of pizza. To prevent the thick dough from becoming soggy, the cheese is layered under the sauce. This technique is sometimes referred to as an "upside-down Sicilian" in pizzerias. The sauce is then protected from soaking into the dough, and the crust remains crisp.
When making a Sicilian-style pizza, it is recommended to parbake the crust. This helps to stabilize the crust and prevent it from buckling under the weight of the toppings. The crust is partially baked in advance, ensuring that it can bear the weight of the sauce and toppings without becoming soggy.
Additionally, Sicilian-style pizza is typically baked in a heavily oiled baking dish to achieve a crisp, golden-brown, almost-fried texture. The dough is formed into a sheet pan and baked directly in that pan, resulting in a thick, crunchy base and an airy interior.
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The Chicago deep-dish style
The Chicago deep-dish pizza is a legendary take on the traditional pizza, with a unique construction and style. It is a time-consuming process that results in a super-thick, super-messy, and delicious slice.
The deep-dish pizza is baked in a deep cake pan, with the dough pressed up the sides, creating a thick crust. The pan used is characteristically high-edged, allowing for ample space for lots of cheese and a chunky tomato sauce. The crust is often made with cornmeal for texture and is par-baked before toppings are added to give it a greater spring. The crust is also sometimes fried to achieve a crispy, golden texture.
The toppings are layered in a specific order, with cheese coming first. Sliced or shredded mozzarella is used, with some recipes calling for a second layer of cheese after the other toppings. The cheese acts as a protective layer for the meat, which is usually pepperoni or Italian sausage. If using sausage, it is added raw and thinly sliced so that it cooks inside the pizza. Other meat toppings include bacon, ground beef, and ham. The pizza may also include vegetables such as spinach, onions, peppers, and olives.
After the meat and other toppings, the pizza is then topped with a thick, uncooked tomato sauce, and sometimes another layer of cheese. The pizza is then baked in the oven, and it is recommended to rotate the pizza halfway through to ensure even cooking.
The Chicago deep-dish pizza is meant to be enjoyed slowly, often eaten with a fork and knife, and shared with others. It is a legendary dish that takes pizza to the next level.
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Frequently asked questions
The classic order of toppings on a pizza is crust, sauce, cheese, and then toppings.
In most cases, toppings need the most cooking and direct heat, while sauce and cheese only need just enough heat to warm them through.
Toppings that are likely to dry out, such as spinach and fresh herbs, are put under the cheese.
Toppings that are likely to get soggy, such as pepperoni, are put over the cheese.
Yes, the order of toppings varies with the type of pizza. For instance, Chicago deep-dish pizza follows the order of cheese, toppings, and then sauce.
