The Great Pizza Debate: Cheese Or Toppings First?

Whether you're a fan of pineapple on pizza or not, one thing is for sure: the order of toppings matters. The age-old debate of whether cheese or toppings should go on a pizza first has been a hot topic for many pizza enthusiasts. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on the type of pizza and toppings, there are some general guidelines to consider.

The order of toppings depends on the type of pizza

Sicilian-Style Pizza

Sicilian-style pizzas, which are common in Chicago and New York, as well as many other parts of the USA, typically have cheese placed directly on the pizza crust, followed by the sauce, and then the toppings. This method helps the crust cook better without the wet sauce being directly in contact with it. The Sicilian pizza is deeper and cooked in a tray, almost like a Focaccia with toppings.

Neapolitan-Style Pizza

For Neapolitan-style pizzas, the cheese always goes below the toppings. This is because the cheese on this style of pizza is supposed to be light and stringy, while the toppings are allowed to be slightly crisp. Toppings such as pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions taste great when they are slightly crisp. Placing the cheese below the toppings also makes the pizza more aesthetically pleasing as the fresh ingredients can be seen, which is an important part of 'plating' a dish.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the above rules. For instance, toppings that burn or dry out easily, such as dried oregano, are placed under the cheese so that they don't burn. Additionally, if you are making a pizza with extra cheese, then that extra cheese goes on top of the toppings so that it becomes nice and crispy.

Other Factors to Consider

The type of sauce and the specific toppings used also play a critical role in the order of toppings. For example, pepperoni and sausage are very different, as are goat cheese and Gruyere. Therefore, it is important to understand which toppings complement each other and which ones can be omitted.

The main thing to consider when deciding when to put toppings on a pizza is how the toppings will hold up in the oven. If you have ingredients that are sensitive to hot, dry temperatures, you will want to place them under the cheese to protect them from the oven's heat. However, if the toppings will hold up well to the heat, they can be placed on top of the cheese.

Cheese first on a thin crust pizza

When making a pizza, the order in which you add the ingredients can be important. The general consensus is that tomato sauce goes first on top of the dough, followed by cheese and then toppings. However, there are exceptions, and the order can depend on the type of pizza and personal preference.

For a thin-crust pizza, it is recommended to put the cheese on first. This is because the cheese provides a base or foundation for the other toppings. It also acts as a moisture barrier, helping to keep the pizza warm while it cooks. By adding the cheese first, you can avoid a soggy pizza base as the cheese creates a waterproof barrier between the wet tomato sauce and the dough.

Putting cheese first can also be beneficial if you are using moisture-rich vegetables as toppings. Vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms tend to release moisture when cooked, so placing them on top of the cheese allows the heat from the oven to evaporate the moisture, preventing a soggy mess.

Additionally, if you are using fatty meats such as pepperoni, salami, or chorizo, it is recommended to put them on top of the cheese. The high heat of the oven will cause these meats to release greasy fat, and putting them on top ensures that the fat does not get trapped under the cheese, adding extra grease to the pizza.

When making a thin-crust pizza, consider the following steps:

• Start by stretching out your dough on a flat worktop with some flour and semolina. Using your hands is better than a rolling pin as it helps to create a thin and even layer of dough.
• Next, add your tomato sauce in a circular motion, followed by the cheese. This order will create a barrier between the sauce and the dough, preventing a soggy base.
• Now, add your toppings. Keep in mind that moisture-rich vegetables and fatty meats are best placed on top of the cheese.
• Finally, transfer your pizza to a hot oven and cook until the cheese is bubbling and browning, and the toppings are crisp.

Remember, while there are general guidelines for assembling a pizza, the most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for your taste preferences.

Tomato sauce first for most pizzas

When preparing a pizza, the order of toppings is important and can be a hotly debated topic. The typical order is to spread the tomato sauce first on top of the dough, followed by cheese and then toppings. This order allows the cheese to bubble and brown, and the toppings to get direct heat and become crisp.

Texture and Flavor

The most important reason for this order is to improve the texture and flavor of the pizza. With the cheese and toppings in direct heat, they get toasted, which enhances their flavor. Toasting cheese gives it a deeper flavor and a crispy texture. No one wants raw, mushy cheese on their pizza.

Presentation

Adding the toppings last also makes the pizza look more appealing. It is easier to identify what is on the pizza, and the eye-catching colors of the toppings make it look appetizing.

Prevent Soggy Toppings

Placing the toppings on top of the cheese also helps to prevent them from getting soggy and mushy. If the toppings are placed under the cheese, they will be steamed and rapidly cooked in the oven. The heat will cause the toppings to release water vapor, which will get trapped under the cheese, resulting in soggy toppings. For example, putting pineapples or pepperoni under the cheese will result in pineapple mush and soggy pepperoni.

Ease of Use

From a practical standpoint, it is much easier to spread the liquid tomato sauce on a blank pizza base rather than over cheese and toppings. This way, you can achieve a nice, even layer of sauce.

Problems with this Order

One problem with putting tomato sauce first is the risk of a soggy pizza base. The dough can absorb water from the sauce, resulting in a less crisp pizza. To avoid this issue, you can create a waterproof barrier by using sliced cheese on the base first, followed by the tomato sauce and then the toppings. Although you won't get toasted cheese with this method, you can sprinkle grated Pecorino or Parmesan on top of the pizza after it comes out of the oven.

Toppings that burn easily go under the cheese

When making a pizza, the order in which you layer the ingredients is important. The typical order is tomato sauce, followed by cheese, and then toppings. This allows the cheese to bubble and brown, and the toppings to get direct heat and become crisp. However, there are exceptions where certain toppings are placed under the cheese to prevent them from burning.

If you are using toppings that burn easily, such as vegetables or meats that are very sensitive to hot, dry temperatures, it is best to place them under the cheese layer. This will protect them from the direct heat of the oven and help them retain moisture. For example, if you put raw chicken or vegetables like mushrooms on top of the cheese, they may not cook thoroughly and could end up dry and crunchy. By placing them under the cheese, you give them a chance to cook without drying out.

Additionally, placing certain toppings under the cheese can help prevent sogginess. When the pizza is in the oven, the heat will cause the toppings to release water vapour, and if they are under the cheese, this vapour will be trapped, causing the toppings to steam. This can result in mushy toppings. By placing burn-prone toppings under the cheese, you can help prevent this issue and ensure that your pizza has a crisp and appetising texture.

It is worth noting that while placing burn-prone toppings under the cheese can help prevent burning and sogginess, it may also affect the flavour and presentation of your pizza. The cheese will not be as toasted, and the toppings will be hidden, making it less visually appealing. Therefore, it is essential to consider the trade-offs when deciding on the layering order.

To avoid a soggy pizza base, put cheese first

To avoid a soggy pizza base, put the cheese first.

When making a pizza, the order of the toppings is crucial. The typical order is tomato sauce, then cheese, and finally, the toppings. This order allows the cheese to bubble and brown, and the toppings to get direct heat and become crisp. However, putting the cheese first can help prevent a soggy pizza base.

Putting cheese first acts as a moisture barrier, keeping the pizza base from getting soggy. This is especially important for thin-crust pizzas, as the cheese provides a foundation for the toppings. Fresh mozzarella, for example, can help keep a pizza warm, moist, and flavorful. By putting the cheese directly on the pizza crust, you can prevent the crust from becoming soggy, which is common in Sicilian-style pizzas.

In addition to preventing a soggy base, putting cheese first can make it easier to spread the tomato sauce evenly. While it may not provide the advantage of toasted cheese on top, you can always add some grated Pecorino or Parmesan after the pizza comes out of the oven.

So, if you're looking to avoid a soggy pizza base, remember to put the cheese first! This simple trick will help keep your pizza crisp and delicious.

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