Sauce Or Cheese: The Great Pizza Conundrum Solved

Whether you should put sauce or cheese on your pizza first is a highly debated topic. The traditional method is to put tomato sauce first, directly on the dough, followed by cheese and then toppings. This order allows the cheese to bubble and brown and the toppings to get direct heat, becoming crisp. However, there are exceptions, such as Sicilian-style pizzas, where cheese is placed directly on the crust before the sauce. This method is said to protect the crust from becoming soggy. Ultimately, the order of sauce and cheese comes down to personal preference, as both ways can result in a delicious pizza.

Sauce first, then cheese: This method makes sense as pizza originated as peasant food, and cheese was expensive

There are differing opinions on whether sauce or cheese should be put on a pizza first. However, there is evidence to suggest that putting sauce first and then adding cheese makes sense, given that pizza originated as peasant food, and cheese was expensive.

Putting sauce first on a pizza allows the cheese to bubble and brown, and any toppings to get direct heat and become crisp. This method improves the texture and flavor of the pizza. Cheese that is toasted gets a deeper flavor and a crispy texture. In addition, putting toppings on top of the cheese means that they are more likely to stay crisp and not become soggy. This is particularly important for toppings such as pineapple and pepperoni, which are likely to become soggy if placed under the cheese.

Putting sauce first also makes sense from a practical perspective. It is much easier to spread the liquid tomato sauce on a blank pizza base than it is to spread it evenly over cheese and toppings.

Finally, the historical context of pizza-making supports the argument for sauce going on a pizza before cheese. Pizza originated as peasant food, and cheese was expensive. As such, it was used more as a garnish than a main ingredient, and the high cost of cheese meant that it was not the base of the pizza.

Cheese first, then sauce: This method is great as cheese melts right onto the crust, and you get little to no cheese drag

When it comes to making a homemade pizza, one of the most important and hotly debated topics is whether to put cheese or sauce first. While there are valid arguments for both methods, putting cheese first, followed by sauce, has several advantages and is preferred by some renowned pizzerias.

Putting cheese first ensures that it melts right onto the crust, creating a delicious, gooey base for your pizza. This method also minimises cheese drag, preventing that familiar scenario of a blanket of hot cheese stretching from your pizza to your face and shirt as you take a bite. Additionally, with the cheese directly on the crust, it acts as a protective barrier, preventing the crust from becoming gummy or soggy. This is especially beneficial for thicker, bread-like doughs, such as those used in Sicilian-style pizzas.

Another benefit of the cheese-first method is that it affects the sauce's consistency. With the sauce on top, it is more susceptible to evaporation during the cooking process, resulting in a thicker and sweeter sauce. This combination of melted cheese and thickened sauce is characteristic of the New York-style pizza, which has gained popularity in recent years.

The cheese-first method is also aesthetically pleasing. The sauce, applied on top of the cheese, adds a bright pop of colour to your pizza. Furthermore, this method ensures that your toppings remain crisp and appetising. By placing them on top of the sauce, they receive direct heat, preventing them from becoming steamed or soggy. This technique is particularly suitable for toppings like pepperoni, which are better enjoyed crispy rather than soggy.

Overall, the cheese-first method is a fantastic option for creating a mouth-watering homemade pizza with a perfect balance of flavours and textures. It is a preferred choice of several pizzerias, including John's on Bleecker Street, Sam's Restaurant in Brooklyn, and Arturo's in Greenwich Village. So, the next time you're debating the order of your pizza toppings, why not give cheese-first a try? You may just find yourself pleasantly surprised by the delicious results!

Exceptions: Sicilian-style and Chicago deep-dish pizzas put cheese first

Sicilian-style and Chicago deep-dish pizzas are exceptions to the rule of sauce going first on a pizza. In these styles, the cheese is placed directly on the crust, followed by the sauce.

Sicilian-style pizza, originating in the Sicily region of Italy, typically has a thick crust and is rectangular, though it can also be round. It is often topped with tomatoes, herbs, onions, anchovies, and strong cheese such as caciocavallo and toma. The sauce is sometimes placed on top of the toppings to prevent it from soaking into the thick dough.

When making Sicilian-style pizza, it is important to let the dough rise in an oiled pan to ensure it doesn't stick and acquires a crunchy, golden-brown crust. The cheese is layered under the sauce to prevent the crust from getting soggy. This style of pizza is often heavy due to its thick crust and generous toppings, so it is not typically consumed more than once a month.

Chicago deep-dish pizza is constructed with the crust first, followed by the cheese, then toppings, and finally the sauce. The cheese used is typically whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella, sliced from a block rather than pre-shredded. The sauce is usually a simple combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, baked directly on the pizza.

The crust of a Chicago deep-dish pizza is what sets it apart. It is thin, flaky, and sturdy, with a golden-brown, crisp, and flaky texture achieved by laminating butter into the dough. The high temperature of 500° Fahrenheit and the use of a pizza stone during baking contribute to the signature golden-brown crust.

Both Sicilian-style and Chicago deep-dish pizzas are exceptions to the traditional order of sauce and cheese, showcasing how regional variations and cultural influences have created distinct styles of pizza worldwide.

Toppings over cheese: Pizza looks better, and toppings don't get soggy and mushy

There are several reasons why you may want to put your toppings over the cheese on a pizza. Firstly, and most importantly, it looks better. You can easily identify what is on the pizza, and the eye-catching colours of the toppings will make it look very appetising.

Secondly, putting toppings over the cheese can prevent them from becoming soggy and mushy. If you put toppings under the cheese, they will be steamed and rapidly cooked in the oven. The heat will cause the toppings to release water vapour, and this vapour will get trapped under the cheese, causing the toppings to steam. For example, if you put pineapple under the cheese, you will get pineapple mush. If you put pepperoni under the cheese, it may become soggy. Many pizza toppings are best left unsteamed.

Thirdly, putting toppings over the cheese means they get direct heat and become crisp. This improves the texture and flavour. Cheese that is toasted gets a deeper flavour and a crispy texture.

Finally, it is much easier to spread tomato sauce on a blank pizza base than it is to spread it evenly over cheese and toppings.

However, there are some exceptions where the cheese is put first, such as Sicilian-style pizzas, which are common in Chicago and New York. The idea behind this method is that the crust cooks better without the wet sauce directly on it.

Toppings under cheese: Sensitive toppings that will burn or dry out should be placed under cheese, protecting them from direct heat

It's a common dilemma when making a homemade pizza: should you put the sauce or the cheese on first? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different pizza styles and personal preferences will dictate the order of toppings, there is a general rule of thumb that can help guide your decision: toppings that are sensitive to heat and prone to burning or drying out should always be placed under the cheese layer.

By placing these sensitive toppings under the cheese, you create a protective barrier that shields them from the direct heat of the oven. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain moist, resulting in a more flavorful and visually appealing pizza. So, which toppings fall into this category, and how can you ensure they enhance, rather than detract from, your pizza-making efforts?

Meats such as pepperoni, salami, and prosciutto are excellent examples of toppings that benefit from being placed under the cheese. These meats can dry out or become overly crispy if exposed directly to the heat, but when shielded by a layer of cheese, they retain their flavor and texture. Similarly, vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms have a tendency to burn or become overly soft and mushy. Placing them under the cheese helps them maintain their shape and texture, adding a pleasant bite to your pizza.

It's also important to consider the moisture content of your toppings. Toppings that are wetter, such as fresh tomatoes or pineapple, can be placed directly on the sauce, as the cheese will help contain their moisture and prevent a soggy pizza base. However, drier toppings, such as cooked meats or certain types of vegetables, will benefit from being sandwiched between the sauce and cheese, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.

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