Kamil Perry
There are many types of pizza, but what is a regular cheese pizza called? In the United States, a regular cheese pizza is often referred to as a Margherita pizza, which includes mozzarella, tomatoes, spring onions, and fresh basil. In New York, a plain cheese pizza is often called a regular pizza, indicating the expected tomato sauce topped with cheese on top of the dough. However, some people prefer to call it a cheese pizza or a cheese and tomato pizza to be more descriptive. Ultimately, there is no wrong answer, and people from different regions may have their own preferences for what to call a regular cheese pizza.
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza
There is no universally agreed-upon name for a regular cheese pizza. In New York, it is often called a "plain pizza", while others call it a "cheese pizza" or a "cheese and tomato pizza". In Rome, a pizza with tomato sauce and cheese is called a "Margherita" if it has basil, and a "pizza con la mozzarella" if it does not.
However, some people find the plain flavour of mozzarella underwhelming. Other types of cheese, such as provolone, can offer a more nuanced flavour while still providing the desired stretchiness and meltability. Provolone is the second most popular pizza cheese and is often blended with mozzarella to create a more complex flavour profile.
Cheddar is another popular pizza cheese. It is sometimes mixed with mozzarella to preserve chewiness and improve meltability. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar may also blister less during cooking, as cheddar has less elasticity. Other cheeses commonly used on pizzas include Parmesan, Emmental, pecorino romano, and ricotta.
Processed cheese-like products, such as analogue pizza cheese, are also commonly used on mass-produced pizzas. These products are designed to melt well and remain chewy, and are cheaper and quicker to produce than real cheese. However, for many pizza lovers, nothing beats the signature stretch and melt of mozzarella.
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Provolone is the second most popular
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizzas, accounting for about 30% of all pizza cheese used, provolone is a close second. It is often blended with mozzarella to add depth to the flavour profile without overpowering the other ingredients. Provolone has a smooth, semi-hard texture that melts beautifully, creating a creamy consistency with a hint of tanginess. Its sharpness and complex flavour make it a good choice for meat lovers' pizza, veggie pizza, and any pizza that could use a flavour boost.
Provolone is also a popular choice for those who want a pizza with good stretchiness. Its thin and elastic texture means it stretches very well, creating the familiar dangling stripes of cheese. It is also a good option for those who want a pizza with optimal browning, as it browns less than other cheese combinations, such as mozzarella and cheddar.
Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes, and its popularity as a pizza topping is likely due to its ability to enhance the flavour of other ingredients without being too overpowering. While mozzarella may be the go-to cheese for many pizza lovers, provolone is a close second and offers a slightly different taste experience.
In addition to provolone, other popular cheeses used on pizzas include cheddar, parmesan, emmental, pecorino romano, and ricotta. Each cheese brings its own unique flavour, texture, and personality to the pizza, and some cheeses may be mixed together to create new and exciting flavour profiles. Ultimately, the "regular" cheese pizza is a matter of perspective and preference.
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Other popular cheeses include cheddar, gouda, and ricotta
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizza, accounting for about 30% of all pizza cheese used, other types of cheese are also commonly used, including cheddar, gouda, and ricotta.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used on pizza in a variety of ways. It can be mixed with mozzarella to add a different texture and flavour to the pizza. Younger, softer cheddars with lower fat content are ideal for use as the primary cheese on a pizza, as they melt well and have a milder flavour. Stronger, sharper cheddars can also be used, but in smaller quantities, as they have a stronger flavour and do not melt as well. Cheddar is often paired with stronger flavours such as red onions, peppers, and BBQ sauce.
Gouda is another type of cheese that can be used on pizza. It has a lovely flavour and adds depth to the pizza, making it taste more gourmet. It is not as elastic or chewy as other cheeses, such as mozzarella, but it melts well and bubbles up nicely when baked. Gouda is often paired with simple toppings such as tomatoes, mushrooms, and basil.
Ricotta is a mild, creamy cheese that holds its shape when heated, making it perfect for dolloping over pizza crust. It is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a wide range of Italian ingredients, including garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and olive oil. It can be used as a topping on its own or in combination with other cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan. Ricotta is often used on white pizzas, which feature no tomato sauce, allowing the flavour of the cheese to shine through.
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In the US, only 30% of pizza cheese is real mozzarella
When it comes to pizza, there are many varieties and types of cheeses and dairy products that are used. These include processed and modified cheese, such as mozzarella-like processed cheeses and variants, as well as any type of cheese suitable for pizza. While mozzarella is the most popular cheese used globally for pizza, accounting for about 30% of pizza cheese usage, it is interesting to note that in the United States, only 30% of pizza cheese is made using real mozzarella. This means that a significant proportion of pizza cheese in the US is made with other types of cheese or cheese substitutes.
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese that is prepared using the pasta filata or 'stretched-curd' method. It originates from southern Italy and is traditionally made with Italian buffalo's milk, though most mozzarella sold in the US is made domestically with cow's milk. The term "mozzarella" was first mentioned in a cookbook by Bartolomeo Scappi in 1570, and the cheese has been a beloved ingredient in various dishes ever since.
In the US, the production and consumption of mozzarella and pizza cheese have steadily increased over time, and this trend continues to grow. The demand for pizza cheese has led to the development of mass-produced and processed cheese products that are designed to melt well and have optimal qualities in browning, stretchiness, and fat and moisture content. These cheese products, often referred to as analogue or analog pizza cheese, are used on many mass-produced pizzas in North America and the United Kingdom. They are quicker and cheaper to produce than real cheese and are formulated to work with less sophisticated cheese-making equipment.
While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza cheese, accounting for about 30% of usage in the US, other popular cheeses used in pizza preparation include provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan. These cheeses are often blended together to achieve specific browning and blistering characteristics. For example, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar may result in less blistering due to the lower elasticity of cheddar, while mozzarella and provolone may brown less compared to other cheese combinations.
In conclusion, while mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese globally, its usage in the US is surprisingly lower, with only 30% of pizza cheese being made with real mozzarella. This has led to the creation of various cheese blends and substitutes to meet the high demand for pizza cheese in the US market.
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In the US, 700 million frozen pizzas are sold annually, 3/4 of which contain cheese substitutes
In the US, 700 million frozen pizzas are sold annually, and interestingly, 3/4 of these contain cheese substitutes. The popularity of frozen pizzas can be attributed to their convenience, as busy individuals often opt for quick and easy meal solutions. Frozen pizzas offer a range of crust options, from extra thin to deep-dish, and cater to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free choices.
When it comes to cheese, a regular cheese pizza typically features mozzarella, which is known for its meltability and stretchiness. However, it's important to note that only about 30% of pizza cheese used in the United States is authentic mozzarella. The remaining portion consists of cheese substitutes or analogues, which are designed to melt well and provide a chewy texture. These substitutes are often made with a combination of other cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone, and are used to create a similar flavour and texture to mozzarella at a lower cost.
Mozzarella is considered the classic choice for pizza due to its ability to form aromatic strands as it stretches from the pan to your mouth. However, some may find its flavour lacking in complexity. This has led to the exploration of other cheese varieties that can offer a richer taste while still providing the desired meltability. Examples include provolone, which is the second most popular choice, and cheddar, which can be blended with mozzarella to enhance chewiness.
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, accounting for about 30% of usage, other cheeses are also commonly used. These include provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan, with the latter often grated on top but not melting as easily during cooking. Additionally, ricotta is used as a topping or in calzones, and Emmental and pecorino romano are also favoured.
The use of cheese substitutes in frozen pizzas is a testament to the demand for convenience and affordability. These substitutes are designed to mimic the characteristics of traditional pizza cheese while requiring less specialised equipment and production processes. As a result, they contribute to the accessibility and widespread enjoyment of frozen pizzas in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
A regular cheese pizza is called a Margherita pizza if it has basil on it. If it doesn't have basil, it can be called a 'pizza con la mozzarella' in Rome. In New York, a regular cheese pizza is often referred to as a 'plain pizza' or simply 'cheese'.
The most popular cheese used on pizza is mozzarella, which accounts for about 30% of pizza cheese usage. Other popular cheeses used on pizza include provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Mozzarella is often considered the best cheese for pizza due to its perfect meltability and mild, creamy flavor. It creates the iconic stretchy, gooey layer that pizza lovers crave. However, other types of cheese such as provolone, cheddar, and gouda can also be used to add depth of flavor and texture to a regular cheese pizza.
