Patrick Oconnell
Pizza and cheese are a match made in heaven, but which type of cheese is the most popular for this beloved dish? The answer may vary depending on who you ask, but there are a few varieties that stand out as clear favourites. Mozzarella, for example, is widely considered the most popular choice for pizza due to its excellent melting properties and mild flavour, which pairs well with other toppings. Other popular options include cheddar, known for its bold, sharp flavour; provolone, a versatile cheese that can be used on various pizza styles; and parmesan, which adds depth of flavour to any pie. Ultimately, the best cheese for pizza comes down to personal preference, and there are many other types of cheese that can be used to create unique and delicious combinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular choice | Mozzarella |
| Other popular options | Provolone, Cheddar, Parmesan, Fontina, Muenster, Havarti, Gorgonzola, Gouda, Pecorino-Romano |
| Melting ability | Mozzarella is known for its excellent melting properties |
| Stretchiness | Mozzarella is stretchy, but cheddar is less so |
| Flavour | Mozzarella has a mild flavour, while cheddar has a bold, sharp flavour |
| Moisture | High-moisture mozzarella is used for Neapolitan and Greek pizzas, while low-moisture is used for Margherita pizzas |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza. It is a defining ingredient in Neapolitan pizza, but it is also a suitable cheese for any pizza style. It is versatile, with both fresh and low-moisture variants available. Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal for Margherita pizzas, while high-moisture mozzarella is better for Neapolitan and Greek pizzas. Low-moisture mozzarella is also a popular choice in pizzerias, as it is easier to melt and has a longer shelf life. It also has a saltier taste, which is ideal for achieving a stretchy cheese layer.
Mozzarella is known for its meltability and stretchiness, making it perfect for the iconic pizza pull. It is also minimally processed, offering a fresh taste with a light and creamy texture. The mild flavour of mozzarella mixes well with other toppings, making every bite delicious.
While mozzarella is the most popular, other cheeses are also used on pizza. These include provolone, which is the second most popular cheese to blend with other cheeses, as well as cheddar, parmesan, and fontina. Cheddar is a popular choice for those looking to experiment beyond traditional cheeses, as it has a bold, sharp flavour that contrasts well with the sweetness of the tomato sauce. It also melts evenly, forming a smooth and creamy layer. Other cheeses that melt well on pizza include gouda, jack, muenster, and swiss raclette.
Ultimately, the right cheese can elevate a pizza from good to unforgettable. Mozzarella is the most popular choice for its excellent melting properties, but there are many other cheeses that can be incorporated to add a unique taste.
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Low-moisture mozzarella is best for even melting
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, renowned for its excellent melting properties and stretchiness. However, not all mozzarellas are created equal. Fresh, high-moisture mozzarella can make the pizza dough soggy as it cooks, as it releases more water. It also tends to form a soup-like consistency instead of melting evenly.
Low-moisture mozzarella, on the other hand, is ideal for achieving a golden, evenly cooked surface. Its drier texture and more consistent melt are due to its lower moisture content, typically in the range of 45% to 52% as per the FDA, compared to regular mozzarella, which can have up to 60% moisture. This makes low-moisture mozzarella perfect for that desirable stretchy cheese layer. It also has a longer shelf life and stronger flavour.
When choosing low-moisture mozzarella, opt for a good quality brand to avoid a rubbery or bouncy texture. Look for mozzarella sold in one large piece in a plastic package, without being suspended in water. This dry-packed variety is excellent for pizza as it melts beautifully and stretches without becoming soupy. While it is generally drier, it should still be fairly soft and white, with a pleasant mouthfeel.
To prepare fresh mozzarella for pizza, it's important to drain or dry it for at least 15 minutes before use, to prevent puddles of cheese-water from forming and weakening the crust. Tearing it into smaller pieces can also help with this. Fresh mozzarella has a rich, fresh-milky flavour, but low-moisture mozzarella has a saltier taste that can enhance the overall flavour of the pizza.
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Cheddar is a popular choice for its bold flavour
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, cheddar is a popular choice for its bold flavour. Its sharp, distinctive taste adds depth and complexity to the pizza, making it a favourite among those who like to experiment with different cheeses.
Cheddar is crafted from cow's milk, which gives it a rich and robust flavour. It has a firm and dense texture that adds a satisfying bite to the pizza. While it may not be as stretchy as mozzarella, cheddar still melts evenly, forming a smooth and creamy layer of cheese.
When using cheddar on a pizza, it is important to consider the type of cheddar and how it will affect the overall taste and texture of the pizza. Younger, softer cheddars with higher moisture content are ideal if using cheddar as the primary cheese, as they melt more easily and have a milder flavour. However, older cheddars with lower moisture content can be greasier and may not melt as smoothly, so they are better suited for blending with other cheeses.
Cheddar pairs well with a variety of pizza toppings, especially meats and vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. It is a popular choice for BBQ chicken pizzas, as its strong flavour complements the bold flavours of red onions, peppers, and BBQ sauce. Cheddar is also commonly used in combination with mozzarella, provolone, and other cheeses to create unique flavour profiles and improve meltability.
When using cheddar on a pizza, it is recommended to add it halfway through the cooking process or towards the end to prevent scorching and control the amount of oil released. By understanding the characteristics of cheddar and how it interacts with other ingredients, pizza enthusiasts can create delicious and memorable flavour combinations.
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Provolone is versatile and the second most popular
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, renowned for its excellent melting properties and stretchiness. However, Provolone, a semi-hard Italian cheese, is the second most popular cheese for pizza and is highly versatile. It can be used in just about any flavour or kind of pizza, including Italian tomato pie, St. Louis pizza, Greek pizza, or a Pinsa Romana. Provolone is often used in conjunction with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mozzarella, and its flavour varies depending on how long it has been aged. Younger provolone has a sweeter and milder flavour, while provolone that has been aged for longer has a sharper taste and drier texture.
Provolone's popularity is also due to its ability to blend well with other cheeses. It is commonly blended with mozzarella to make a traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza. In New York, a popular blend is mozzarella and provolone, shredded together, which gives a good cheese stretch. Provolone also melts nicely and stretches well, providing the iconic thin and elastic stripes of cheese that remain dangling after a bite.
Provolone's versatility extends to its ability to complement a variety of toppings. For instance, gouda, a semi-hard Dutch cheese, is a popular addition to pizzas with pulled pork or barbecue chicken. Its smooth texture and rich, unique flavour enhance the taste of the pizza. Similarly, cheddar, with its sharp taste and lower elasticity, is a popular choice for those seeking a bolder flavour. It pairs well with various toppings, especially meats and vegetables.
Ultimately, the right cheese can elevate a pizza from good to unforgettable, and provolone's adaptability and widespread use make it a strong contender for the perfect pizza cheese. Its compatibility with diverse flavours, ability to blend well with other cheeses, and melting and stretching qualities contribute to its popularity among pizza enthusiasts.
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Parmesan, gouda, and fontina are also used
Mozzarella is America's favourite pizza cheese, but other varieties of cheese can be used to add flavour and complexity to the pizza. Parmesan, gouda, and fontina are also used.
Parmesan, for example, is a key ingredient in a creamy, garlicky, and cheesy garlic parmesan pizza. The sauce is made with a roux, milk, butter, flour, and garlic, and is seasoned with Italian seasoning. The sauce is then topped with plenty of mozzarella cheese. The high-fat content of the sauce means that the pizza is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Gouda is another cheese that can be used on pizza. Smoked gouda is a popular choice for a pepperoni pizza. The strong flavour of smoked gouda may overwhelm other toppings, but it works well with pepperoni.
Fontina is a cheese with good meltability, making it a good choice for pizza. It is used in cast-iron pizzas, which have a crispy bottom crust and a chewy inside. The pizza has a base of infused olive oil, with garlic, thyme, and pepper flakes. The toppings are caramelized onions, fontina, fresh arugula, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. The cast iron must be preheated in the oven to achieve the right texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza. It is known for its meltability and stretchiness, and its mild flavour mixes well with other toppings.
Low-moisture mozzarella is best for achieving a dry texture and a consistent melt. However, high-moisture mozzarella is also used for Neapolitan and Greek pizzas.
Other popular options include provolone, cheddar, parmesan, fontina, gouda, and muenster.
A four-cheese pizza typically includes mozzarella, with other cheeses such as provolone, parmesan, and cheddar.
Cheddar is a must-have for a Mac and Cheese Pizza.
