Patrick Oconnell
Pizza is a beloved food worldwide, and cheese is an essential ingredient that adds flavour, texture, and richness. The classic pizza cheese is mozzarella, but there are many other varieties that can be used, such as cheddar, gouda, provolone, and even goat cheese. Each type of cheese brings its own unique flavour and texture to the pizza, and some melt better than others. For example, mozzarella is known for its gooey, stretchy texture, while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavour. When it comes to creating a cheese lover's pizza, the possibilities are endless, and it's all about finding the perfect blend of cheeses to take the pizza to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese with good meltability | Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, Swiss Raclette, Parmesan, Asiago |
| Cheese with unique flavours | Goat Cheese, Feta, Havarti, Gorgonzola |
| Popular cheese for pizza | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Provolone, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Burrata |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on pizza
Pizza is a beloved food worldwide, and cheese is undoubtedly the star of every pizza pie. While there are endless options for cheeses to add to your pizza, mozzarella is the most common cheese used.
Mozzarella has been an essential ingredient in pizza-making for centuries. The word "pizza" is thought to have originated from the Latin word "pinsa," which means flatbread topped with cheese. Mozzarella cheese, in particular, has a long history in Naples and has been used in pizza-making for centuries. Today, it remains the most popular cheese used on pizza worldwide.
Mozzarella is beloved for its gooey, melty texture and mild, milky flavour. It is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of toppings, from spicy sausage to hot peppers. Its neutral flavour makes it the perfect base for other cheeses as well, such as sharp cheddar or provolone. Many pizzerias use a blend of mozzarella and provolone to achieve the perfect balance of stretch and flavour.
Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, also known as Buffalo Mozzarella, is a popular variety of fresh mozzarella. It is produced in certain areas of Italy and has been used in pizza-making for centuries. It can be sprinkled on top of an already cooked pizza or melted for a classic pizza feel.
Whether you're a fan of thin crust, deep dish, or something in between, mozzarella is the classic choice for your pizza cheese. Its long history, versatile flavour, and gooey texture make it the perfect base for any pizza creation. So, if you're looking for a traditional cheese to anchor your pie, mozzarella is the way to go.
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Cheddar is a popular addition for extra sharpness
While mozzarella is the most common cheese used on pizzas, there are no limits to the types of cheese you can add to your pie. Cheddar, for instance, is a popular addition to pizzas for its sharp, tangy flavour and firm texture. It adds a burst of personality to your pizza and pairs wonderfully with other cheeses and toppings.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of pizzas. For instance, Hungry Howie's® Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger Pizza combines mozzarella and cheddar cheese, with the sharpness of cheddar complementing the gooeyness of mozzarella for a delicious, savoury bite. Cheddar is also a great addition to any pizza with a smoky or robust flavour profile, such as a BBQ chicken pizza or a bacon cheeseburger pizza.
Cheddar is also a popular choice for those who want to add extra sharpness to their pizza. Its sharp flavour and firm texture create a delightful bite that enhances the flavours of all that it touches. Cheddar also has a longer shelf life compared to other cheeses, making it a convenient option for pizza lovers who want to add an extra kick to their pie.
When choosing cheddar for your pizza, consider the maturity of the cheese. Mature cheddar, such as Castello® Mature Cheddar, has a sharper flavour due to the presence of naturally formed salt crystals, adding an extra bite to your pizza. You can also create your own blend of cheeses, such as a combination of Parmesan, Asiago, and sharp cheddar, to increase the meltability of cheddar while still enjoying its sharp flavour.
Whether you're a classic Margherita loyalist or an adventurous foodie, adding cheddar to your pizza can elevate your cheese experience to new heights. So, the next time you're craving a cheesy delight, don't be afraid to experiment with cheddar and discover a whole new world of flavours and textures.
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Provolone is often blended with mozzarella for depth
Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on pizzas worldwide. It has a long history in Naples, Italy, where pizza as we know it today originated in the late 1800s. Its gooey, stretchy texture and mild, milky flavour make it a versatile base for many different types of pizzas.
However, there are many other types of cheese that can be used on pizza, either on their own or blended with mozzarella. One such cheese is provolone, which has a slightly sharper and more complex flavour than mozzarella, and a semi-hard texture that melts beautifully, creating a creamy consistency with a hint of tanginess.
Provolone is often blended with mozzarella to add depth to the cheese profile without overpowering the other ingredients. This combination offers both stretch and flavour, and is a favourite of many pizzerias. It works well on meat lovers' pizzas, veggie pizzas, and any pizza that could use a flavour boost.
Other popular cheeses used on pizza include cheddar, gouda, ricotta, and parmesan. Each type of cheese brings its own unique flavour, texture, and personality to the pizza, allowing for endless customisation and experimentation.
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Smoked gouda adds depth and smokiness to a pizza
While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, there are many other types of cheese that can be used to add flavour and texture. One such option is smoked gouda.
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese known for its rich, buttery flavour and smooth texture. Smoked gouda adds depth and smokiness to a pizza, creating a unique and memorable taste experience. It melts well, forming a creamy layer that's perfect for gourmet-style pizzas.
Smoked gouda pairs well with a variety of toppings. For example, it can be combined with Italian sausage, as in this recipe for a Smoked Gouda Pizza with Italian Sausage. It can also be used in a Smoked Gouda and Chorizo Pizza, where the slight smokiness of the gouda complements the intense paprika flavour of the chorizo. This combination has been described as a "flavour bomb". Another option is to pair smoked gouda with pepperoni, as in this recipe for a 14-inch Pepperoni Pizza with Smoked Gouda.
In addition to its flavour and melting qualities, smoked gouda also contributes to the visual appeal of a pizza. The act of cutting into a pizza with evenly distributed toppings can mess up the uniform circles, but the contrast between the toppings and the crust can create a surreal effect.
Overall, smoked gouda is a versatile and flavourful cheese that can enhance the taste and appearance of a pizza. Its ability to melt smoothly and add a smoky dimension makes it a great choice for those seeking to elevate their pizza-making game.
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Ricotta is a creamy, fresh cheese used in dollops on pizzas
There are many types of cheese that can be used on a pizza, and the choice is often down to personal preference. Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizzas worldwide, with a long history in Naples, Italy, where pizza originated. It is known for its gooey, melty texture and mild, milky flavour.
However, pizza lovers have been expanding their horizons and adding different cheeses to their pies. Some of the more common ones include provolone, gouda, cheddar, and parmesan.
Ricotta is another crowd favourite for pizza. It is a creamy, fresh cheese with a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet taste. It is often used in dollops on Margherita pizzas, adding an extra element of indulgence to any slice. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile choice that complements the tangy tomato sauce and other toppings.
Ricotta is a great choice for those who want to add a creamy, rich element to their pizza without overwhelming the other flavours. Its light sweetness can also balance out the tanginess of the tomato sauce and other sharp cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
When dolloped on a pizza, ricotta can add a satisfying, indulgent mouthfeel and enhance the overall sensory experience of eating a slice. Its creamy texture can create a smooth, luscious layer that blends beautifully with other toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses for a cheese lover's pizza are mozzarella, provolone, gouda, cheddar, and parmesan. Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizzas worldwide due to its gooey, melty texture and mild flavour. Provolone and gouda are semi-hard cheeses that add depth of flavour and a creamy texture. Cheddar is a sharp and tangy cheese that adds a burst of personality. Parmesan can be blended with other cheeses to increase its meltability.
A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and gouda would be an excellent combination for a cheese lover's pizza. This blend offers both stretch and flavour. Many pizzerias use this combination as their base.
Other types of cheese that can be used on a cheese lover's pizza include fontina, smoked gouda, pepper jack, muenster, raclette, gorgonzola, havarti, and feta.
