Cheese Options For Your Next Stuffed Crust Pizza

There are many different types of cheese that can be used for a stuffed crust pizza, and the type of cheese you choose will depend on your personal preference. Mozzarella is a popular choice, as it is gooey and melts well. You can use either full-fat mozzarella string cheese or shredded mozzarella. Other options include cheddar, provolone, gouda, goat's cheese, parmesan, fontina, gorgonzola, and asiago. If you are making a meat feast pizza, you might want to add some pepperoni or cooked chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can add sliced peppers, mushrooms, and olives.

Characteristics of Cheese for Stuffed Crust Pizza

Mozzarella string cheese

When using mozzarella string cheese, it is important to ensure that it is full-fat to achieve the best melting consistency. Reduced-fat or fat-free cheese may not melt properly and could affect the texture of the crust.

To prepare the stuffed crust, start by stretching out your pizza dough into a thin circle, just larger than your pizza pan. Then, arrange the string cheese around the edges of the crust, leaving a small gap between each piece. You can use the cheese sticks whole or cut them in half lengthwise for a more rounded pizza shape.

Next, pull the dough up and over the cheese, ensuring that it is tightly sealed. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking. Once the cheese is enclosed, add your sauce, toppings, and additional cheese, and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Using mozzarella string cheese is a simple and effective way to create a delicious stuffed crust pizza at home. It provides the perfect texture and flavour to elevate your pizza-making experience.

Cheddar, parmesan, and asiago

For a stuffed crust, it is important to use a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella. Mozzarella is a softer cheese that can be stretched and pulled, making it ideal for creating a stuffed crust. However, this does not mean that harder cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and asiago cannot be incorporated into your pizza in other ways.

Cheddar is a popular topping cheese due to its strong flavour. It can add an extra kick to your pizza, especially when paired with a milder cheese like mozzarella. Parmesan is another flavourful cheese that can be used to enhance your pizza. It is often used as a garnish, freshly grated or shredded over the pizza after it comes out of the oven. Asiago, a nuttier and smoother alternative to parmesan, can also be used in a similar way. It is a versatile cheese that can be sprinkled, grated, or served in slices.

When making a stuffed-crust pizza, you can get creative and experiment with different cheeses and combinations. While mozzarella is a popular choice for the stuffing, you can also try mixing in small amounts of other cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or asiago to create unique flavour profiles. Just keep in mind that harder cheeses may not melt as well, so they should be used sparingly if mixed into the stuffed crust.

Additionally, you can finish your pizza with a crust topping of cheddar, parmesan, or asiago. This will add a crunchy, cheesy element to your pizza. Simply sprinkle grated cheese over the crust before baking, and it will melt and form a delicious, crispy layer.

So, while cheddar, parmesan, and asiago may not be the best choices for a stuffed crust due to their harder texture, they can certainly elevate your pizza in other ways. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that suit your taste!

Full-fat vs low-fat cheese

When making a stuffed-crust pizza, it is important to use full-fat mozzarella string cheese. If you use low-fat or fat-free cheese, it will not melt well and may become greasy.

Full-fat cheese is generally recommended for stuffed-crust pizzas to ensure the cheese melts properly and creates a delicious, crispy crust. However, if you are watching your calorie intake or trying to reduce your saturated fat consumption, there are some lower-fat cheese options that can be used as alternatives.

Full-fat cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, but it can also be high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat can increase your risk of high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. On the other hand, low-fat cheese is a good option for those watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Low-fat cheese has a lower saturated fat content, which can help reduce the risk of heart-related health issues.

Some examples of low-fat cheeses that can be used as alternatives to full-fat cheese in stuffed-crust pizzas include:

• Part-skim mozzarella: This cheese is made with milk partially skimmed of its fat, resulting in lower saturated fat content while still maintaining a delicious taste.
• Fat-free Swiss cheese: This variety contains zero grams of fat and is typically lower in calories than full-fat Swiss cheese. However, due to the lack of fat, it may not melt as well.
• Cottage cheese with 2% milkfat: Cottage cheese is a great option for those looking to limit their saturated fat intake, as it is much higher in protein and lower in calories than other cheeses.
• Part-skim ricotta cheese: This cheese has a creamy texture and a fresh taste, making it a satisfying alternative to full-fat cheeses.

While these low-fat cheeses can be used as alternatives, it is important to note that they may not provide the same melting capability and flavour as their full-fat counterparts. For the best results and taste, full-fat mozzarella string cheese is recommended for stuffed-crust pizzas.

Freshly grated parmesan

For the crust, freshly grated parmesan can be combined with shredded mozzarella and herbs such as oregano and basil. This mixture is then sprinkled around the edges of the pizza crust and folded over to seal in the cheese. Parmesan adds a salty, savoury flavour to the crust and helps to create a crispy texture when baked.

As a topping, parmesan can be sprinkled over the pizza before baking. It will melt slightly and create delicious, cheesy pockets between your other toppings. It pairs well with a variety of other cheeses, such as fontina and cheddar, and can also be used in combination with mozzarella for a true cheese lover's pizza.

Finally, freshly grated parmesan can be used as a garnish. Sprinkle it over the hot pizza just after removing it from the oven. This will add a punchy, savoury note to your pizza and is a great way to elevate your final presentation.

When choosing parmesan for your pizza, look for a good-quality block of parmesan that you can grate yourself. Pre-grated parmesan tends to be drier and doesn't have the same creamy, savoury flavour as freshly grated. When grating, use a fine grater to get a fluffy, light texture that will be easy to sprinkle and melt.

So, if you're looking for a versatile cheese to elevate your stuffed-crust pizza, freshly grated parmesan is an excellent choice. It can be used in multiple ways and will add a delicious, savoury flavour to your creation.

Other cheese varieties

While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for a stuffed crust pizza, there are several other varieties you can use to achieve a similar effect.

One option is to use string cheese, which can be made from mozzarella, but also from other cheeses like cheddar or gouda. This type of cheese is easy to work with and will create a nice, gooey texture in the crust. Another benefit of using string cheese is that it comes in individual sticks, making it easy to portion and place into the crust.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can try using a combination of cheeses in your stuffed crust. A classic four-cheese pizza typically includes mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan. This combination will give your crust a more complex flavor profile. You can also experiment with other combinations, such as cheddar and provolone, or even add in some herbs to enhance the flavor.

For a unique twist, you can try using cottage cheese as the base for your pizza dough, as suggested by Myriad Recipes. This creates a light and airy dough with a delightful texture. You can then stuff the crust with mozzarella or experiment with other cheese varieties like goat cheese, which has a tangy and super flavorful profile.

Ultimately, the best cheese for a stuffed crust pizza comes down to personal preference. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite.

Frequently asked questions