The Best Cheeses To Pair With A Hearty 'Oh

Cheese is an essential component of a pizza, and while there are many varieties to choose from, some are better suited than others. Mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza, prized for its mild flavour, creamy texture, and superior stretchability. However, it is important to opt for low-moisture mozzarella to avoid a soggy pizza. Fresh mozzarella, while delicious, has a high water content and can make your pizza base soggy. Other cheeses that work well on pizza include provolone, which has a milder flavour when young and gets sharper as it ages; parmesan, which adds umami and depth of flavour; and cheddar, preferably a mild or medium variety, as sharp cheddar may separate at high temperatures. For a spicier option, you could try pepper jack, and for a classic pizzeria taste, a blend of mozzarella and provolone is a winning combination.

Mozzarella

There are two main types of mozzarella: high-moisture and low-moisture. High-moisture mozzarella is typically used on wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas, while low-moisture mozzarella is the cheese of choice for most other pizza styles, including New York, Greek, and Chicago deep-dish pies. Low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life, a saltier and denser flavour, and superior melting capabilities compared to its high-moisture counterpart.

When choosing mozzarella for your pizza, it is recommended to look for whole-milk cheese and shred it yourself. Whole milk mozzarella has better meltability and spread than skim or part-skim mozzarella, which tend to form unattractive sheets when melted. Additionally, pre-shredded mozzarella often comes coated with a desiccating powder that gives it an unpleasant gritty mouthfeel.

Some popular brands of mozzarella include Polly-O, Trader Joe's, and Capiello, which have been praised for their meltability and flavour.

Cheddar

The texture of cheddar, like all other cheeses, depends on the aging process. Young cheddars (aged under six months) have a smooth and creamy texture with a mild buttery flavour. When melted, the fat in young cheddar breaks down, leaving a smooth finish, making it ideal for cheese sandwiches, gourmet burgers, and macaroni.

If the cheese is aged for longer, it develops a complex, nutty flavour profile. Matured cheddars have a semi-firm and crumbly texture, making them easy to slice. They are one of the most commonly used cheeses for salads and snacks, such as charcuterie boards. Cheddar pairs well with red and white wine, and can even be used as a topping for apple pies.

Goat's Cheese

Dough and Sauce

• For the dough, you can use a standard pizza dough recipe, or go for a thin crust. Pre-baking the dough for a few minutes will make it crispier.
• While some recipes omit the sauce, a tangy tomato sauce can complement the goat's cheese well. Alternatively, you could try a Dijon-based sauce, or pesto.
• If you want to avoid tomato sauce, you could try using a jam, such as onion or fig, as a base.

Toppings

• Goat's cheese pairs well with sweet toppings like caramelised onions, honey, or fruit. You could also try adding some prosciutto or bacon for a savoury touch.
• Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme add flavour and colour to the pizza.
• For an extra kick, add some crushed pine nuts or walnuts.
• If you want to include vegetables, roasted red peppers or arugula are good options.

Cooking Tips

• Goat's cheese pizzas are best cooked at a very high temperature, and the dough should be thin to avoid over-crisping.
• Goat's cheese doesn't need much heat to melt, so keep an eye on it while it's in the oven.
• If you're using other cheeses, like mozzarella, add them first, then top with dollops of goat's cheese.

Parmesan

When choosing Parmesan for your dish, it is important to use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-shredded cheese will not melt as well and may affect the overall taste and texture of the dish.

A classic example of a dish that uses Parmesan is Pasta with Butter and Parmesan. This simple yet delicious recipe combines spaghetti, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The key to making this dish exceptional is to use high-quality ingredients and add pasta water to bring everything together, creating a creamy and luxurious sauce.

• Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add smashed or minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preferences.
• Cook spaghetti until al dente in a pot of boiling salted water.
• Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the garlic butter.
• Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and add a ladleful of pasta water. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Toss in chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve with extra Parmesan on the side.

This recipe is highly customizable, and you can add various ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular add-ins include crushed red pepper flakes, toasted nuts, crispy pancetta or bacon, seared shrimp or scallops, and drained canned tuna.

So, the next time you're wondering what kind of cheese to use, consider Parmesan, a versatile and beloved cheese that can elevate any dish!

Blue Cheese

• Spinach and blue cheese pizza: This pizza has a yeast-free base and is topped with spinach, walnuts, mushrooms, and blue cheese.
• Blue cheese pizza with sun-dried tomatoes: This pizza skips the traditional pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese and instead uses sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, pine nuts, and walnuts.
• Blue cheese pizza with turkey sausage: This pizza is inspired by a combination of toasted sourdough with blue cheese and homemade kumquat marmalade. It includes turkey fennel sausage, radicchio, and fontina cheese.

Frequently asked questions