The Best Cheeses To Pair With Pepperoni Pizza

Pepperoni pizza is a popular choice, with 36% of Americans claiming it as their favourite. But what type of cheese should you use? Mozzarella is the most common choice, but some recipes suggest adding a surprise or two, such as a layer of chopped pepperoni beneath the cheese. This adds extra flavour and prevents the pizza from becoming a greasy mess. For a healthier option, you can make your pizza with whole wheat flour and less cheese and meat.

Mozzarella cheese

Melting Properties

Mild Flavour

Mozzarella has a delicate, slightly salty flavour that complements rather than overwhelms the other ingredients. Its mildness allows the pepperoni's spiciness to shine through while adding a creamy, savoury note to the overall flavour profile. This balance ensures that neither the cheese nor the pepperoni overpowers the other, creating a harmonious combination.

Visual Appeal

Mozzarella's creamy white colour provides an appealing contrast to the red pepperoni slices, making the pizza visually attractive. The cheese also melts into a gooey, inviting consistency, enhancing the overall presentation of the pizza.

Nutritional Benefits

Versatility

In summary, mozzarella cheese is an ideal choice for pepperoni pizza due to its melting properties, mild flavour, visual appeal, nutritional benefits, and versatility. It enhances the taste, texture, and appearance of the pizza while providing a good source of protein and calcium. Whether shredded, grated, or sliced, mozzarella cheese elevates the pepperoni pizza experience.

Calcium content

Cheese pizza is a timeless classic that appeals to all ages, while pepperoni pizza is a more adventurous choice for those who enjoy a little spice. But when it comes to calcium content, which type of pizza comes out on top?

Let's start with the obvious source of calcium: cheese. Cheese is a well-known source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Calcium helps to reduce the loss of bone tissue as we age and also plays a role in muscle contraction and blood clotting.

When it comes to calcium content, cheese pizza takes the lead. In a single serving, cheese pizza can deliver up to 20% of the daily calcium intake recommended for humans. This is because cheese is the primary source of calcium in pizza, and a plain cheese pizza will have more cheese than a pepperoni pizza.

However, pepperoni pizza also contains calcium, especially if it includes cheese. While the exact amount of calcium in pepperoni pizza may vary depending on the amount of cheese used, we can estimate that it provides a decent amount of calcium as well.

To enhance the calcium content of your pizza, you can opt for whole wheat flour when making the dough. Whole wheat flour is a good source of calcium and can boost the overall calcium content of your pizza.

Additionally, you can add other calcium-rich ingredients to your pizza. For example, spinach is a great source of calcium and can be added as a topping. Broccoli is another calcium-rich vegetable that pairs well with pizza.

In conclusion, while cheese pizza is the clear winner when it comes to calcium content, pepperoni pizza also contributes a decent amount of calcium to your diet. By choosing whole wheat flour and adding calcium-rich toppings, you can further increase the calcium content of your pizza, regardless of whether you prefer cheese or pepperoni.

Protein content

When it comes to choosing a pizza, there are two types of people: those who prefer cheese and those who prefer pepperoni. While both have their benefits, cheese pizza is a timeless classic that appeals to all ages, whereas pepperoni adds a spicy kick for those who like their food a little more adventurous.

If you're looking for a protein-rich option, cheese pizza is the better choice. A single slice of cheese pizza provides around 23% of your daily protein intake, compared to pepperoni pizza, which has a lower protein content. To enhance the protein content of your cheese pizza, consider adding some lean protein or switching to whole wheat flour for the base.

While pepperoni pizza may not be as high in protein, it does contain manganese, a mineral that aids in the absorption of protein. This means that pepperoni can help your body make the most of the protein it consumes. In a single serving of pepperoni pizza, you'll get around 13% of your daily manganese requirement.

In addition to protein, cheese pizza is also a good source of other nutrients. It provides calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones, and phosphorus, which also plays a role in bone health and energy generation.

So, if you're looking for a pizza that delivers a substantial amount of protein, cheese pizza is the way to go. However, don't count out pepperoni pizza entirely – its manganese content can boost your body's ability to absorb and utilise protein.

Cheese pizza vs pepperoni pizza for a party

When it comes to hosting a party, the pizza you choose can be a tricky decision. Cheese and pepperoni pizzas are both classic options, but each has its own unique advantages. So, which one is the better choice for your party? Let's break it down and find out!

First, let's talk about the guest list. If you're expecting a lot of kids, cheese pizza is usually the safer bet. It's a timeless favourite that appeals to all ages, and kids tend to love the simplicity of cheesy goodness. On the other hand, if your guest list consists mostly of adults, you might want to consider adding some variety with pepperoni pizzas. Adults often appreciate the extra spice and flavour that pepperoni brings to the table.

Another factor to consider is cost. Cheese pizza typically wins when it comes to budget-friendliness. It's generally cheaper than pepperoni pizza, so if you're feeding a large crowd or watching your expenses, cheese pizza can be a more economical option. However, if budget isn't a concern, pepperoni pizzas can add a gourmet touch to your party spread.

Personal preference also plays a significant role in your decision. If you're a cheese pizza purist, there's no need to compromise. Similarly, if you're a fan of spicy toppings, pepperoni pizzas can be a great way to add some excitement to your party menu. Don't be afraid to mix and match to cater to different tastes!

Cheese pizza is a versatile option that can be easily customised with additional toppings. It's a great choice if you want to get creative and experiment with different combinations. Whether you add veggies, sausage, or even exotic toppings like salsa or Sriracha, cheese pizza provides a delicious base for your culinary explorations.

On the other hand, pepperoni pizza is a crowd-pleaser and a favourite among many. According to a 2017 survey, around 36% of Americans consider pepperoni their favourite topping. Pepperoni is a type of salami made from cured pork and beef, giving it a distinct flavour and slight spiciness. It pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella, creating a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

In conclusion, the choice between cheese and pepperoni pizza ultimately depends on your personal preferences, guest demographics, and budget. Cheese pizza is a classic, crowd-pleasing option that's perfect for kids and those who prefer simplicity. Pepperoni pizza, on the other hand, adds a spicy kick and is ideal for adults seeking a more adventurous dining experience. No matter which pizza you choose, your guests are sure to enjoy the party!

Chopping pepperoni for a less greasy pizza

When it comes to pizza, pepperoni is a popular topping, but it can make your pizza greasy. Here are some tips to help reduce the grease when chopping pepperoni for your pizza:

Firstly, the type of pepperoni you use can make a difference. Turkey pepperoni, for example, is an option that is not as greasy. Chopping the pepperoni slices into quarters can also help, as it reduces the amount of grease that pools on your pizza.

Secondly, precooking your pepperoni before adding it to your pizza can significantly reduce the amount of grease. This can be done by microwaving the pepperoni slices between paper towels for around 10-15 seconds, or until you see the fat start to melt and get absorbed by the paper towels. This method helps to remove some of the fat before it reaches your pizza and can be done with other fatty meats like salami.

Another option is to use a skillet to precook the pepperoni. Place the pepperoni slices in a single layer in the skillet and turn the heat to medium. Within a few minutes, the pepperoni will release its grease. Transfer the slices to a paper towel to absorb the excess grease before placing them on your pizza. This method can also be used to achieve crispy pepperoni, by leaving the slices on the heat for a little longer.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a less greasy pepperoni pizza. These techniques are also useful for other fatty toppings, so you can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pizza!

Frequently asked questions