The Best Cheeses For Pizza Toppings: A Guide

Pizza is a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of cheeses and ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences. While the classic combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni remains a popular choice, there are several other options to explore. For instance, a Quattro Formaggi pizza combines four different cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and blue cheese, offering a mix of melted, sharp, salty, and subtle flavours. On the other hand, a Margherita pizza, invented in the 1800s, showcases the colours of the Italian flag with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. For those who enjoy a good blend of meat and vegetables, the Supreme pizza is a great option, typically including pepperoni, sausage, green bell pepper, black olives, and red onions, with variations allowing for the addition of sautéed mushrooms or hot peppers.

Mozzarella

When using mozzarella on a pizza, it is important to use good-quality cheese. Fresh mozzarella is preferable, and if it comes packed in water, it should be drained and sliced thinly. Mozzarella pearls are also a good option, as they are the perfect size for pizzas. If using a ball of mozzarella, cut it into small squares.

Parmesan, provolone and blue cheese

Parmesan, provolone, and blue cheese are all popular pizza toppings, and they can be used in various combinations to create delicious pizzas.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a cow's milk cheese that is typically aged for a specific period, with the esteemed Italian version, Parmigiano-Reggiano, requiring by law to be aged for at least a year. It is a hard cheese with a strong flavour, ideal for grating over pizzas, soups, pasta, or salads. Its versatility makes it a staple in Italian cuisine.

Provolone

Provolone, also made from cow's milk, has a softer, moister, and chewier texture than Parmesan. It has a piquant flavour that adds depth to pizzas. Provolone is aged to develop stronger or milder flavours, and it cannot be grated but shreds well. It is often blended with mozzarella to enhance the flavour and melting quality of the cheese on pizzas.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is known for its strong flavour and creamy texture. When used in combination with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan, it adds a distinct flavour to pizzas. Blue cheese is commonly used in small amounts to create a Quattro Formaggio (Four Cheese Pizza).

Combining Parmesan, Provolone, and Blue Cheese

Combining these three cheeses on a pizza can result in a flavourful and indulgent creation. One popular recipe includes a base of plain pizza dough, a spread of crushed tomatoes, and a generous topping of provolone, Parmesan, and blue cheese. The addition of ingredients like broccoli, carrots, and romaine lettuce can complement the cheeses and create a well-rounded dish.

Roasted veggies

Roasted vegetables are a great way to add extra veggies to your pizza. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, onions, broccoli, artichokes, asparagus, olives, and more. Roasting the vegetables brings out their subtle sweetness, taking your pizza to the next level.

• Use a medley of vegetables for a variety of flavours and textures.
• Go easy on the vegetables, as you don't want to overcrowd the pizza.
• Don't overcook the vegetables—roast them just enough to bring out their flavour, keeping in mind that they will cook again on top of the pizza.
• Use a combination of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a classic flavour. You can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone, blue cheese, or fresh mozzarella.
• If using fresh mozzarella, be cautious as it can be quite wet, and when paired with wet roasted vegetables, your pizza may become soggy.
• Add some garlic to the pizza for extra flavour.
• Use a whole wheat pizza dough or a regular pizza dough for a healthier option.
• Pre-bake your pizza crust for a crispier base.
• Try different sauces like pizza sauce, pesto, or marinara sauce.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Roasted vegetables of your choice (eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, onions, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, etc.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with two tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper.
• Spread the vegetables on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Drizzle the remaining olive oil onto a second baking sheet. Stretch the dough across the sheet, pricking it with a fork.
• Bake the dough for 10 minutes until the edges begin to brown.
• Remove the crust from the oven and top with pizza sauce and cheese.
• Add the roasted vegetables on top and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are brown.
• Top with additional crushed red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and/or basil, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy roasted vegetable pizza!

Grilled veggies

Choosing Your Vegetables

Select a variety of vegetables that will complement each other and provide a range of flavours, colours, and textures. Some popular options for grilling include:

• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Eggplant
• Asparagus
• Artichokes

Preparing the Vegetables

Cut your chosen vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. You can brush them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and other desired spices or herbs. Consider marinating them in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and your favourite seasonings to add extra flavour.

Grilling the Vegetables

Place the vegetables in a grill basket or wok to ensure they don't fall through the grill grates. Grill them over medium heat until they are tender and slightly charred, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. You can also use a stovetop grill pan if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.

Assembling the Pizza

Once your vegetables are grilled to perfection, it's time to assemble your pizza. Start by brushing your pizza crust with olive oil and spreading a layer of tomato sauce or pesto. You can use a pre-baked crust or make your own dough from scratch. Then, top with the grilled vegetables and your choice of cheese.

Baking the Pizza

Place the pizza in the oven and bake at a high temperature, around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This should take around 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Customisation and Serving

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of grilled veggies and cheeses. You can also add extra ingredients such as nuts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs over the pizza before serving.

Enjoy your delicious grilled veggie pizza!

Sauces

Tomato-Based Sauces

The classic pizza sauce is made from tomatoes, and you can use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own. For a simple homemade version, blend crushed fire-roasted tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and salt. This sauce forms the base for many traditional pizzas, including the Margherita, which features the colours of the Italian flag: red from the tomato sauce, white from the mozzarella, and green from fresh basil leaves.

Pesto

Pesto is another popular choice for pizza sauce. You can spread basil pesto over the dough and top it with mozzarella and sliced fresh tomatoes. For an extra punch of flavour, add more pesto after the pizza is baked.

White Sauces

White pizzas, or pizza bianca, are made without a tomato sauce. Instead, they use a white-coloured sauce or a fine brushing of olive oil. The white sauce can be a cream sauce like an alfredo or a soft cheese like ricotta. One option is to mix ricotta cheese with garlic as the base and top it with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a popular choice for pizzas with meat toppings, such as BBQ chicken or a meat lover's pizza. It provides a sweet and smoky flavour that pairs well with meats like chicken, bacon, and pepperoni.

Other Creative Sauces

There are also some less conventional sauce options that can add unique flavours to your pizza. These include:

• Lemon cashew cream sauce for a vegan pizza
• Balsamic glaze, drizzled over the pizza after baking, adds a sweet and tangy touch
• Labneh, a creamy, tangy cheese that can be added after baking
• Za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that can be stirred into olive oil and drizzled over the pizza

Frequently asked questions