The Cheeses In Pizza Blend: A Detailed Overview

Pizza and cheese are a timeless duo, with mozzarella being the most popular choice for pizzas worldwide. However, the versatility of pizza means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cheese selection. The best cheese for pizza depends on the desired flavour and texture, with options ranging from mild to intense, and hard to soft. While mozzarella is a classic, pizza blends can include a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, parmesan, and more. These blends offer both functionality and flavour, enhancing the overall taste of the pizza.

Mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza

Mozzarella is available in both fresh and low-moisture variations, each offering unique characteristics. Fresh mozzarella has a creamy, rich flavour with more moisture, while low-moisture mozzarella provides a denser texture and a saltier taste, ideal for achieving a stretchy cheese layer. Low-moisture mozzarella is the variety more commonly used in restaurants and pizzerias, as it has a longer shelf life, stronger flavours, and is easier to melt. It also has a lower water content, which helps to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.

Mozzarella is cherished for its ability to brown nicely, without burning, and its superior stretchability. Its mild flavour also means it does not overpower other ingredients, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of pizza combinations.

While mozzarella is the most popular choice, many pizzerias have also started using custom cheese blends to create a unique taste that customers notice and crave. The most popular cheese blend used by most pizzerias is a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. However, mozzarella still typically makes up the majority of these blends, as it is affordable and determines the flavour.

Cheddar is a bold, sharp flavour

Cheddar is crafted from cow's milk, which provides a rich and robust flavour. It has a firm and dense texture that adds a satisfying bite to the pizza. While it may not be as stretchy as mozzarella, cheddar offers a delightful melt that coats the toppings evenly. It has a moderately moist texture, ensuring a moist and flavourful pizza experience.

When creating a pizza blend, cheddar is often used in combination with other cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack. For a unique flavour profile, cheddar can be paired with a more intense cheese, such as blue cheese, smoked mozzarella, or pepper Jack. Adding cheddar to a pizza blend enhances the overall taste and creates a pie with extra depth of flavour.

However, it is important to note that cheddar's fats and solids can separate when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to use milder varieties of cheddar, such as "mild" or "medium", and blend it with other cheeses to create a well-rounded flavour profile for your pizza.

Provolone is smooth and creamy

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese that is smooth and creamy. It is closely related to mozzarella and is often used in conjunction with Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella. When it is young, provolone has a sweet and mild flavour, which sharpens as it ages. Its texture also changes as it gets older, becoming crumbly due to the formation of salt crystals in the cheese. Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as a garnish, and its mild flavour works beautifully on all types of pizza.

Provolone is an excellent melting cheese, creating a uniform layer of cheese that complements the pizza dough and toppings without overwhelming them. Its smooth and creamy texture melts beautifully over the pizza, resulting in a velvety layer of cheese with a golden brown hue. Provolone also offers moderate stretchiness, providing a satisfying cheese pull.

Provolone is a popular choice for pizza blends, often combined with mozzarella for a flavour boost. Its excellent melting properties and moderate stretchiness make it a staple in many cheese blends, and its versatility allows it to blend well with other cheeses. Provolone can elevate the subtle flavours of a pizza, enhancing its overall taste and creating a flavourful, creamy, and smooth sensory experience.

For a New York-style pizza, a blend of mozzarella and provolone is a classic combination, providing the iconic stretch and a fuller flavour profile. The combination of these two cheeses creates a smooth, uniform melt that enhances the pizza without overwhelming the other ingredients. Provolone's mild, sweet, and tangy flavours blend seamlessly with the creamy, rich, and tangy notes of mozzarella, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying taste.

The versatility of provolone makes it an ideal cheese for those seeking a milder flavour profile who still want a hint of tanginess. Its smooth and creamy texture, moderate stretchiness, and excellent melting properties make it a perfect choice for pizza blends, especially when combined with other cheeses like mozzarella. Provolone's ability to complement and elevate other flavours while still offering its own unique characteristics makes it a favourite for pizza lovers.

Parmesan is nutty and salty

Parmesan is a hard cheese crafted from cow's milk and aged to perfection. It is known for its nutty and salty flavour profile, with hints of roasted hazelnuts, browned butter, and a sharp tanginess. When used on pizza, Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavour and a delightful crunch. Its savoury umami taste complements a wide range of toppings, making it a popular choice for pizza blends.

The nutty and salty characteristics of Parmesan come from the aging process, which also results in a harder texture. This aging process also contributes to its low moisture content, resulting in a more concentrated and intense flavour. While Parmesan may not be the primary cheese in a pizza blend, adding a small amount can enhance the overall taste of the pizza.

When blending Parmesan with other cheeses, it is important to consider the meltability and stretchability of the cheeses. Parmesan, being a harder cheese, does not melt as easily as softer, younger cheeses. However, when combined with cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack, Parmesan can contribute to a unique flavour profile while still allowing for the desired melt and stretch.

The standard blending ratios for pizza cheese blends are typically 80/10/10 or 80/20, with part-skim mozzarella as the primary component. Parmesan can be added as a complementary cheese, such as in an 80/10/10 blend with mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Alternatively, Parmesan can be added as a flavour enhancer, such as in an 80/10/10 blend with mozzarella and a bolder cheese like blue cheese, smoked mozzarella, or pepper Jack.

In addition to its flavour and texture, Parmesan also has a fragrant aroma that can enhance the overall pizza experience. Grating Parmesan over a pizza before serving adds a savoury touch that complements the other ingredients. The salty and nutty flavours of Parmesan make it a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni to more unique combinations.

Ricotta is creamy and delicate

Ricotta is a fresh cheese made by adding acid to milk or whey, which then forms soft curds. It has a creamy and delicate flavour and texture, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a milder-flavoured pizza. Its high water content and soft, spreadable consistency make it ideal for creating innovative pizza combinations.

When used on pizza, ricotta melts softly, blending seamlessly with other ingredients to create a luscious layer of cheese. While it is not known for its stretchiness, it provides a luxurious creaminess that complements both sweet and savoury toppings. Its mild taste and creamy mouthfeel make it a perfect base for white pizzas, where it adds even more moisture to the pie. It also pairs well with mozzarella, creating a topping that offers both creaminess and meltability.

For a truly indulgent experience, consider pairing ricotta with lighter toppings and a drizzle of olive oil. This combination will elevate your pizza into a rich, decadent dish that explores beyond classic pizza flavours. The versatility of ricotta means it can be used to create a fresh alternative to traditional pizzas or to add a gourmet touch to your homemade creation.

When choosing ricotta for your pizza, opt for one made from cow's milk to achieve a creamy and delicate flavour. This type of ricotta will have a smooth and creamy texture that spreads effortlessly across the pizza crust, enhancing your pizza-making experience and taking your pies to the next level.

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