Bbq Chicken Pizza: What Cheeses Melt Best?

BBQ chicken pizza is a mouth-watering combination of barbecue sauce, chicken, and a variety of cheeses. The most popular cheeses used in BBQ chicken pizza are mozzarella, smoked gouda, cheddar, and Colby-Jack. However, some recipes suggest using provolone, smoked mozzarella, or Monterey Jack instead of, or in addition to, the more common options.

Mozzarella and smoked gouda

Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy cheese that is a staple on most pizzas. It has a mild, creamy taste that is not overpowering, allowing the other toppings to shine. Smoked gouda, on the other hand, is a semi-hard cheese with a distinct smoky flavour. The smoking process gives the cheese a brown exterior and a unique taste that complements the BBQ sauce and chicken perfectly.

When combined, these two cheeses create a delicious flavour profile that enhances the overall taste of the pizza. The smokiness of the gouda adds depth to the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while the mozzarella provides a creamy, stretchy texture that is satisfying to bite into.

Some recipes suggest a ratio of 2/3 cup of each cheese, while others simply recommend mixing the two to taste. You can also adjust the amounts based on your personal preference. If you want a stronger smoky flavour, add more smoked gouda, or stick to mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste.

In addition to mozzarella and smoked gouda, other cheeses that go well with BBQ chicken pizza include cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, and smoked mozzarella. However, the combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda is a great starting point for a delicious, flavourful pizza.

Cheddar

The tanginess of the barbecue sauce, the smokiness of the chicken, and the sharpness of the red onion are all complemented by the addition of cheddar. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a bubbly, golden-brown pizza that is hard to resist.

When making a barbecue chicken pizza with cheddar, it is important to use a combination of toppings that will create a balanced flavor profile. The chicken can be grilled, shredded, or rotisserie, and the onion can be raw or cooked. Bacon is also a popular addition, providing a savory, crispy element.

The key to a delicious barbecue chicken pizza with cheddar is finding the right ratio of toppings to cheese. Too many toppings can result in a soggy pizza, so it is best to leave some space between each topping and ensure that the cheese is still visible.

Whether you are a seasoned pizza maker or a beginner, a barbecue chicken pizza with cheddar is a great option for a tasty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Colby-Jack

To make a BBQ chicken pizza with Colby-Jack cheese, you will need to preheat your oven to around 350-450°F. You can use a pre-made pizza base or make your own dough. If you are making your own, you will need to proof the dough and then par-bake the crust before adding toppings.

Once your base is ready, spread a layer of BBQ sauce over the crust, followed by cooked, shredded chicken. You can also mix the chicken with some of the BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza. Next, add sliced red onions and cilantro. Finally, cover with shredded Colby-Jack cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

You can also add other toppings to your pizza, such as peppers, bacon, or extra cheese. However, be careful not to add too many toppings, as this can result in a soggy pizza.

Mozzarella and cheddar

Mozzarella is a classic pizza cheese, and its stretchy, melty quality is a perfect match for the tangy barbecue sauce. Cheddar, meanwhile, adds a sharp, rich flavour to the pizza.

Some recipes suggest a combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack, instead of cheddar. However, the combination of mozzarella and cheddar is a popular choice, as the two cheeses melt and stretch well, and create a delicious, indulgent flavour.

When making a BBQ chicken pizza with mozzarella and cheddar, it is important to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed. One method is to sprinkle most of the cheese on the sauce, then add the toppings, and finish with a final layer of cheese to hold the pizza together.

Provolone, mozzarella, smoked gouda or Monterey Jack

Provolone, mozzarella, smoked gouda, and Monterey Jack are all popular cheese choices for a BBQ chicken pizza.

Mozzarella is a classic pizza cheese, and smoked gouda adds a deep smoky flavour that pairs well with the sweet BBQ sauce. Provolone is another popular choice for BBQ chicken pizzas and can be used in combination with mozzarella, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack.

Some recipes suggest using a blend of two or more of these cheeses to create a unique and delicious flavour profile. For example, one recipe recommends mixing mozzarella with smoked gouda, while another suggests combining provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella.

In addition to the type of cheese, the amount used can also vary depending on personal preference. Most recipes call for between 1/2 cup to 2 cups of cheese, depending on the size of the pizza and the desired cheesiness.

So, when making a BBQ chicken pizza, feel free to experiment with different combinations of provolone, mozzarella, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack to find your perfect blend!

Frequently asked questions