Blt Pizza: What Cheese Should You Use?

BLT pizza is a fun twist on the classic BLT sandwich. The pizza typically includes bacon, lettuce, and tomato, but the type of cheese used can vary. Some recipes call for shredded mozzarella, while others suggest a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella and cheddar or mozzarella and parmesan. The pizza is usually served with a sauce, such as garlic-mayo or sour cream aioli, drizzled on top.

Mozzarella and cheddar

Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured, stretchy, and melty cheese that is a popular choice for pizza. It has a slightly salty, tangy flavour and is known for its excellent meltability, creating that satisfying "cheese pull" when you take a bite. It is also a good choice for BLT pizza because it adds a salty flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Cheddar, on the other hand, is a sharper, tangier cheese that adds a nice kick to the filling. It is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and its sharpness pairs well with the smokiness of the bacon in a BLT pizza.

When combined, these two cheeses create a delicious, gooey base for the other toppings. They complement each other well, with the mildness of the mozzarella tempering the sharpness of the cheddar, and the saltiness of the mozzarella enhancing the tanginess of the cheddar.

To ensure the best flavour and melting ability, it is recommended to grate the cheeses yourself. Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but freshly grated will always taste better and melt more smoothly.

The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on a BLT pizza creates a delicious and indulgent treat that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The mild, stretchy mozzarella balances the sharp, tangy cheddar, resulting in a gooey, cheesy delight that takes the classic BLT to the next level.

Sour cream aioli

BLT pizza is a fun twist on the classic BLT sandwich, typically made with a base of creamy white sauce, made with Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, and a combination of cheeses. The pizza is then topped with bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, along with other optional ingredients like avocado, radishes, sprouts, or chicken.

Now, onto the star of the show: the sour cream aioli. Aioli is traditionally made with olive oil, mashed garlic, and salt. However, the more common version is a creamier, mayo-based sauce that can be seasoned in various ways.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl or a food processor.
• Whisk or pulse the mixture until it becomes well combined and creamy.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Serve the aioli as a dip, spread it on sandwiches or burgers, or use it as a sauce for chicken or veggies.

This aioli will add a tangy and spicy kick to your BLT pizza. It's a versatile sauce that can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature aioli!

Parmesan

When using Parmesan on a pizza, it should be sprinkled on top just before serving. It should not be blended with other cheeses and should not be baked in the oven, as exposure to heat can ruin its delicate flavour.

For a BLT pizza, Parmesan could be used in combination with other cheeses to add depth of flavour. For example, it could be paired with mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar, which all have excellent melting properties and would provide a gooey, stretchy texture.

Mayo vs Miracle Whip

BLT pizza is a fun twist on the classic BLT sandwich, with bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a pizza base. But what kind of sauce should you use—mayo or Miracle Whip?

Mayo vs. Miracle Whip

Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip are similar but distinct condiments. Both are emulsified semi-solid spreads made from oil, eggs, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. However, Miracle Whip, introduced in 1933 as a cheaper alternative to mayo, has a key difference: it contains less oil and more water, sugar, and spices.

The most notable taste difference is that Miracle Whip is sweeter than most mayos. It also has a lighter, tangier taste compared to the rich, eggy aroma of mayo. Some people prefer the sweetness of Miracle Whip for certain dishes, like BLTs, while others prefer the savoury taste of mayo.

When it comes to BLT pizza, you can use either mayo or Miracle Whip as the base sauce. Miracle Whip will give your pizza a sweeter flavour, while mayo will make it richer and more savoury. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference!

BLT Pizza Cheese

When it comes to cheese, BLT pizza typically uses a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. However, you can also experiment with different cheeses, such as smoked mozzarella or smoked cheddar, to add a smoky flavour to your pizza.

Lettuce type

When it comes to choosing the lettuce for your BLT pizza, the goal is to provide a good balance of crunch and flavour that can stand up to the rest of the ingredients. Here are some options:

Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is a mild, standard variety that is known for its crisp texture, making it a popular choice for BLT sandwiches and pizzas. It provides a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the other flavours in the mix. Iceberg lettuce is often shredded or chopped to top the pizza.

Romaine Lettuce

Romaine lettuce is another type of lettuce that offers a good balance of crunch and flavour. The midrib of romaine has a similar crunch to iceberg, while the outer dark green leaves add a boost of flavour. It can be shredded or chopped, and its sturdy texture holds up well on a pizza.

Arugula

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a bitter salad green with peppery notes. It has a strong flavour that can stand up to other bold ingredients in a BLT pizza. Arugula is often used as a topping after the pizza is baked, adding a fresh, nutty taste and a different texture.

Butterhead Lettuce

Butterhead lettuce, including Boston and Bibb varieties, has a buttery texture and a mild, sweet flavour. It adds a touch of sweetness to the pizza without sacrificing crunch. Butterhead lettuce can provide a softer texture and a subtle taste that complements the other ingredients.

Mizuna

Mizuna is a Japanese mustard green with feathery leaves and a pleasant peppery flavour. If you're looking for a unique lettuce option, mizuna offers a mild peppery taste without the focus on crunch. It can add a delicate texture and subtle spice to your BLT pizza.

Frequently asked questions