The Cheesy Truth Behind Pepperoni Pizzas

Pepperoni pizza is a classic, but what type of cheese should you use to make it perfect? Mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza, and it's known for its gooey, stretchy texture. However, other cheeses can also be used to add flavour and variety.

Mozzarella is a good choice for those who want a classic, gooey pizza. It has a mild, milky flavour that pairs well with spicy toppings like pepperoni. For a more complex flavour, you could try smoked mozzarella, which has a buttery taste with a hint of sweetness.

If you're looking to branch out, there are several other cheeses that melt well on pizza. These include cheddar, fontina, gouda, Monterey Jack, muenster, provolone, and Swiss raclette. For a spicier kick, pepper jack cheese is a good option. A blend of cheeses can also be used to add depth of flavour and improve meltability. A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and sharp cheddar is a popular choice, as the provolone adds a signature pizzeria taste, and the cheddar boosts the overall flavour.

For those who want to get creative, goat cheese, feta, and havarti are less traditional options that can be paired with certain toppings. For example, goat cheese goes well with spinach, tomatoes, and a balsamic drizzle.

When making pepperoni pizza, it's important to remember that the type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the final product.

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pepperoni pizza

Mozzarella is a fine choice, but it's not your only option. When making a pepperoni pizza, you can use a blend of cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. For example, you could use a combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for its assertive flavour, or maybe a mix of mozzarella and provolone for that signature pizzeria taste.

Mozzarella is a good choice for those who want a stretchy, gooey cheese experience. However, if you're looking for a cheese that will puddle and melt into the pizza, consider provolone, fontina, Muenster, or Swiss raclette. These cheeses will provide a similar meltability to mozzarella but with a different flavour profile.

When making a pepperoni pizza, it's essential to use block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese neither tastes as good nor melts as well as block cheese. If you're short on time, you can simply cube, slice, or rip the block cheese into pieces.

So, while mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pepperoni pizza, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and blends to find your perfect combination!

Other cheeses that work well include provolone, gouda, and cheddar

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pepperoni pizza, but there are several other options that can be used to add flavour and texture to your pizza.

Gouda, especially young gouda, is another cheese with good meltability. It has a thicker texture and is gooier than some other cheeses, making it a popular choice in Japan. Smoked gouda has a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of sweetness and a touch of smoke.

Cheddar is a sharp, nutty, and rich-flavoured cheese that holds its texture well as it cools. It has excellent meltability and pairs well with a variety of toppings. A combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar is a great option for a pepperoni pizza, providing both stretch and flavour.

The best way to store leftover pizza is to stack slices with parchment paper in between

Pizza is a beloved dish for many, and while it's usually a surefire win for dinner, there may be times when you end up with leftovers. But what's the best way to store it?

Leaving leftover pizza in its box and shoving it into the refrigerator is not ideal. The cardboard and freely circulating air will dehydrate the pizza, making it dry and tough. Instead, the best way to store leftover pizza is to stack slices with parchment paper in between. Here's how to do it:

Let any remaining pizza slices cool down. If the pizza has minimal toppings and cheese, you can simply stack the slices into a resealable bag or an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator.

However, if your pizza is saucy or has a lot of loose toppings, try this method: Place a single layer of slices on a dinner plate and cover them with a layer of wax, freezer, foil, or parchment paper. Keep stacking, alternating pizza and paper, until all the slices are on the plate. Finally, wrap the entire stack tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.

This method helps prevent your leftover pizza from drying out and taking up too much space in the fridge. It's a bit more work than just throwing the box in the fridge, but it's worth it to enjoy tastier pizza for up to 3-4 days!

Now, let's talk about the cheese. While mozzarella is the most popular choice for pizza, you can get creative and use other cheeses or combinations. Some alternatives to consider are provolone, fontina, gouda, muenster, cheddar, or even a blend of multiple cheeses. Just remember to shred your own cheese for the best taste and melt!

To freeze pizza, wrap unbaked dough in plastic and freeze flat

Freezing pizza dough is a great way to ensure you always have a pizza on hand. It's simple to do and can be done with any type or quantity of pizza dough. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by making your favourite pizza dough recipe and letting it rise as usual. You can use any type of dough, from a simple yeast dough to a more complex sourdough.

Step 2: Portion the Dough

Divide the risen dough into individual balls, each enough to make a single pizza. The size of the ball will depend on your preferred pizza size, but a good guideline is to aim for a 14-inch diameter circle when rolled out.

Step 3: Coat with Oil

Lightly coat each dough ball with olive oil or baking spray. This will help prevent the dough from drying out and make it easier to handle once frozen. Turn the dough over to ensure it is lightly coated on all sides.

Step 4: Bag and Freeze

Place each oiled dough ball into a freezer bag. If using multiple balls per bag, separate them with parchment or wax paper. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Then, place the bags of dough flat in your freezer.

Step 5: Thaw and Use

When you're ready to enjoy your pizza, take the dough out of the freezer and thaw it. The best way to do this is to place the dough, still in its bag, in the fridge overnight or for at least 12 hours. Once thawed, let the dough warm up on the countertop for about 30 minutes before stretching and shaping it into your pizza base.

Tips:

• You can freeze pizza dough for up to three months.
• For best results, bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Experiment with different types of dough and find your favourite!

Now you can enjoy freshly baked pizza anytime, straight from your freezer!

Reheat pizza in the oven or microwave

If you're looking to reheat a pepperoni pizza, there are several methods to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat pizza in the oven or microwave, as well as some alternative methods:

Reheating Pizza in the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
• Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet inside and let it heat up for a few minutes.
• Place your pizza slices directly on the hot baking sheet or on a piece of foil.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy.
• For a toaster oven, bake for 3-4 minutes.

Reheating Pizza in the Microwave:

• Place your pizza slice on a plate or a paper towel in the microwave.
• Put a microwave-safe mug or cup of water next to the pizza in the microwave. This helps the pizza heat more evenly and prevents the crust from hardening.
• Microwave on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is warmed through.

Alternative Methods:

If you're looking for alternative methods to reheat your pizza, you can try the following:

• Stovetop: Use a skillet or cast-iron pan to reheat your pizza over medium heat. Cover the pan to help melt the cheese and add a few drops of water for steam. This method takes about 5-10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper or aluminium foil. Place your pizza slice inside and air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 2-6 minutes, depending on your air fryer.
• Combination: You can also partially heat your pizza in the microwave and then finish it in the oven or toaster oven for a crispier crust.

Frequently asked questions