Andy Montoya
Stuffed crust pizza is a popular dish, but what type of cheese does it use? There are several types of cheese that can be used for a stuffed crust pizza, including mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and asiago. Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its ability to form melty cheese pockets inside the pizza crust. It is also possible to use string cheese, which is convenient due to its shape, width, and texture. Some people also add herbs or Italian seasoning to their stuffed crusts for extra flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, Provolone |
| Cheese Form | String, Shredded, Sticks |
| Additional Ingredients | Italian Seasoning, Oregano, Basil |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella string cheese
While some recipes suggest using shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella cut into thin pieces, string cheese remains the most convenient and effective option for a stuffed crust. Its consistency and shape ensure even distribution of cheese throughout the crust, creating a satisfying cheese pull with each bite.
Additionally, mozzarella string cheese can be easily substituted with other types of string cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, depending on personal preference or desired flavour profile. These alternatives offer a similar texture and meltability, ensuring a consistent result regardless of the cheese variety used.
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Cheddar, Parmesan, and Asiago
While stuffed-crust pizzas are typically made with mozzarella string cheese, some recipes use a combination of Cheddar, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for pizza, with some pizza chains offering cheddar-crusted pizzas and cheddar cheesesticks. Parmesan is also a favoured cheese for crusts, with Domino's launching a Parmesan-stuffed crust pizza. Asiago is a less common choice, but it can be used to make a roasted veggie stuffed pizza.
Cheddar cheese is a versatile variety that can be used in a range of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to pizza toppings and crusts. Its sharp, tangy flavour and creamy texture make it a popular choice for those seeking a more pronounced cheese taste. Cheddar can be melted easily, making it ideal for stuffed crusts and other baked dishes.
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese with a rich, nutty flavour. It is often used as a topping or garnish, adding a salty, savoury note to dishes. Parmesan can also be melted, making it suitable for stuffed crusts, and its strong flavour means a little goes a long way.
Asiago cheese is named after the region in Northern Italy where it originated. It is a cow's milk cheese with a buttery texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. Asiago is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from melted paninis to salads, and it pairs well with roasted vegetables. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a good choice for stuffed crusts, adding a subtle, complementary taste.
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Shredded mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft cheese that melts easily, making it ideal for stuffed crust pizzas. When paired with Italian seasoning, it creates a delicious and flavorful crust. The amount of mozzarella used can vary depending on personal preference, but typically around 1 cup is sufficient for a stuffed crust pizza.
When using shredded mozzarella for a stuffed crust pizza, it is important to ensure that the dough is stretchy and soft, as this will make it easier to assemble the pizza. The dough should be rolled out and stretched to create a thin layer, and then the shredded mozzarella can be sprinkled in a ring on the outer rim. The edges of the dough are then folded over the cheese and pressed down to seal it inside the crust.
After adding pizza sauce, toppings, and additional cheese, the pizza is baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The result is a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed with various toppings and flavor combinations.
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Full-fat string cheese
When it comes to stuffed crust pizza, string cheese is a popular choice. Its shape, width, and texture make it perfect for creating melty cheese pockets inside the pizza crust. Full-fat string cheese, in particular, is recommended for the richest flavour and best melt. The fat in full-fat cheese adds flavour and moisture, helping the cheese to soften quickly and melt when heated.
Mozzarella string cheese is commonly used for stuffed crust pizza. Some sources specifically mention Pizza Hut's stuffed crust pizza, which is said to be made with mozzarella string cheese ropes. These ropes are softer and longer than the mozzarella string cheese typically available in supermarkets.
While mozzarella is the most commonly mentioned cheese for stuffed crust pizza, other types of string cheese can also be used. For example, cheddar cheese sticks are recommended for cheeseburger or taco pizza toppings. Peppery cheese sticks are suggested for a spicy pizza with jalapeños and chorizo.
When making stuffed crust pizza at home, it is important to consider the size and shape of the string cheese. Pre-packaged string cheese products can be used to make the process quicker and easier. However, it is worth noting that string cheese can vary in meltability, so choosing a variety that melts well, such as full-fat string cheese, is important for achieving the desired texture and flavour.
In addition to string cheese, shredded or thinly sliced mozzarella can also be used for stuffed crust pizza. This method may require a little more work to create the desired cheese pockets, but it offers another option for those who prefer shredded or sliced cheese over string cheese. Overall, the key to a delicious stuffed crust pizza is using a cheese that melts well and complements the chosen toppings.
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Homemade pizza dough
Making pizza dough from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. It is also a simple process that requires only a few basic ingredients and tools. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make delicious homemade pizza dough.
Ingredients:
First, gather your ingredients. The basic ingredients you will need are flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour, depending on your preference. Bread flour tends to produce a crispier crust, while all-purpose flour yields a softer one. If you want to make a gluten-free dough, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour. You will also need a pinch of sugar to feed the yeast and help it activate.
Mixing and Kneading:
Start by proofing the yeast. Mix together the yeast, warm water, and sugar in a small bowl and let it sit until it becomes foamy and bubbly, which should take about 5 minutes. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Next, mix your dry ingredients. Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Mix everything until a dough starts to form.
You can mix the dough by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
Once the dough has come together, it's time to knead it. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour and gives the dough a smooth and elastic texture. You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and hold its shape when properly kneaded.
Rising:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size, which should take about 90 minutes. You can also let the dough rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator, which will develop more flavor.
Shaping and Topping:
Once the dough has risen, deflate it gently and divide it into two portions for two pizzas or shape it all into one large pizza. Roll or stretch the dough into a circle or your desired shape on a floured surface. You can make a stuffed crust by adding a circle of string cheese, such as mozzarella, around the edge of the dough and rolling the crust over to seal the cheese inside.
Top your pizza with your favorite sauce, cheese, and other toppings. Get creative and experiment with different combinations. Keep in mind that fresh mozzarella slices, shredded mozzarella, cheddar, gorgonzola, and parmesan cheese are popular choices for pizza.
Baking:
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally between 425°F and 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for the best results. Otherwise, a preheated baking sheet or pan will work.
Bake your pizza for about 15 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. The pizza is ready when the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storage:
If you have any leftover dough, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to several days or freeze it for later use. Simply deflate the dough, wrap it tightly, and store it accordingly.
Making homemade pizza dough allows you to customize your pizza to your taste and preferences. It may take some practice to perfect your dough-making skills, but the delicious results will be well worth the effort!
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella, string cheese, or a combination of both.
Cheddar, Asiago, and parmesan.
Microwave heating is the quickest and most effective way to reheat stuffed crust pizza.
This depends on the size of the pizza, but a 12" pizza will require 7 cheese sticks.
Full-fat varieties of string cheese that don't say "low moisture" on the package.
