Kamil Perry
Pizza is a beloved dish across the globe, and a key component of this is the cheese. The type of cheese used on a pizza can make or break the dish, with the most popular choice being mozzarella. However, there are many different types of mozzarella to choose from, and other cheeses to consider, such as Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and Provolone. So, which cheese is the best for pizza?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to put on pizza | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Ricotta, Gouda |
| Mozzarella | Sold in both fresh- and low-moisture variations. Low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life, stronger flavours and is easier to melt. Fresh mozzarella feels creamier but must be consumed within the first couple of days after being made |
| Parmesan | A hard and aged cheese that will not melt or stretch as well as younger, softer cheeses. However, it can give your pizza a boost of umami |
| Provolone | Sold in both aged and younger varieties. For maximum stretchability and a milder flavour, opt for a younger cheese. For a sharper flavour, use an aged version |
| Ricotta | A fresh, creamy and spoonable cheese, although not exactly meltable |
| Gouda | A semi-hard Dutch cheese with a rich, unique flavour and smooth texture. Older gouda will have less moisture and a tangier flavour than young gouda |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella
If you want to add a little extra flavour to your pizza, you can grate Parmesan over the mozzarella before baking or onto the pizza just before serving. Provolone is another semi-hard cheese that can be blended with mozzarella for a flavour boost.
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Parmesan
You can store Parmesan in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper or stored in an airtight container. It will last for several weeks.
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Provolone
When choosing Provolone for your pizza, consider the other toppings you will be using. For example, if you are making a pizza with pulled pork or barbecue chicken, Provolone would be a good choice because it has a milder flavour that will not overpower the other toppings.
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Ricotta
For example, you could try a blend of ricotta and mozzarella. Mozzarella is another popular pizza cheese, known for its near-perfect consistency and straightforward flavour. It has a mild, fresh flavour and a creamy consistency. It's also meltable, which will give your pizza that classic, stretchy cheese pull.
If you want to add a little extra flavour to your pizza, you could try adding a harder cheese like Parmesan. Parmesan has a strong, savoury flavour that will give your pizza a boost of umami. Just grate a little over the top of your pizza before or after baking.
So, if you're looking for a cheese to put on your pizza, ricotta is a great option. It's mild and creamy, works well with other cheeses and toppings, and will give your pizza a unique twist.
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Gouda
Younger gouda will have more moisture and a less tangy flavour than older gouda. This means that it will melt more easily, but it will also have a milder flavour. If you want a tangier flavour, opt for an older gouda.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella, gorgonzola, gouda, parmesan, provolone, ricotta and pecorino-romano are all popular choices.
Low-moisture mozzarella is a good option for a classic pizza as it has a longer shelf life, stronger flavour and is easier to melt than fresh mozzarella.
Adding a harder cheese can give your pizza a boost of umami, although it won't melt or stretch as well as younger, softer cheeses.
