Kamil Perry
Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, and there are countless variations of this Italian classic. One popular style is stuffed crust pizza, which was popularized by Pizza Hut in 1995. This style of pizza features cheese or other ingredients added into the outer edge of the crust. While mozzarella is the most common type of cheese used, other varieties such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan can also be used. Stuffed crust pizza can be found at various restaurants, including Papa John's, Pizza Hut, and Domino's. In addition to cheese, some stuffed crust pizzas may include other ingredients such as garlic, shrimp, sausage, or bacon. For those with dietary restrictions, there are also gluten-free and keto-friendly options available.
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese
Mozzarella's stretchability and meltability are key characteristics that make it a popular choice for pizza. Its ability to stretch into aromatic strands when melted creates a signature ooey-gooey textural experience that is highly desirable in pizza cheese. While mozzarella has a fairly neutral flavour, it pairs well with a variety of toppings, including spicy sausage, hot peppers, mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, and onions.
Mozzarella's versatility extends beyond its ability to pair well with various toppings. It also comes in different forms, such as fresh mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella, and whole-milk mozzarella, each with its own unique characteristics. Fresh mozzarella, for example, is known for its rich, milky flavour, while low-moisture mozzarella is often used in pizzas to prevent the cheese from turning into a single large piece when it cools, which can cause it to fall off the pizza.
While mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese, it is worth noting that other cheeses are also commonly used, depending on regional preferences and availability. For instance, Detroit-style pizza is known for its use of Wisconsin brick cheese, while Buffalo Mozzarella, produced in certain areas of Italy, is a popular choice for Pizza Margherita. Additionally, analogue cheese, a pasteurized and processed cheese-like product, is commonly used in mass-produced pizzas in North America and the United Kingdom due to its low cost and ease of production.
In conclusion, mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese worldwide, prized for its stretchability, meltability, and versatility. However, other cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, and analogue cheese, are also commonly used, depending on regional preferences and the desired flavour and texture of the pizza.
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Cheddar, provolone, and parmesan are also common
While mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese globally, cheddar, provolone, and parmesan are also common. In the United States, only 30% of all pizza cheese used is mozzarella, with provolone being the second most popular. Cheddar is often mixed with mozzarella to preserve chewiness, and grated parmesan is added to the top of a pizza for a savory, salty flavor. It also acts as a barrier to protect the crust from the sauce.
Cheddar is a popular choice for pizza due to its assertive flavor and good meltability. It pairs well with mozzarella, which has a more neutral flavor but provides the classic meltability and stretchability that pizza lovers crave. Provolone is also a popular choice, as it adds a signature pizzeria taste.
When it comes to parmesan, younger cheeses with a low melting point are preferred, as they melt better than older cheeses. For example, soft jack cheese melts in minutes, while a two-year-old parmesan barely melts at all. Parmesan is often grated and added to the top of a pizza, where it adds a savory, salty flavor.
In addition to these cheeses, there are many other varieties that can be used on pizza. These include processed cheese products, such as analogue cheese, which are designed to melt well and remain chewy. These are commonly used on mass-produced pizzas in North America and the United Kingdom. Other types of cheese used on pizza include Emmental, pecorino romano, ricotta, and even more unique options like goat cheese.
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Analogue cheese is used in mass-produced pizzas
Analogue cheese, also known as a cheese alternative, is a product used as a culinary replacement for cheese. It is usually made by blending other fats or proteins and is used in convenience foods. Analogue cheese is often used on mass-produced pizzas as it is cheaper and quicker to produce than traditional cheese. It is also designed to melt well and remain chewy, making it ideal for pizza.
In the United States, it is estimated that 30% of all pizza cheese used is mozzarella. However, it is believed that three-quarters of the 700 million frozen pizzas sold annually contain cheese substitutes, such as analogue cheese. These substitutes are formulated for processing with less sophisticated equipment than is required for traditional cheese-making. For example, analogue cheese can be made using simple mixing and molding techniques, whereas mozzarella requires more complex processes.
Analogue pizza cheese is often made with casein, a by-product of milk, and vegetable oil, rather than milk fat. This combination of ingredients gives analogue cheese its soft texture and slightly "stringy" quality when melted. New stabilizer systems have been developed to improve the meltability of analogue cheese and prevent issues with fusion, such as shredded pieces failing to flow together when melted.
The use of analogue cheese in mass-produced pizzas is driven by cost and convenience. It is a cheaper alternative to traditional cheese and can be produced more quickly. Additionally, analogue cheese can be formulated to have optimal qualities in browning, melting, stretchiness, and fat and moisture content. These factors make analogue cheese a desirable option for pizza manufacturers, despite it not being "real" cheese.
While analogue cheese may be a practical choice for mass-produced pizzas, it is worth noting that it may not offer the same flavour or nutritional profile as traditional cheese. Some consumers may prefer the taste and quality of traditional cheese options, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, on their pizzas.
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Goat cheese is a unique, tangy alternative
Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese globally, but it is not the only option. Goat cheese is a unique, tangy alternative. It is creamy and pairs well with sweet toppings like caramelized onions, shallots, and fig preserves. It is also delicious with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. Goat cheese is a good option for those who want to try something different without sacrificing meltability.
Goat cheese is a great choice for those who want a more interesting cheese on their pizza. While mozzarella is mild and pairs well with spicy toppings, goat cheese has a tangy flavor that can stand up to sweeter toppings. It is also a good source of protein and calcium.
When making a pizza with goat cheese, it is important to consider the other toppings. Caramelized onions and fig preserves are a delicious combination that goes well with goat cheese. The sweetness of the onions and fig preserves is balanced by the tanginess of the goat cheese. Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil are also a great option, adding a pop of freshness to the pizza.
In addition to the toppings, the type of dough and cooking method can also affect the taste of the pizza. For a thin and crispy pizza, flatbread dough can be used. Pre-baking the flatbread for a few minutes before adding the toppings ensures a crispy crust. For a thicker, chewier crust, regular pizza dough can be used.
When assembling the pizza, the goat cheese can be crumbled or spread on top of the dough, depending on the desired texture. It is important to consider the order of the toppings, as some toppings, like shallots, may need to be added last to prevent overcooking. Baking the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling will ensure a delicious, melty texture.
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Ricotta is used for calzones and toppings
Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including calzones and as a pizza topping. Calzones are like stuffed pizza pockets, filled with classic pizza toppings like meat, cheese, and sauce. The dough is then folded over, pinched and sealed, and baked in the oven until golden brown.
Ricotta is an excellent choice for calzones as it adds moisture to the filling, ensuring that the calzone does not dry out during baking. A simple ricotta calzone can be made by mixing ricotta with shredded mozzarella and adding a handful of your favourite toppings, such as pepperoni, basil, or sautéed vegetables. For a spinach-ricotta calzone, combine ricotta with cooked spinach, parmesan, nutmeg, and salt.
When using ricotta as a pizza topping, it can be paired with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar, to create a balance of flavours and textures. Ricotta can also be used as a base for pizza toppings, providing a creamy and tangy foundation for other ingredients.
In addition to its use in calzones and as a topping, ricotta can be used as a dip or sauce for pizza. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect pairing for crusts or more robust toppings. Whether used as a filling, topping, or dip, ricotta brings a creamy richness to pizza that is hard to resist.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is a key ingredient in most pizzas, but one type of pizza that is particularly cheesy is the classic cheese pizza.
Classic cheese pizzas typically use a blend of two or more cheeses, such as low-moisture mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan.
To make a classic cheese pizza, you'll need pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. The dough is made with warm water, sugar, flour, oil, and salt. After mixing the ingredients, the dough may appear wet, but that's okay! It will be easier to work with after resting. Once the dough is ready, you can add the tomato sauce and cheese. The pizza is then baked in the oven until the crust is browned and the cheese is bubbling.
Argentine pizza, also known as "pizza de molde," is characterized by a thick, spongy base, a large amount of cheese, and an elevated bready crust. Another cheesy pizza is the pizza Margherita, which includes tomato, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag.
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