Patrick Oconnell
Mozzarella is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a subtle flavour and a gooey, stretchy, sweet, and unctuous texture. It is a popular choice for pizza, but what are some alternatives to mozzarella that can be used? There are many options to substitute mozzarella, including other types of cheese such as Swiss cheese, Raclette cheese, Appenzeller, Edam, Gouda, Jarlsberg, and American Swiss. Some other substitutes include vegan options like tofu, hummus, and dairy-free pesto. If you're looking for a cheese with a similar texture, Provolone, Monterey Jack, and Ricotta are good options, while Parmesan and Halloumi are drier and firmer. For a saltier option, Feta is available, and if you want to avoid the cheesiness altogether, you can try using only olive oil and garlic as the base.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dairy-based substitutes | Swiss cheese, Raclette cheese, Appenzeller cheese, Edam cheese, Gouda, Jarlsberg cheese, American Swiss cheese, Provolone, Parmesan, Comte cheese, Monterey Jack, Smoked Gouda, Pepperjack, Havarti, Cheddar, Ricotta, Emmental |
| Non-dairy substitutes | Vegan mozzarella, Nonfat or part-skim variants of mozzarella, Light mozzarella, Tofu, Hummus, Dairy-free pesto |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, white cheese that is traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, although it can also be made from cow's milk. It has a smooth, slightly elastic texture with a mild and slightly tangy flavour. It is a popular choice for pizza because it melts well and has a stringy, stretchy texture when melted.
Some other substitutes for mozzarella on pizza include cheddar, smoked gouda, pepperjack, havarti, Monterey Jack, and Oaxaca cheese. These cheeses melt well and have a similar texture to mozzarella, although they may have a stronger flavour or a different colour.
Additionally, there are some non-dairy alternatives to mozzarella that can be used on pizza. While they may not melt in the same way, options like hummus or dairy-free pesto can provide a similar substance and add flavour to the pizza.
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Smoked gouda
If you're making a thin-crust pizza, smoked gouda works well as a topping. You can also try smoked gouda and chorizo on a standard crust, or experiment with your own combinations.
Some other cheeses that can be used in place of mozzarella on pizza include Swiss cheese, pepperjack, and Havarti.
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Provolone
Some people prefer provolone on their pizzas, stating that it gives the pie a huge boost. It is also a common substitute for mozzarella in the Midwest, with several pizza chains using it as their main cheese. Provolone can be used on its own or mixed with mozzarella for a blend of flavours and textures.
When substituting mozzarella for provolone, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of each cheese, such as textures and flavour profiles, to ensure the substitution is suitable for the intended culinary application. For example, provolone may not provide the same gooey consistency as mozzarella when melted due to its firmer texture.
Overall, provolone is a good substitute for mozzarella on pizza due to its similar melting characteristics and versatile flavour profile. It can be used on its own or blended with other cheeses to create a unique flavour and texture profile.
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Ricotta
When using ricotta on pizza, it is important to note that it will not provide the same stretchiness as mozzarella when melted. However, this can be a positive attribute for those who do not like their pizza to be too chewy. Ricotta can also be used in combination with mozzarella to add a creamy texture and a milder flavour to the pizza.
There are many different types of ricotta cheese available, so it is worth experimenting to find the one that best suits your taste and texture preferences. It is also important to consider the other toppings and ingredients used on the pizza, as they will impact the overall flavour and texture of the dish.
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Vegan alternatives
There are several vegan alternatives to traditional mozzarella cheese that can be used on pizzas. These alternatives are made from plants and are dairy-free.
Pre-made options
Vegan mozzarella is available from several brands, including Daiya, Moocho, Miyoko's Creamery, and Violife. These alternatives vary in terms of texture and taste. For example, Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds have been described as rigid, crumbly, and salty, while Miyoko's Creamery's pourable vegan mozzarella is made from cashews and has a unique liquid texture.
Homemade options
Vegan mozzarella can also be made at home with simple ingredients. Some recipes use cashews and tapioca starch as a base, while others use silken tofu, arrowroot, or potato starch. These recipes typically involve blending the ingredients with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and nutritional yeast to create a cheesy flavor. The resulting mixture can then be poured onto pizza and baked to create a melty, gooey texture.
Other options
Other plant-based cheeses can also be used as a substitute for mozzarella on pizza. These include chickpea cheese, rice starch cheese, and oil- and starch-based cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good non-dairy substitutes for mozzarella cheese on pizza include hummus, dairy-free pesto, and commercially available vegan mozzarella.
Some good dairy substitutes for mozzarella cheese on pizza include Swiss cheese, Raclette cheese, Appenzeller cheese, Edam cheese, young gouda, mild gouda, Jarlsberg cheese, American Swiss cheese, and Emmental.
Some substitutes for mozzarella cheese on pizza that have a similar texture include Oaxaca cheese and halloumi.
Some substitutes for mozzarella cheese on pizza that have a different flavor profile include provolone, parmesan, pecorino romano, monterey jack, and cheddar.
Some substitutes for mozzarella cheese on pizza that are creamy include ricotta and burrata.
