Andy Montoya
The question of whether pizza toppings should go above or below the cheese is a complex one, with several factors to consider. The type of topping, the desired taste, and the cooking method can all influence the decision. For example, fatty meats like salami, pepperoni, and sausage, as well as high-moisture vegetables like spinach and mushrooms, are better placed above the cheese to prevent a greasy pizza. On the other hand, ingredients that burn easily, such as thinly sliced vegetables, are better placed below the cheese to prevent burning. Tradition also plays a role, with pepperoni traditionally placed on top of the cheese. Ultimately, the decision of topping placement depends on personal preference and the desired taste and texture of the pizza.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toppings that go above cheese | Fatty meats (salami, pepperoni, sausage, prosciutto, pancetta), high-moisture vegetables (spinach, zucchini, mushrooms) |
| Toppings that go below cheese | Thinly sliced vegetables (onions, green peppers), roasted vegetables, chicken, shrimp, roasted zucchini, sautéed onions and peppers, dry-roasted mushrooms, baby spinach, broccoli florets, oregano, cilantro, refried beans, salsa |
| Reasons for toppings above cheese | Direct heat to crisp up toppings, prevent grease, enhance appearance, prevent sogginess |
| Reasons for toppings below cheese | Protect thin crust, improve flavour profile, prevent toppings from burning or drying out, prevent sogginess |
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What You'll Learn
- Fatty meats like salami, pepperoni, and sausage go on top to avoid a greasy pizza
- High-moisture vegetables like spinach and mushrooms go on top to avoid a soggy pizza
- Burnable toppings like dried oregano go under the cheese to avoid burning
- Less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp go under the cheese to avoid drying out
- Low-moisture vegetables like roasted zucchini, sautéed onions, and roasted peppers go under the cheese
Fatty meats like salami, pepperoni, and sausage go on top to avoid a greasy pizza
When it comes to pizza, there are endless possibilities for toppings and combinations. While the order of toppings may seem like a trivial matter, it can actually have a significant impact on the taste, texture, and overall quality of the pizza.
One important consideration when placing toppings is whether they should go above or below the cheese. The placement of fatty meats, such as salami, pepperoni, and sausage, is particularly crucial in this regard. These meats have a high fat content, which can render and release into the pizza if not properly placed. If fatty meats are placed below the cheese, the rendered fat can become trapped, resulting in a greasy pizza.
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to place fatty meats like salami, pepperoni, and sausage on top of the cheese. By doing so, these toppings will receive direct heat from the oven, crisping them up and allowing the fat to evaporate rather than rendering into the pizza. This technique helps prevent a greasy pizza and ensures that these toppings develop a desirable texture and flavor.
Additionally, placing fatty meats on top of the cheese can enhance the appearance of the pizza. Customers often expect to see these toppings visible on top, and it allows for a more appealing presentation. This visual aspect is especially important when customers request extra cheese, as it ensures they can see and appreciate the abundance of cheese they have paid for.
However, it is worth noting that there is no universal rule, and preferences may vary. Some people prefer the flavor profile created when ingredients, including fatty meats, are placed under the cheese. This placement allows for a stronger taste of the ingredients themselves, as the cheese can otherwise overwhelm the other toppings. Ultimately, the decision of where to place toppings, including fatty meats, comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics of the pizza.
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High-moisture vegetables like spinach and mushrooms go on top to avoid a soggy pizza
When making a pizza, the placement of toppings is crucial to achieving the desired taste and texture. While some people prefer to put the toppings above the cheese, others opt for the traditional method of placing them underneath. Ultimately, the decision may depend on various factors, such as the type of topping, the desired flavour profile, and the visual appeal of the pizza.
High-moisture vegetables, such as spinach and mushrooms, are best placed on top of the cheese to avoid a soggy pizza. When baked at high temperatures, the moisture from these vegetables can evaporate, preventing a soggy mess. If placed under the cheese, the moisture gets trapped, and when the pizza is sliced, it is released into the crust, resulting in a less-than-satisfactory dining experience. This principle applies to other moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers as well.
To further reduce moisture, it is recommended to grill, roast, or sauté vegetables before placing them on the pizza. This process not only adds flavour but also releases some of the moisture. Using a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the pan and placing them on a paper towel can also help absorb excess moisture. Additionally, combining fresh vegetables with sun-dried or roasted vegetables, such as tomatoes or butternut squash, can help balance the moisture content.
When it comes to pizza crust, choosing the right type is essential for preventing sogginess. A par-baked crust is ideal for veggie pizzas as it reduces baking time, minimising the chance for watery toppings to soak into the crust. Alternatively, pre-made dough balls can offer moisture consistency, ensuring a perfect base for veggie toppings. Allowing the baked pizza to rest at room temperature before boxing it can also help prevent sogginess by allowing steam to escape.
While high-moisture vegetables are best placed on top of the cheese, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, thinly sliced vegetables like onions and peppers can be placed under the cheese to prevent burning. Additionally, drying out vegetables before adding them to the pizza, such as through roasting or sautéing, can make it possible to place them under the cheese without worrying about excess moisture.
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Burnable toppings like dried oregano go under the cheese to avoid burning
The placement of toppings on a pizza can be a tricky affair. While some toppings belong on top of the cheese, like fatty meats and high-moisture vegetables, others are better suited for a spot below the cheese to avoid burning or drying out. Burnable toppings like dried oregano, dried vegetables, and certain herbs fall into this category and are best placed under the cheese.
Dried herbs like oregano and other burnable toppings, such as dried vegetables and certain herbs, can easily blacken and turn to dust in the high heat of an oven. To prevent this, these toppings should be placed under the cheese, which acts as a protective layer, insulating them from the direct heat. This technique ensures that these delicate toppings remain flavourful and intact, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the pizza.
For example, dried oregano, a popular herb used in pizza seasoning, has a strong flavour that can withstand high temperatures without burning when placed under the cheese. This placement ensures that the oregano flavours the pizza without becoming overpowering or burnt. Similarly, dried vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers, can be placed under the cheese to prevent them from burning or becoming too dry.
In addition to preventing burning, placing these toppings under the cheese can also enhance their flavour. The cheese melts around them, infusing with their flavours and creating a cohesive taste experience. This technique is especially useful for more potent toppings, allowing their flavours to permeate the pizza without becoming overwhelming.
When it comes to burnable toppings, it's essential to consider not only the type of topping but also its thickness. For instance, thinly sliced mushrooms are prone to drying out and burning when exposed to high heat. Burying them under the cheese allows the cheese to insulate the mushrooms, cooking them just enough while preserving their moisture and flavour. Thicker or canned mushrooms, on the other hand, can usually withstand the heat and may be placed on top of the cheese without issue.
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Less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp go under the cheese to avoid drying out
The placement of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic and depends on several factors. While some people prefer their toppings on top of the cheese, others opt for a more traditional approach of placing toppings under the cheese. Ultimately, the decision is a matter of personal preference, aesthetic considerations, and desired flavour and texture profiles.
When it comes to less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp, it is generally recommended to place them under the cheese. This is because these types of toppings can quickly dry out if cooked directly under the intense heat of the oven. By placing them under the cheese, the cheese acts as a protective layer, preventing moisture loss and ensuring the toppings remain juicy and tender.
In addition to moisture retention, placing less fatty proteins under the cheese can also enhance the flavour of the toppings. With the cheese on top, the proteins are less exposed to the direct heat, reducing the risk of burning and allowing their natural flavours to be better preserved. This technique is particularly useful for ingredients that are prone to drying out or burning, such as shrimp, which has a delicate texture and flavour that can be easily overpowered.
Furthermore, placing less fatty proteins under the cheese can also contribute to a more balanced flavour profile of the pizza as a whole. With the cheese on top, it tends to dominate the flavour, overwhelming the other ingredients. By placing the less fatty proteins under the cheese, their flavours are given more space to shine through, resulting in a pizza with a more complex and nuanced taste.
While the placement of toppings can significantly impact the final product, it is also important to consider the type of cheese used. Different cheeses have varying fat contents, melting points, and flavour profiles, all of which can influence the overall taste and texture of the pizza. For example, a sharp, aged cheese like cheddar or Parmesan will produce a very different result from a softer, milder cheese like mozzarella or feta.
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Low-moisture vegetables like roasted zucchini, sautéed onions, and roasted peppers go under the cheese
The placement of toppings on a pizza is a highly debated topic and depends on the type of crust, the toppings used, and the desired texture. While most people prefer their toppings on top of the cheese, low-moisture vegetables like roasted zucchini, sautéed onions, and roasted peppers are best placed under the cheese.
Vegetables are mostly water, and when placed under a blanket of cheese, the moisture released during the baking process gets trapped between the cheese and the sauce. This results in a soggy pizza base. However, placing low-moisture vegetables under the cheese helps prevent them from drying out or burning and maintains their flavor and texture. It also allows you to taste more of the ingredients themselves, as the cheese does not overwhelm the other toppings.
Additionally, placing vegetables under the cheese can act as a protective layer, keeping the vegetables moist and adding structural integrity to the pizza. This is especially important for thicker crusts, where the melted cheese on top helps hold the toppings in place.
For those who prefer their vegetables on top of the cheese, there are a few solutions to prevent a soggy pizza. One option is to dry out the vegetables before adding them to the pizza. Another option is to cut the vegetables into larger chunks, which can help them retain moisture and prevent burning.
Ultimately, the decision of where to place the toppings on a pizza comes down to personal preference and experimentation. However, for those looking to avoid a soggy pizza, placing low-moisture vegetables like roasted zucchini, sautéed onions, and roasted peppers under the cheese is a good option.
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Frequently asked questions
Fatty meats such as salami, pepperoni, and sausage go well above the cheese.
Ingredients that can easily burn, such as dried oregano, thinly sliced vegetables like onions and peppers, and less fatty proteins like chicken and shrimp, are better placed below the cheese.
It depends on the vegetable! High-moisture vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms are better placed above the cheese, as the heat from the oven will allow the moisture to evaporate. Vegetables with lower moisture content, such as roasted vegetables, can go below the cheese.
It depends on personal preference and the type of pizza being made. In the pizza industry in North America, most pizza places put cheese underneath toppings unless the customer requests extra cheese, in which case the cheese is loaded on top. However, some people argue that toppings should always go on top of the cheese, as they are called "toppings" and not "bottomings."
