Cheese's Perfect Partners: Top Toppings, No Pizza Needed

Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, but the question of what to call a pizza with no toppings remains divisive. In America, there is much debate over whether a pizza with no toppings should be referred to as plain or cheese. Some argue that cheese could be misleading and result in getting extra cheese, while others believe that plain implies that the pizza is incomplete without toppings. The answer may depend on regional preferences, as people from New York and New Jersey tend to favour the term plain, while those from Chicago opt for cheese or sausage. Ultimately, there is no wrong answer, and individuals can choose the term that feels most natural to them.

Marinara (tomato, oregano, garlic, olive oil, basil)

Marinara sauce is a delicious combination of tomatoes, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and basil. This simple sauce can be used in a variety of dishes and pairs exceptionally well with different types of cheese. Here are some ideas on how to use Marinara (tomato, oregano, garlic, olive oil, basil) as a topping with cheese, without pizza:

Bruschetta

A classic Italian appetizer, bruschetta is a perfect way to showcase the flavours of marinara sauce. To make bruschetta, grill slices of crusty Italian bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough. Rub the grilled bread with a clove of garlic, then spoon the marinara sauce on top. For an extra kick, add some grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese, and garnish with a basil leaf. The combination of fresh basil, tangy cheese, and the garlicky marinara sauce is a flavour explosion!

Baked Cheese Sticks

For a comforting snack or side dish, try dipping baked cheese sticks into a warm marinara sauce. The tanginess of the cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the fragrance of the oregano. This dish is perfect for sharing and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash

For a healthier option, swap out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Top with marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. The light and refreshing zucchini or squash paired with the hearty sauce and salty cheese creates a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Vegan Burger

Take your vegan burger to the next level by topping it with marinara sauce and a slice of melted vegan cheese. The sauce adds a burst of flavour to the burger, and the cheese brings everything together. This combination is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Garlic Bread

Spread some marinara sauce on toasted garlic bread and sprinkle with your favourite shredded cheese. Broil it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This indulgent treat is perfect for dipping and will elevate any meal.

These suggestions showcase the versatility of marinara sauce and how well it pairs with a variety of cheeses. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, these combinations are sure to delight your taste buds!

Mushrooms, olives, aubergine, pineapple, red onion, black bean sauce, dried basil

Mushrooms, olives, aubergine, pineapple, red onion, black bean sauce, and dried basil are a flavourful combination of toppings that work well without cheese. This combination of toppings is used in a vegan no-cheese pizza recipe, which also includes a tomato base.

The recipe recommends frying the aubergine slices in black bean sauce and olive oil before adding them to the pizza, to prevent them from burning easily. The mushrooms and pineapple are cut into small pieces, and the olives are halved. The red onion is sliced into rings. These toppings are then arranged on the pizza, with dried basil sprinkled on top, before baking in the oven.

The creator of this recipe notes that pizzas are best eaten with fingers, even in restaurants!

Another similar recipe includes the same toppings, but recommends using canned pineapple instead of fresh, as it tends to dry out.

Kale and sausage

This dish is a quick and easy option that can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. Here's what you need to do:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta (orecchiette, shells, ziti, or rigatoni are great options) according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add Italian sausage (either mild or spicy, according to your preference) to the skillet, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add chopped onion and continue cooking until the onion is softened and the sausage is browned.
• Add chopped kale, garlic, lemon juice, and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Scrape up any bits of sausage from the bottom of the pan and cook until the kale has wilted.
• Pour in the cooked pasta and top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Carefully stir everything together until well combined.
• Serve the pasta hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

For a heartier option, you can make a delicious and nutritious soup with kale and sausage. Here's a simple recipe:

• In a 6-quart stockpot, cook Italian turkey sausage links (casings removed) and chopped onion over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the sausage into crumbles and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage and onions with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Add chopped kale to the pot and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes, allowing the greens to absorb some of the oil from the sausage and onions.
• Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot and cook for an additional minute. Then, pour in white wine or chicken stock and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Stir in the cooked sausage mixture, chicken stock, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and pepper.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the kale is tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread for a filling and satisfying meal.

Rocket, sliced fresh tomato, sliced pancetta

Rocket, sliced fresh tomato, and sliced pancetta are a delicious combination, and when paired with cheese, they create a flavourful and textural explosion. Here's how you can use these ingredients to create a delightful culinary experience:

The Perfect Pairings

• Rocket and Cheese: Peppery rocket, also known as arugula, pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses. Its sharp, slightly spicy flavour complements creamy blue cheese or goat cheese, adding a nice bite to the richness of these cheeses. The peppery notes of rocket also go well with salty, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Grana Padano.
• Fresh Tomato and Cheese: Sliced fresh tomatoes add a burst of summery sweetness to any dish. When paired with cheese, they create a classic combination. Fresh mozzarella is an excellent choice to complement the tomatoes, providing a creamy texture and a mild flavour that won't overpower the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Pancetta and Cheese: Pancetta, a cured Italian bacon, offers a savoury and salty element to the dish. When paired with cheese, it creates a delightful contrast. Try pairing it with creamy cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese, or even a sharper cheese like Parmesan, to balance the saltiness of the pancetta.

Recipe Inspiration:

Rocket, Sliced Fresh Tomato, and Sliced Pancetta Salad with Cheese

For a refreshing salad, combine rocket, sliced fresh tomatoes, and crispy sliced pancetta. Top it off with crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese, and add some toasted walnuts for crunch. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette, and you have a flavourful salad that showcases all these delicious ingredients.

Crispy Pancetta, Rocket, and Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini with Cheese

For a tasty appetiser, start with sliced baguette crostini. Top each crostini with crispy pancetta, rocket, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add shaved Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing. These crostini will be packed with flavour and texture, making them a perfect bite-sized treat.

Linguine with Pancetta, Sliced Fresh Tomato, and Rocket

For a heartier dish, cook some linguine and toss it with sliced pancetta, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and rocket. Mix in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, and you'll have a delicious pasta dish that combines all these wonderful ingredients.

Feel free to experiment with these ingredients and create your own unique combinations! The versatility of rocket, sliced fresh tomato, sliced pancetta, and cheese allows for endless culinary possibilities.

Ricotta, cherry tomato, baby spinach

Ricotta, cherry tomato, and baby spinach is a delicious combination, perfect for a creamy and flavourful dish. Here is a suggested method for preparing this tasty topping combination:

Firstly, prepare your pizza dough. You can make your own dough from scratch, or use a store-bought option. If you are making your own, a simple recipe would include flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and water. Once your dough is ready, roll it out into a circle, approximately 12-16 inches in diameter, and place it on a piece of parchment paper.

Brush the outer edge of the dough with a mixture of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic powder. This will form a delicious, herby crust. For the topping, mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Spread this mixture evenly over the pizza dough, creating a creamy base.

Next, add your cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, and spread them evenly over the ricotta base. The spinach should be cooked first, by sautéing it with garlic powder or minced garlic until it is soft and wilted. Drain the spinach well, pressing out any excess liquid, and then spread it over the pizza.

Finally, add any additional toppings, such as sliced red onions, grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh basil. If you want a little spice, add some red pepper flakes. Then, your pizza is ready to bake!

Bake the pizza in a hot oven, approximately 460-500°F, for around 10-13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. For an extra crispy crust, use a pizza stone, and finish the pizza under the broiler for a few seconds to get those perfect, fire-kissed toppings.

This ricotta, cherry tomato, and baby spinach pizza is a delicious combination of flavours and textures, and is a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a creamy twist.

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