Andy Montoya
There are various approaches to the question of when to add cheese when making a homemade pizza. Some people prefer to add cheese first, directly on top of the dough, as it melts right onto the crust and protects it from getting gummy. Others argue that putting cheese on top of the other toppings makes the cheese not adhere properly. The type of pizza also determines the order of layering. For instance, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza involves layering cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally the sauce. Ultimately, the decision of when to add cheese during the pizza-making process depends on personal preference and experimentation.
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What You'll Learn
Cheese first or last?
There are various methods for adding cheese to a pizza, and it depends on the type of pizza you are making, the ingredients used, and personal preference.
Some people swear by adding the cheese last, after the sauce and before the toppings. This is a popular method for those who like to see the combination of toppings, such as pepperoni, peppers, and onions, as the cheese acts as a glue to keep the ingredients in place. This method is also said to help prevent sogginess, as moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can be placed on top of the cheese, allowing the heat from the oven to evaporate any moisture.
Others prefer to add the cheese first, creating a layer between the dough and the sauce. This technique is common in Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas and certain Sicilian pizzas. Adding cheese first can provide a stronger base for thin-crust pizzas, holding all the ingredients together. It can also protect toppings that burn or dry out easily, such as spinach, fresh herbs, or dried oregano.
Additionally, some people experiment with both methods, adding a thin layer of cheese first, followed by toppings, and then another layer of cheese. This can be useful for pizzas with dry toppings like bacon, pepperoni, or olives, ensuring they don't dry out too much during cooking.
Ultimately, the decision of when to add the cheese comes down to personal preference and the desired taste and texture of the final pizza.
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The type of cheese matters
The type of cheese you use on your pizza is important. For instance, whole milk low-moisture mozzarella tends to spread and melt more evenly. It's also important to shred your own cheese, as pre-packaged shredded cheese is coated in starch, which can cause it to brown prematurely.
If you're using fresh mozzarella, it's a good idea to dry it and add it in small pieces to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. You can also add extra cheese on top of your toppings to get that crispy, browned cheese that some people enjoy.
The type of toppings you're using will also determine the best type of cheese to use. For example, if you're making a thin-crust pizza, adding the cheese first creates a stronger base to add more toppings. If you're using fatty meats as a topping, placing them on top of the cheese will prevent the fat from getting trapped underneath and creating a greasy pizza. If you're using moisture-rich vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, adding them on top of the cheese will allow the moisture to evaporate, preventing a soggy pizza.
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The pros and cons of pre-shredded cheese
When making a pizza, the order of layering the ingredients is crucial to ensure the best results. While some people prefer to add cheese first, others opt for adding it after the sauce and toppings. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and the desired outcome.
Now, let's discuss the pros and cons of using pre-shredded cheese on your homemade pizza:
Pros of Pre-Shredded Cheese:
- Convenience: Pre-shredded cheese saves time and effort as it comes ready-to-use. You don't need to spend time shredding the cheese yourself, which can be a tedious task.
- Consistency: Pre-shredded cheese offers a consistent blend of different types of cheese. When using block cheese, you need to purchase each type separately and mix them, which may result in an inconsistent blend.
- Storage: Pre-shredded cheese usually comes in plastic bags, requiring less storage space and eliminating the need for additional tubs, unlike block cheese.
- Safety: Using pre-shredded cheese eliminates the potential safety hazards associated with operating equipment to shred block cheese, such as employee injuries.
- Labour Costs: By using pre-shredded cheese, you can avoid the labour costs associated with shredding block cheese. This includes the cost of hiring, training, and paying employees to perform this task.
Cons of Pre-Shredded Cheese:
- Price: The price of pre-shredded cheese is set by the manufacturer and distributor, and you have less control over the cost. With block cheese, you can negotiate a 'cost-plus' contract tied to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Block and Barrel Market.
- Freshness: Pre-shredded cheese may have been shredded weeks before you purchase it, affecting its freshness. With block cheese, you can ensure the cheese is freshly shredded each day as part of your daily prep.
- Added Ingredients: To prevent clumping and moulding, pre-shredded cheese contains added ingredients like potato starch, corn starch, powdered cellulose, and Natamycin. Block cheese contains no added ingredients and offers a more natural product.
- Melting: The added starch in pre-shredded cheese can cause it to brown prematurely during cooking, affecting the visual appeal and taste of your pizza. Cheese that you shred yourself tends to melt more evenly and create a creamier texture.
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The effect of cheese placement on the sauce
The placement of cheese in relation to the sauce can significantly impact the overall taste, texture, and presentation of a pizza. While personal preference plays a role, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to place cheese before or after the sauce.
One key consideration is the type of pizza being made. For instance, the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza involves layering cheese, then toppings, followed by more cheese, and finally, the sauce. Similarly, Detroit-style pizza also adds the sauce on top. In contrast, most other pizza styles, including the New York-style pizza, typically start with the crust and sauce, followed by cheese and toppings.
Placing cheese before the sauce can have several effects. Firstly, it can protect the crust from becoming gummy and prevent "cheese drag," where the cheese sticks to the sauce instead of the crust. Secondly, it impacts the sauce's consistency and taste by making it more susceptible to evaporation, resulting in a thicker and sweeter sauce. Additionally, putting cheese first can influence the meltability and browning of the cheese. Using pre-shredded cheese, for example, can cause it to brown prematurely due to the added starch.
On the other hand, placing sauce before cheese can enhance the presentation of the pizza. With the toppings visible, diners can easily identify the ingredients. This placement also addresses the issue of wateriness caused by covering toppings with cheese, especially vegetables like mushrooms. Placing sauce before cheese allows toppings to toast and prevents them from becoming soggy or watery.
Ultimately, the decision to place cheese before or after the sauce depends on the desired outcome in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect combination for your homemade pizza.
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The best cooking methods
There are several methods for adding cheese to a pizza, each with its own advantages. The chosen method will depend on the type of pizza being made, the desired texture and taste, and the role of the cheese in the pizza's structure.
One method is to add the cheese on top of the sauce and below the toppings. This is a traditional approach, particularly for Neapolitan-style pizzas, where the cheese is light and stringy, and the toppings are allowed to be slightly crispy. This method also allows the toppings to be seen, which is a significant part of 'plating' the dish. Additionally, placing toppings like meats and moisture-rich vegetables on top of the cheese helps prevent sogginess by allowing moisture to evaporate in the oven. This method is also recommended for thin-crust pizzas, as the cheese acts as a stronger base to hold the toppings in place.
However, there are variations to this method. One approach is to add a thin layer of cheese, followed by toppings, and then another layer of cheese. This extra cheese on top ensures that it becomes crispy and browned. This method is common for Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas and certain Sicilian pizzas. It is also useful for toppings that may dry out, such as spinach, fresh herbs, or zucchini, as the cheese acts as a protective layer.
Another method is to add the cheese on top of all the other toppings. This approach is mainly for aesthetic reasons, as it allows the combination of toppings to be seen. It is also argued that certain toppings, like meats, taste better when placed directly under the heat of the oven, without being covered by cheese. However, this method can lead to sogginess, especially if the toppings are moisture-rich.
The type of cheese used also plays a crucial role in the cooking method. For homemade pizza, it is recommended to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starch to prevent clumping, which can cause the cheese to brown prematurely. Using whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella can help achieve a more even melt.
Ultimately, the best cooking method depends on personal preference and the specific type of pizza being made. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of pizza you are making and your personal preference. For example, if you are making a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the cheese goes on before the sauce. For most other styles of pizza, the crust and sauce are the first layers, and the cheese goes on before the toppings.
The order of layers can affect the taste, texture, and appearance of the pizza. For example, putting cheese on top of your other toppings can make your pizza soggy, especially if you are using vegetables or mushrooms. It can also prevent toppings from toasting. However, putting cheese on top can act as a glue to keep the toppings in place, which is especially helpful for thicker crusts.
It is recommended to use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella as it spreads and melts more evenly. You should shred the cheese yourself as pre-shredded cheese contains starch that can cause it to brown prematurely.
Yes, if you are using fresh mozzarella, make sure to dry it and add it in small pieces to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. You can also put the cheese in the freezer for 30 minutes before adding it to the pizza.
