Frederic Melton
Whether you're a fan of deep-dish or thin crust, pineapple or pepperoni, making the perfect pizza is an art form. But one of the most hotly debated topics in pizza-making is whether the cheese goes on first or last. While there is no definitive answer, with pizza lovers and experts divided on the issue, there are some compelling arguments for both sides. So, what's it going to be—cheese first or last?
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of cheese first vs. toppings first
The order of toppings is critical to avoid undercooked or mushy ingredients, which would detract from the flavour, appearance, and texture of your pizza.
Cheese First
Placing cheese directly on the dough can help protect the crust from getting gummy. It also means that the sauce is more susceptible to evaporation, so it tends to thicken and sweeten. Cheese first also means that you get little to no cheese drag, which is when your bite pulls a blanket of hot molten mozzarella off the slippery surface of a saucy pie.
However, if you put toppings on after the cheese, you risk trapping the water in, which can turn into a problem. Mushrooms under cheese, for example, will be underdone, soggy, and watery.
Toppings First
Putting toppings first makes the cheese not adhere right, but it does mean that the cheese and toppings enjoy the direct heat of the oven, which lets the toppings cook thoroughly while remaining crispy, and the cheese melts, browns, and bubbles. With toppings above the cheese, they also cook evenly and completely. During cooking, the heat of the oven causes water vapour to be released from toppings, and if the toppings are under the cheese, the vapour has nowhere to go, resulting in a steam bath that makes your toppings mushy and your pizza soggy.
There are pros and cons to both methods, and the right answer can vary by country and by simple preference. However, to get the most out of your ingredients in terms of flavour and texture, it is generally recommended to put the sauce first, then the cheese, and then the toppings.
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Cheese first or sauce first
There are differing opinions on whether cheese or sauce should be put on a pizza first. Some people believe that the sauce should go on the pizza dough first, followed by the cheese and then the toppings. This allows the cheese and toppings to cook directly in the oven's heat, resulting in toppings that are thoroughly cooked yet crispy, melted cheese that has browned and bubbled, and an even distribution of sauce. This method also allows you to see the colours, shapes and textures of your ingredients, making your pizza taste and look better.
However, others believe that cheese should be put on the pizza dough before the sauce. This is because the cheese melts onto the crust and reduces the chance of the cheese sliding off when you take a bite. It also means that the sauce on top is more likely to evaporate, thicken and sweeten. This method is also more traditional, as pizza was originally a peasant food, and the high cost of cheese made it more of a garnish. As cheese became cheaper, the amount of cheese on pizzas increased, and it became more common to see pizzas with cheese on the base, such as the typical "New York-style" pizza.
Some people also suggest that the type of pizza you are making should determine the order of the toppings. For example, with a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the cheese goes on first, whereas with a New York-style pizza, the sauce is always put on first.
Finally, the order of toppings can also depend on the individual ingredients. For example, toppings that you don't want to dry out, such as spinach and fresh herbs, should go under the cheese, whereas other toppings such as bacon, pepperoni or olives are better placed on top of the cheese.
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The impact of cheese placement on pizza texture
The placement of cheese on a pizza is a critical factor in determining the final texture of the pizza. The order of toppings is essential to avoid soggy, undercooked, or mushy pizza. The standard method is to place the sauce first, followed by the cheese, and then the toppings. This sequence ensures that the cheese and toppings receive direct heat from the oven, resulting in toppings that are thoroughly cooked yet crispy, and cheese that is melted, browned, and bubbly.
Placing the cheese directly on the dough, followed by the sauce and toppings, is known as the "cheese-first" method. This technique is characteristic of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and certain Sicilian varieties. The cheese-first method has several advantages: it protects the crust from becoming gummy, minimizes cheese drag, and enhances the flavour of the sauce by thickening and sweetening it. However, putting cheese first can make spreading the sauce more challenging and may not be aesthetically pleasing to those who prefer to see the colours, shapes, and textures of their toppings.
The "toppings-first" method, where the sauce is placed directly on the dough, followed by toppings and then cheese, is the standard approach for New York-style pizza. This method ensures that the toppings are not trapped under a layer of cheese, preventing them from being steamed or becoming soggy. Toppings placed on top can cook and crisp up as intended, and the pizza's appearance is enhanced by displaying the colours, shapes, and textures of the ingredients.
The choice between cheese-first and toppings-first methods can also depend on the type of toppings used. For example, toppings that benefit from direct heat, such as bacon, pepperoni, or olives, are better placed on top of the cheese. On the other hand, toppings that are prone to drying out, such as spinach and fresh herbs, are better placed under the cheese. Additionally, the melt-ability of the cheese should be considered. Cheeses with lower moisture content, such as whole milk low-moisture mozzarella, tend to spread and melt more evenly, affecting the final texture of the pizza.
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The impact of cheese placement on pizza appearance
The placement of cheese on a pizza can significantly impact its appearance. The traditional method of placing the sauce first, followed by the cheese and then the toppings, ensures that the cheese and toppings receive direct heat from the oven. This results in toppings that are thoroughly cooked yet remain crispy, while the cheese melts, browns, and bubbles. This method also allows the colours, shapes, and textures of the toppings to be visible, enhancing the overall appearance of the pizza.
However, placing cheese first, directly onto the crust, has its advantages. This method protects the crust from becoming gummy and prevents "cheese drag," where the cheese slides off the slice when bitten into. Additionally, the surface sauce thickens and sweetens due to increased evaporation. While this method may impact the appearance by covering the toppings, it can result in a more aesthetically pleasing slice when consumed, as it reduces messiness.
The type of cheese used also influences the appearance of the pizza. Using whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella can create a more even melt and spread. Shredding your own cheese is recommended, as pre-shredded cheese often contains starch, which can cause premature browning during cooking, detracting from the desired visual appeal. Par-baking the pizza before adding the cheese can also impact the appearance, resulting in a creamier, less caramelized cheese surface.
The choice of toppings and their placement in relation to the cheese also play a role in the pizza's appearance. Placing toppings under the cheese can trap moisture, leading to soggy ingredients and an unappealing presentation. This is particularly true for vegetables and mushrooms. However, certain toppings, such as spinach and fresh herbs, are better placed under the cheese to prevent them from drying out.
Ultimately, the placement of cheese on a pizza is a matter of personal preference and regional variations. However, the impact on the pizza's appearance, specifically the visibility and texture of the toppings, should be considered when deciding whether to put cheese first or last.
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The impact of cheese placement on pizza taste
The placement of cheese on a pizza is a critical factor that can significantly impact its taste, texture, and overall appeal. The question of when to add cheese during pizza-making—whether it should go on top of or beneath the other toppings—has sparked debates among chefs and home cooks worldwide. While preferences and traditions may vary across different regions, the placement of cheese ultimately influences the cooking process and the final sensory experience of the pizza.
One of the primary concerns regarding cheese placement is the issue of wateriness. When cheese is placed on top of other toppings, it can trap moisture released during cooking, leading to a soggy pizza with undercooked toppings. This effect is particularly noticeable with ingredients like mushrooms, which tend to retain water and benefit from direct heat to achieve a desirable toasted texture. By placing cheese on top, the toppings underneath become steamed, resulting in a mushy, undercooked mess that detracts from the overall taste and texture of the pizza.
On the other hand, placing cheese directly on the sauce, followed by toppings, has several advantages. Firstly, it allows the cheese to melt, brown, and bubble, creating a robust flavor and crispier texture. Secondly, with the toppings on top, they are exposed to direct heat, cooking more evenly and completely. This arrangement also enhances the visual appeal of the pizza, showcasing the colors, shapes, and textures of the ingredients. Additionally, cheese placed directly on the sauce can protect the crust from becoming gummy and prevent "cheese drag," where the cheese slides off the slice when bitten.
The type of cheese used and its preparation can also impact the taste and texture of the pizza. Using whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella is recommended, as it tends to spread and melt more evenly. Shredding your own cheese is also preferable to using pre-shredded cheese, as the latter often contains starch to prevent clumping, which can cause the cheese to brown prematurely.
In conclusion, the placement of cheese on a pizza is not just a matter of preference but has significant implications for the cooking process and the final sensory experience. While cultural variations exist, placing cheese beneath the toppings generally results in a crispier, more visually appealing pizza with toppings that are thoroughly cooked and retain their individual flavors and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
The general consensus is that the sauce should go on first, followed by the cheese and then the toppings. This ensures that the cheese and toppings receive direct heat, resulting in toppings that are thoroughly cooked and crispy, and cheese that is melted, browned, and bubbly.
Adding cheese first can cause the sauce to be spread unevenly. Additionally, the cheese may melt prematurely and cause the pizza to become soggy.
It is recommended to use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella cheese as it tends to spread and melt more evenly.
Shredding your own cheese is advised as pre-shredded cheese often contains starch to prevent clumping, which can cause the cheese to brown prematurely.
Using a steel surface to cook your pizza is ideal as it conducts heat more efficiently, ensuring that your dough cooks evenly to a golden brown.
