Andy Montoya
Frozen pizza is a convenient and tasty meal option, but did you know that with a few simple tweaks, you can take it from mediocre to magnificent? One of the easiest ways to elevate your frozen pizza is by adding extra cheese. But when is the best time to add that cheese? The answer depends on the type of cheese you're using. For example, mozzarella, which is commonly found on frozen pizzas, can be added before baking or even partway through as it melts slowly. On the other hand, cheddar may be better suited as a base layer, added before baking, to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
When to add cheese to a frozen pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan |
| When to add cheese | Before, during, or after baking |
| Quantity of cheese | Depends on the type of cheese |
| Other toppings | Meat, vegetables, herbs, spices, and sauces |
| Crust | Olive oil, spices, and herbs |
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What You'll Learn
Adding cheese before or during cooking
Frozen pizzas are a convenient and tasty meal option. However, you can elevate the flavour and texture of your pizza by adding cheese before or during cooking.
First, let's talk about the type of cheese. Mozzarella is a popular choice for frozen pizzas as it melts slowly and can be baked for longer without drying out. Cheddar is another good option, but it cooks faster and may dry out sooner. If you want to use a combination of cheeses, it's best to put the cheddar underneath the mozzarella to slow down its cooking. Parmesan should always be added after the pizza is cooked.
Now, let's discuss when to add the cheese. You can add cheese to your frozen pizza before baking it or halfway through the cooking process. If you're using mozzarella, adding it before cooking is a good option as it melts slowly and can handle longer baking times. For cheddar, you can sprinkle it on top of the frozen pizza before baking, but keep in mind that it may cook faster than the mozzarella. If you're adding cheese during the cooking process, simply remove the pizza from the oven after it's been baking for about 10-12 minutes, grate or sprinkle your desired amount of cheese on top, and then return the pizza to the oven until it's fully cooked.
In addition to cheese, you can also experiment with various toppings to enhance the flavour of your frozen pizza. Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme can be added before or after baking, depending on whether you want them baked into the pizza or fresh. Other toppings such as vegetables, meats, and spices can also be added to create different flavour combinations. Just remember to slice watery vegetables thinly and sparingly to avoid a soggy pizza. Meats like bacon and pepperoni can be added before cooking or halfway through, while fresh herbs and crispy vegetables like onions and peppers are best added towards the end of cooking or after the pizza is baked to retain their texture and flavour.
Lastly, don't forget to keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn't burn. A crispy crust is desirable, but you don't want it to char. By following these tips and adding cheese before or during cooking, you can transform a basic frozen pizza into a delicious and satisfying meal.
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The best cheeses to add to a frozen pizza
Frozen pizzas can be elevated with the addition of fresh ingredients and extra cheese. While most frozen pizzas already contain cheese, adding a fresh variety can make it taste more gourmet. The best cheeses to add to a frozen pizza include:
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on frozen pizzas, so adding extra will blend well with the existing cheese. It melts slowly and can be baked for longer, so it is best added before cooking.
Cheddar
Cheddar can also be added before cooking, but it cooks faster and dries out sooner than mozzarella. To combat this, try adding the cheddar underneath the mozzarella to keep it cooking slower.
Parmesan
Parmesan should always be added after the pizza has been cooked. It is a good choice for sprinkling on top of the pizza at the end.
Feta and Blue Cheese
These less water-heavy cheeses are best crumbled on top of the pizza right after baking.
Burrata
For a restaurant-worthy finish, top your pizza with slices of prosciutto, a drizzle of hot honey, and dressed arugula, along with dollops of burrata cheese.
Other Cheeses
Other cheeses that can be added to frozen pizzas include Asiago, Romano, and Gouda.
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Other toppings to add to a frozen pizza
Frozen pizzas are a convenient meal option, and with a few extra toppings, you can elevate them into a delicious treat. The most popular additional topping is cheese, and you can add this halfway through the cooking time or before you start cooking. Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan are all great options, but you can experiment with different varieties to find your favourite combinations.
Now, let's look at some other toppings to take your frozen pizza to the next level.
Meats
Meats are a popular choice for adding flavour and protein to your pizza. Cured meats, such as pepperoni, salami, or chorizo, are a great option as they provide a flavour punch without making the pizza too heavy. You can also try Canadian bacon, BBQ chicken, or even leftover cooked chicken. If you're feeling adventurous, anchovies are a classic Roman topping.
Vegetables
Vegetables can add a healthy and tasty twist to your pizza. Try onions, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or spinach. Just be mindful of adding too many watery vegetables, as these can make your pizza soggy. You can also add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavour.
Eggs and Breakfast Meats
For a unique twist, try adding a fried egg on top of your pizza. It might sound unusual, but it's a tasty and fulfilling option. You can also experiment with breakfast meats like sausage or tofu for a breakfast pizza.
Spices and Seasonings
Don't forget to add some spices and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your pizza. Try garlic powder, black pepper, red chilli flakes, or Italian seasoning.
With these toppings and your own creativity, you can transform a basic frozen pizza into a gourmet meal. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect combination!
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How to prepare a frozen pizza before adding cheese
Preparing a frozen pizza before adding cheese involves several steps, including choosing the right pizza, thawing, and adding toppings. Here is a detailed guide:
Choosing the Right Frozen Pizza
Start by selecting a suitable frozen pizza as your base. Opt for a simple frozen cheese pizza, especially if you plan to add multiple toppings. This provides a neutral canvas for your creative additions.
Thawing the Pizza
Before adding any toppings, let the frozen pizza thaw slightly. Bringing it closer to room temperature can help ensure that the crust cooks more evenly and crisps up nicely. However, if you plan to add fresh cheese, you may want to avoid letting the pizza thaw too much, as you'll want it to bake long enough to melt the cheese without overcooking the crust.
Adding Toppings
The fun part begins! Before adding cheese, you can experiment with various toppings to elevate your pizza's flavor and make it more nutritious. Here are some ideas:
- Meat: Try cured meats like pepperoni, bacon (par-cooked beforehand), Canadian bacon, or BBQ chicken.
- Vegetables: Add fresh or sautéed veggies such as onions, green peppers, mushrooms, olives, zucchini, broccoli florets, or sliced cauliflower. Watery vegetables should be thinly sliced and sparingly added to avoid sogginess.
- Herbs: Sprinkle on fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme. You can add these at the end of baking or after the pizza is baked to retain their fresh flavor and texture.
- Condiments and Seasonings: Drizzle your pizza with olive oil, hot honey, or sriracha. You can also season the crust with melted butter and spices like garlic powder or onion powder.
- Eggs: For an indulgent touch, pull the pizza out of the oven halfway through baking and crack an egg over it, then return it to the oven.
- Fruits: Create a Hawaiian pizza by adding canned pineapple slices and shredded ham before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle chili crisp over your pizza after it's baked for an extra kick.
Remember, the key is not to overload your pizza with toppings, as this can impact how evenly it bakes. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 to 6 ounces of cheese and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of other toppings for a 12-inch pizza.
Now that your pizza is prepared with delicious toppings, it's time to add the cheese!
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How long to cook a frozen pizza with added cheese
Frozen pizza is a convenient and easy meal to prepare. To make it taste better, you can add extra cheese and other toppings. The type of cheese and the amount you add can vary depending on your preference. Mozzarella is a good option as it melts slowly and can be baked for longer. Cheddar also works well, but it dries out faster than mozzarella. If you want to add cheddar, it's best to put it underneath the mozzarella to slow down the cooking process. Parmesan should always be added after the pizza is cooked.
When cooking a frozen pizza with added cheese, it's important to consider the cooking time and temperature. Most frozen pizzas are baked in the oven at a temperature between 400°F and 450°F for 8 to 15 minutes. However, if you want a crispier crust, it's recommended to bake the pizza at a higher temperature for a shorter time. For example, baking a pizza at 550°F for about 4 minutes can result in a handsomely charred crust and melted cheese.
The cooking time may vary depending on the type of pizza and the number of toppings. For a classic pizza with cheese, the recommended cook time is 14 to 20 minutes. For each additional topping, add 2 minutes to the cooking time. If you're cooking two pizzas at the same time, remember to alternate racks halfway through. It's also important to rotate the pizza halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
To add extra cheese to your frozen pizza, you can follow these steps: First, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. Remove the pizza from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe paper plate or directly on the middle rack of the oven, depending on the instructions. Bake the pizza for about half of the total cooking time suggested on the package. Then, remove the pizza from the oven and grate your desired amount of fresh cheese on top. Return the pizza to the oven and continue baking until it's done. The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to add cheese to a frozen pizza before or during baking. Mozzarella melts slowly and can be baked for longer periods, so it can be added before cooking. Cheddar, on the other hand, cooks faster and dries out sooner, so it should be added before cooking and placed under mozzarella to slow down the cooking process. Parmesan should always be added after the pizza has been cooked.
Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on frozen pizzas, so adding extra will blend very well. Cheddar is also a good option, as it is likely to be readily available.
This depends on personal preference. However, it is worth noting that adding more cheese to a pizza that is already cheesy may make it worse rather than better.
