Bushra Griffith
If you're looking for a pizza with real mozzarella cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of mozzarella cheese you choose will depend on the style of pizza you prefer. For example, a wood-fired, soggy-in-the-middle Neapolitan pizza typically uses high-moisture, freshly made mozzarella, preferably from water buffalo milk. On the other hand, popular pizza styles such as New York-style, Greek-style, bar pies, and Chicago deep dish pies typically use low-moisture aged mozzarella. When choosing a pizza with real mozzarella cheese, it's essential to consider the quality of the cheese. Pre-shredded mozzarella, for instance, tends to brown faster and form an unattractive crust due to the added starch. Additionally, it often contains potato starch, which can be unsuitable for those with specific dietary restrictions. Instead, opt for whole milk blocks of cheese, which provide a better melting experience and a more enjoyable mouthfeel. According to pizza enthusiasts, two of the best mozzarella cheese brands available at grocery stores are Grande and Galbani.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mozzarella cheese | Low-moisture, whole milk |
| Brand | Galbani, Grande, Saputo, Cedar Valley, Sorrento, Supremo, Sargento |
| Buying | Local grocery store, restaurant supply store, online |
| Form | Block, ball, shredded |
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What You'll Learn
- Mozzarella cheese types: whole milk, low moisture, high moisture
- Where to buy mozzarella: grocery stores, restaurant supply stores, online?
- Pizza styles: Neapolitan, New York, Greek, Chicago deep dish
- Cheese combinations: mozzarella and provolone, mozzarella and cheddar, mozzarella and asiago
- Cheese brands: Grande, Galbani, Saputo, Sargento, Cedar Valley, Sorrento, Supremo
Mozzarella cheese types: whole milk, low moisture, high moisture
Mozzarella cheese is typically divided into two categories: fresh and low-moisture mozzarella. However, there are several types of mozzarella cheese, including whole milk, low moisture, high moisture, smoked, and buffalo milk.
Whole milk mozzarella has a higher fat content than part-skim mozzarella, resulting in a silkier texture when melted. It spreads into an even layer, staying moist and stretchy even when slightly browned. Whole milk mozzarella is also available in blocks, which can be shredded at home, or pre-shredded. Pre-shredded mozzarella tends to brown faster and form an unattractive crust due to the added starch. When purchasing whole milk mozzarella, look for a ball of cheese rather than shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, a plant-based material that prevents clumping but can make the final product on your pizza grainy.
Low-moisture mozzarella is an aged and dried version of fresh mozzarella. It is denser and saltier than high-moisture mozzarella and is perfect for dishes that require reliable, even melting, such as American or New York-style pizza. Low-moisture mozzarella stretches without releasing water, keeping the pizza crust intact. It is also versatile due to its mild flavour and exceptional melting ability.
High-moisture, freshly made mozzarella is typically used for wood-fired, soggy-in-the-middle, true Neapolitan pizzas. It is made from fresh cheese curds created by adding rennet to lightly fermented cow or water buffalo milk. This type of mozzarella weeps water during the baking process, which can make the pizza soggy.
When choosing mozzarella cheese for your pizza, consider the style of pizza you want to create. For example, if you're making a New York-style or Chicago deep-dish pizza, low-moisture aged mozzarella is the typical choice. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a true Neapolitan pizza, high-moisture, freshly made mozzarella is key.
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Where to buy mozzarella: grocery stores, restaurant supply stores, online
Mozzarella cheese is a key ingredient in many dishes, and it can be purchased from various places, depending on your needs and location. Here is a guide to help you find the best places to buy mozzarella:
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are a convenient option for buying mozzarella, and you can often find a variety of brands and types. Look for specialty cheese sections or deli counters in larger supermarkets, as they may offer a wider selection of mozzarella, including fresh, pre-shredded, or block mozzarella. Some recommended brands to look out for include Good & Gather (available at Target) and Kraft, which offers a firmer texture that's great for grating.
Restaurant Supply Stores
If you're looking to buy mozzarella in bulk or prefer a one-stop-shop for pizza-making supplies, consider visiting restaurant supply stores. These stores often cater to both restaurant owners and individuals passionate about pizza-making. Costco, for example, offers 5-6 lb blocks of whole milk mozzarella, which can be a great option for those seeking larger quantities. Restaurant Depot is another option, although it may be restricted to business owners.
Online
Purchasing mozzarella online is an excellent way to access a diverse range of options, including specialty mozzarella producers. For instance, Caputo Brothers Creamery offers mozzarella made from naturally fermented curd, shipped directly to your door to ensure freshness. Vern's Cheese, based in Wisconsin, is another online option, known for its commitment to delivering high-quality, fresh mozzarella. Additionally, if you're seeking a unique snack, Big Mozz offers mozzarella sticks with a tasty twist, shipped with dry ice to keep them frozen.
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Pizza styles: Neapolitan, New York, Greek, Chicago deep dish
Neapolitan-style pizza is characterised by a thin base and a crispy, light, and airy crust. The classic Neapolitan pizza is the Margherita, topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Parmesan cheese is also a popular addition. Meat is not a common ingredient in Neapolitan pizza, with cheese being the star of the dish. The thin base and light crust of authentic Neapolitan pizza are cooked in a wood-fired, traditional pizza oven.
New York-style pizza typically uses dried or low-moisture mozzarella to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. This type of mozzarella is often available on Amazon and in supermarkets. Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, can be added to New York-style pizzas for extra flavour.
Greek-style pizza usually features a standard pizza dough enriched with olive oil and stretched into a steel or aluminium pie pan coated with another layer of oil. The tomato sauce is chunky, well-cooked, and heavily flavoured with oregano. While mozzarella is a common cheese used on Greek pizza, it does not melt in the same gooey strands as regular mozzarella, and is more prone to breaking and greasiness. A blend of shredded mozzarella and white cheddar adds tanginess to Greek-style pizza.
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is baked in a deep-dish cake pan, with the cheese going directly on top of the crust and the sauce piled on top. The crust is crunchy-edged and flaky, and cornmeal is added to the dough to give it a crunchy and flavourful texture. Chicago-style pizza is often eaten with a fork to avoid making a mess. The sauce is garlic-infused and slightly sweet, and a whole lot of cheese goes into this style of pizza. Sliced or shredded fresh mozzarella is recommended for the best taste, although pre-shredded mozzarella is also an option.
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Cheese combinations: mozzarella and provolone, mozzarella and cheddar, mozzarella and asiago
When it comes to pizza, cheese is a key ingredient, and the quality of the cheese can make or break this beloved dish. While there are many types of cheese to choose from, mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza due to its meltability and neutral flavour. Those looking for an authentic pizza experience may opt for a pizza made with real mozzarella cheese.
Mozzarella and Provolone
For a subtle yet flavourful pizza, a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese may be used. This blend can be found pre-made from brands like Grande Cheese, which combines their signature Part Skim Mozzarella with bold Provolone.
Mozzarella and Cheddar
Mozzarella and cheddar is a popular combination for a three-cheese pizza, often complemented by Parmesan. The robust flavour of cheddar stands out in this blend, and the addition of Parmesan contributes to a more complex flavour profile.
Mozzarella and Asiago
For those seeking a premium pizza experience, a blend of mozzarella and Asiago cheese aged over six months can elevate the consistency, performance, and flavour of the pizza. This combination can be found from brands like Grande Cheese, which offers a distinctive blend of their signature Part Skim Mozzarella and aged Asiago.
While the cheese is a crucial component of a delicious pizza, other factors come into play as well. The quality of the dough, the sauce, and the baking process all contribute to the overall taste and texture of the final product. For those seeking the best mozzarella, full-fat whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella is recommended to avoid a soggy pizza. Brands like Galbani offer this variety in local grocery stores, and shredding or slicing the cheese thinly and evenly can further enhance the pizza-making experience.
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Cheese brands: Grande, Galbani, Saputo, Sargento, Cedar Valley, Sorrento, Supremo
If you're looking for a pizza with real mozzarella cheese, you're in luck! Several cheese brands offer this delicious, stretchy cheese that can elevate your pizza experience. Here's a rundown of some popular cheese brands and where you can find their products:
Grande
Grande Cheese Company is known for its trademark-quality cheese, supplying to pizzerias and restaurants. They partner with dairy producers from Wisconsin and Illinois to source high-quality milk for their cheese. While Grande cheeses might be challenging to find in retail stores, you may be able to purchase them in large quantities from restaurant supply stores. Their cheese is also used by many pizzerias, so you can enjoy it on your next pizza order.
Galbani
Galbani is another popular cheese brand, and their products are more readily available in grocery stores. Look for their low-moisture whole milk mozzarella, which comes in a one-pound ball, usually near the prepackaged sliced cheeses. Galbani's mozzarella is praised by pizza enthusiasts for its quality and ability to take your pizzas to the next level.
Saputo
Saputo Cheese USA offers a variety of cheeses under different brand names. For example, their Treasure Cave® brand includes aged cheeses such as Blue, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Feta. Saputo's cheeses are available at various retailers, and you can find a store near you by checking their website.
Sargento
Sargento also offers a range of cheese products, and you can conveniently purchase them online or find a store near you through their website.
Cedar Valley, Sorrento, and Supremo
While I found limited information on Cedar Valley and Sorrento cheeses, V&V Supremo is known for its award-winning, authentic Mexican-style cheese, crema, and chorizo. You can join their mailing list to receive coupons and recipes featuring their products.
So, the next time you're craving a pizza with real mozzarella cheese, keep an eye out for these brands, either at your local grocery store or on the menus of pizzerias that source quality cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
Many pizzerias source their cheese from one of two brands: Grande and Galbani. You can find these brands in grocery stores or restaurant supply stores.
For wood-fired, soggy-in-the-middle, true Neapolitan pizzas, a high-moisture, freshly made mozzarella (preferably from water buffalo milk) is key. But for most other pizza styles, low-moisture aged mozzarella is the cheese of choice.
Pizzamakers look for a few factors in great pizza cheese: salt content, fat content, the way it melts, and overall flavor.
