Randy Chandler
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizzas due to its mellow richness, stretchiness, and how it melts beautifully and browns nicely. However, it is not the only cheese used on pizzas. Other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, parmesan, ricotta, and gouda are also used on pizzas, either in combination with mozzarella or on its own. The type of cheese used on a pizza can depend on the region, the type of pizza, and personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella is the most used cheese on pizza | Its high-water content, stretchability, and neutral-salty taste make it a good base for other flavors |
| Other cheeses are used | Cheddar, provolone, Parmesan, Romano, ricotta, and goat cheese are popular choices |
| Cheese blends are common | Blends of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan or Romano, ricotta, or cheddar are used to add flavor and texture |
| Low-moisture mozzarella is preferred | It melts beautifully, browns nicely, and prevents sogginess |
| Fresh mozzarella is also used | It has a mellow richness, but can be too wet and cause the cheese to fall off the pizza when cooling |
| Other cheeses can be used as a base | Cheddar is a common alternative, but it has lower elasticity and can scorch or secrete oil |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella blends with other cheeses
Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese for pizzas due to its mellow richness, stretchability, and how it melts beautifully and browns nicely. However, it is not the only cheese used on pizzas. Many people experiment with different blends of cheeses to enhance the flavour of their pizza.
Mozzarella blends well with other cheeses such as provolone, which adds a signature pizzeria taste to the pizza. Another option is cheddar, which has a sharp, nutty, and rich flavour. It is important to note that cheddar has low elasticity and does not melt as well as mozzarella, so it should be used sparingly and cooked at a lower temperature to prevent it from toughening and secreting oil.
Other cheeses that can be blended with mozzarella include Parmesan, Romano, and ricotta. These cheeses add a salty, nutty, and rich flavour to the pizza. In addition, goat cheese has gained popularity in recent years, often paired with mozzarella to balance its overpowering flavour.
Some people also like to use flavoured cheeses, such as garlic and herb goat cheese, to enhance the natural flavours of the pizza's ingredients. Additionally, whole milk or smoked mozzarella can be used instead of the traditional variety to add depth to the pizza.
Overall, while mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza cheese, it is not the only option, and many people experiment with different blends of cheeses to find their favourite combinations.
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Low-moisture mozzarella
While many pizza styles, like wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, use freshly made high-moisture mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella is the cheese of choice for most other pizza styles in the US. These include New York-style, crispy Greek-style, bar pies, New Haven apizza, and Chicago deep-dish pies.
When melted, low-moisture mozzarella exhibits excellent stretchability without becoming soupy, making it ideal for pizza. It stretches into long strands without exuding water, ensuring the pizza crust remains dry and intact. The cheese also browns nicely on top, adding a desirable colour to the pizza.
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Other cheeses that melt well
While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, other cheeses can also melt well and be used on pizzas. One option is provolone, which has a nutty flavour and is described as tasting like a "classic run-of-the-mill pizzeria pizza". Another option is fontina, which has a mild, buttery, and rich flavour, and is ideal for melting into sauces and soups. A third option is gouda, which has a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of sweetness. Smoked gouda is a variety that adds a hint of smoke to the flavour. A final option is raclette, which is specifically designed for melting and has a mildly savoury flavour.
When choosing a cheese to melt on a pizza, it is important to consider the moisture content and oiliness of the cheese. For example, low-moisture mozzarella is preferable to fresh mozzarella on pizzas because it has less water content and will not make the pizza soggy. Cheddar, for example, is not ideal for pizza because it has low elasticity and will not produce stringy results.
Some other cheeses that melt well include Gruyere, Jarlsberg, Colby, Edam, Muenster, Swiss, and young cheddar. However, some cheeses, like feta, halloumi, ricotta, and paneer, become soft when heated but do not melt in the same way as other cheeses.
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Cheese-less pizzas
Pizzas are commonly associated with cheese, specifically mozzarella, which is known for its melty, stretchy, and delicious qualities. However, there is no rule that pizzas must include cheese, and experimenting with different toppings can lead to delicious results. Cheeseless pizzas are a great option for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to reduce their cheese consumption or overall fat intake.
One popular alternative to traditional cheese pizzas is to use a bean spread as the base instead of tomato sauce. Navy beans, in particular, can be blended with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to create a creamy and flavourful base that pairs well with various toppings. This bean spread provides a rich and creamy texture while also offering nutritional benefits.
For those who enjoy spicy food, adding red chili flakes, garlic, and minced onion to a cheeseless pizza can create a flavour-packed experience. Cherry tomatoes, halved and baked cut-side up, also add a delicious touch to a cheeseless pizza. If you're a meat lover, you can even add turkey sausage to your cheeseless pizza to increase the protein content while maintaining a healthier profile.
When creating cheeseless pizzas, it's important to focus on the toppings to ensure a robust depth of flavor. Caramelized onions, for example, can add a sweet and savory dimension to the pizza, making it so delicious that you won't even miss the cheese! Other toppings such as chili peppers, barbecue chicken, kimchi, roasted carrots, sautéed onion strips, bell pepper strips, and sliced mushrooms can also take your cheeseless pizza to the next level.
In addition to exploring cheeseless pizzas, some people also experiment with different types of cheese on their pizzas. While mozzarella is a popular choice, other cheeses such as ricotta, cheddar, provolone, fontina, smoked Gouda, pepper Jack, Muenster, raclette, Parmesan, and Asiago can also be used. Each of these cheeses offers a unique flavor and texture profile that can enhance the overall pizza experience. Ultimately, the beauty of pizza is that it can be customized to your taste preferences, whether you choose to go cheeseless or explore different cheese and topping combinations.
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Goat cheese as a mozzarella alternative
Mozzarella is the default cheese that comes to mind when one thinks of pizza, and for good reason. It is undeniably melty and delicious, with a subtle cheesy flavour. However, mozzarella is not the only cheese that can be used on pizza.
Goat cheese is a great alternative to mozzarella, especially for those who are lactose intolerant as goat dairy does not contain lactose. Goat cheese has a tangier, creamier, and less salty taste than mozzarella. It won't melt in the same way as mozzarella, so it may not be ideal for cooked dishes like lasagna, but it can still add some cheesy goodness to your pizza. If you're using goat cheese, it's recommended to mix it with a little balsamic and honey before spreading it on your pizza base.
Other alternatives to mozzarella include ricotta, Swiss cheese, halloumi, feta, and provolone. While these cheeses differ in texture and flavour from mozzarella, they can still be delicious on pizza. For example, ricotta is the star of white pizza, and provolone gives a "classic run-of-the-mill pizzeria pizza" taste. If you're looking for a cheese that melts like mozzarella, Swiss cheese is your best bet. However, if you're looking for a lactose-friendly option, aged provolone is a good choice as aging decreases the lactose quantity.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza because of its mellow richness, supreme stretchability, and salty-to-tangy flavor. Its low moisture content also helps prevent sogginess and allows it to brown nicely when cooked.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese on a pizza. Popular alternatives to mozzarella include provolone, cheddar, Parmesan, ricotta, and Romano. Some people also experiment with cheeses like pepper jack, smoked Gouda, feta, and goat cheese.
Mozzarella cheese is known for its melting properties and stretchability, creating the classic stringy texture often associated with pizza. Its mild flavor also pairs well with various toppings without overwhelming the other flavors in the pizza.
