Frederic Melton
Cheese pizza is a classic dish that has become a staple in many cultures. While the type of cheese used on pizza can vary, mozzarella is the most popular variety globally, prized for its meltability and stretchiness. However, it is estimated that only 30% of pizza cheese used in the United States is actually mozzarella, with the remaining being a blend of other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, and parmesan or analogue cheese products. The perfect cheese pizza combines an exceptional dough base, a simple yet flavourful tomato sauce, and of course, a generous helping of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, Parmesan, Emmental, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta, Provel, Analogue cheese |
| Cheese combinations | Mozzarella and provolone, Mozzarella and cheddar, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano |
| Cheese characteristics | Soft, stringy, less water content, low-moisture, good melting and stretchiness |
| Cheese alternatives | Vegan cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese
Mozzarella is a soft, spun-curd cheese made from cow's milk. It has a high moisture content, which contributes to its stretchiness when melted. While fresh, full-moisture mozzarella is commonly used on traditional or authentic pizzas, low-moisture mozzarella is often preferred for pizza to prevent the cheese from becoming too wet and to achieve a brown, crispy top.
To enhance the meltability and stretchiness of mozzarella on pizza, it is recommended to shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which may contain fillers or anti-caking agents that impair melting. Combining low-moisture mozzarella with small amounts of fresh mozzarella can also improve meltability while maintaining the desired moisture level.
Mozzarella's mild flavour makes it a versatile cheese that complements a variety of pizza toppings. It pairs well with spicy ingredients like sausage or hot peppers, as well as milder toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. Mozzarella's neutral taste allows other flavours on the pizza to shine through without overwhelming the palate.
While mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese overall, other cheeses commonly used on pizza include provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan. These cheeses may be blended with mozzarella to enhance flavour and texture. For example, cheddar can be mixed with mozzarella to preserve chewiness, while provolone, known for its sweet and mild youth flavour that sharpens as it ages, adds depth to the overall taste profile.
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Other cheeses used on pizza
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizza, accounting for about 30% of all pizza cheese used globally, there are several other cheeses that are commonly used on pizza. These include provolone, the second most popular cheese used on pizza, cheddar, parmesan, emmental, pecorino romano, and ricotta.
Cheddar is a popular choice for pizza because of its versatility. It can be added to cheese blends to add color and flavor to the mix, and it pairs well with toppings like savory meat or sweet pineapple. It is also commonly used on specialty pies like chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. When using cheddar on pizza, it is important to note that it has less elasticity than other cheeses, so it may blister less when cooked.
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese that is often blended with mozzarella to make a traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza. The flavor of provolone varies depending on how long it ages, with younger provolone having a sweeter and creamier texture, while older provolone has a sharper taste and drier texture.
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a popular cheese to sprinkle or shave on top of pizzas as a garnish or flavor enhancer. It is not typically baked in the oven, as heat can ruin its delicate flavor and dryness.
Other cheeses that can be used on pizza include Emmental, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta, Wisconsin brick cheese, Havarti, Gorgonzola, and goat cheese. These cheeses can be used as toppings or blended with other cheeses to create unique flavors and textures.
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Cheese quantity on a pizza
The quantity of cheese on a pizza varies depending on the type of pizza, the cheese used, and personal preference. While there is no standard amount, the general consensus is that a pizza should have a generous amount of cheese to create a delicious, balanced flavour and texture.
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizzas globally, with its soft, spun-curd texture and ability to brown and melt well. However, in the United States, it is estimated that only about 30% of pizza cheese is mozzarella, with the remaining being a blend of other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, and parmesan. These cheeses are often mixed to achieve the desired flavour, melt, and stretchiness.
When using mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella is preferred for pizza as it has a firmer texture, is easier to grate, and has better browning and melting characteristics. It also has less water content, preventing the pizza from becoming soggy. For a New York-style pizza, low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella is essential to achieve that corner-to-corner cheese stretch.
The quantity of cheese used can also depend on the type of pizza. For example, frozen pizzas may use processed cheese or analogue cheese, which is designed to melt well and remain chewy. These cheese substitutes are often made with a combination of different cheeses and other ingredients to create the desired texture and flavour at a lower cost.
Ultimately, the quantity of cheese on a pizza is a matter of preference. Some people prefer a lighter touch with cheese, while others may load their pizzas with extra cheese for an indulgent, cheesy treat.
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Different types of cheese on one pizza
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, with its superior stretchability, mild and creamy flavour, and perfect meltability. However, there are many different types of cheese that can be used on a pizza, and often, several types of cheese are used together.
Mozzarella has different varieties, including low-moisture mozzarella, which is saltier and denser than fresh mozzarella, and has a longer shelf life. It is also less likely to make the pizza soggy due to its lower water content. Fresh mozzarella has a softer texture and a higher water content, which can cause a soggy crust if not dried before baking.
Other types of cheese used on pizza include provolone, which is the second most popular cheese for pizza and is often used in combination with mozzarella. This cheese has a semi-hard texture and a slightly sharper and more complex flavour. Cheddar is another popular option, often mixed with mozzarella to preserve chewiness, and adding an assertive flavour. Grated parmesan is also a popular choice, adding umami to the pizza, although it does not melt as well.
Other cheeses used on pizza include emmental, pecorino romano, ricotta, gouda, fontina, muenster, and pepper jack. Processed pizza cheeses, or analogue cheeses, are also commonly used, particularly on mass-produced pizzas. These are quicker and cheaper to produce and are designed to melt well and remain chewy. An example of this is Provel, which uses a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone.
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Cheese alternatives on pizza
Cheese is a staple ingredient of pizza, with mozzarella being the most popular variety globally. However, there are several alternatives to cheese on pizza, catering to different dietary preferences, health considerations, and taste.
For those seeking a lower-calorie option, fat-free cottage cheese or ricotta can be used as a substitute for regular cheese on pizza. Greek yogurt is another possible alternative, though it may not provide the same flavour impact as cheese. Additionally, one can opt for a smaller quantity of full-fat cheese or a blend of full-fat and fat-free cheese to reduce the overall calorie count without compromising on taste.
Vegan cheese is an option for those avoiding dairy products. While early iterations of vegan cheese were often criticised for their artificial taste and texture, newer varieties, such as cashew milk-based mozzarella, have been praised for their mild, unobtrusive flavour that complements the sauce and bread. These vegan cheeses melt well and solidify into a solid form when baked, creating a cohesive pizza experience.
For those seeking a more protein-rich pizza, meat, tofu, or high-protein vegetables can be added as toppings. Additionally, Velveeta shreds, a dairy product, can be used as a cheese alternative, though feedback on their performance on pizza is limited.
Lastly, for those seeking the classic cheese pizza experience, different varieties of mozzarella, such as low-moisture mozzarella, can be utilised. This variant, originally called "pizza cheese," was designed to melt well and retain its chewiness, making it ideal for pizza lovers seeking a traditional, yet customisable, cheese experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is put on pizza because it tastes good and has a gooey, melty texture.
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, known for its mild, creamy flavour and perfect meltability.
Other popular pizza cheeses include provolone, cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
Analogue pizza cheese is a pasteurized and processed cheese-like product that is quicker and cheaper to produce than real cheese. It is designed to melt well and remain chewy.
Fresh mozzarella is commonly used on pizzas, but it can turn into a single piece when it cools, causing it to fall off the pizza. Shredded, low-moisture mozzarella is a better option as it melts better and gives you a good cheese stretch.
