What Type of Cheese Goes on Pizza? The Ultimate Guide
The best cheese for pizza is a melting masterpiece that balances flavor, texture, and browning. While low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is the undisputed champion for its reliable performance, other cheeses, or blends, can offer exciting and delicious alternatives.
The Quintessential Pizza Cheese: Mozzarella
Mozzarella’s ubiquity on pizza stems from its exceptional melting qualities. It stretches beautifully, browns attractively, and possesses a mild flavor that complements a wide array of toppings. But even within the realm of mozzarella, nuances exist.
Low-Moisture, Part-Skim Mozzarella: This is the workhorse of the pizza world. Its lower moisture content prevents soggy crusts, and its controlled fat content ensures proper melting and browning. It’s readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Fresh Mozzarella (Fior di Latte): Made from cow’s milk, fresh mozzarella boasts a creamy texture and delicate flavor. However, its high moisture content requires careful handling to avoid a watery pizza. Some prefer using it sparingly, often in conjunction with low-moisture mozzarella.
Buffalo Mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala): Made from the milk of water buffalo, this cheese is richer and more intensely flavored than cow’s milk mozzarella. Its luxurious texture and unique taste make it a premium choice for gourmet pizzas.
Beyond Mozzarella: Expanding Your Pizza Cheese Horizons
While mozzarella reigns supreme, other cheeses can elevate your pizza experience with unique flavors and textures.
Provolone: Offers a slightly sharper, tangier flavor than mozzarella. Its good melting qualities make it a viable standalone option or an excellent addition to a mozzarella blend.
Cheddar: Adds a nutty and savory note. While cheddar melts well, it can become oily if used in large quantities. Sharp cheddar, in particular, provides a noticeable flavor boost.
Parmesan: Best used as a finishing cheese, adding a salty and umami-rich dimension. Its dry texture doesn’t lend itself to melting, but its potent flavor enhances the overall pizza profile.
Ricotta: A creamy and slightly sweet cheese that’s often dolloped onto pizza after baking. It provides a textural contrast and a refreshing flavor element.
Gouda: Known for its smooth, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties. Smoked Gouda, in particular, adds a delicious smoky dimension to pizza.
Fontina: A semi-hard Italian cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully.
Cheese Blends: Achieving the Perfect Harmony
Combining different cheeses allows you to create complex and nuanced flavor profiles. Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect blend.
| Cheese | Melting Properties | Flavor Profile | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella (Low Moisture) | Excellent | Mild | Base cheese for reliable melting and stretching. |
| Provolone | Excellent | Tangy | Enhances flavor complexity; good substitute or complement to mozzarella. |
| Cheddar | Good | Nutty, Sharp | Use sparingly to avoid oiliness; provides a noticeable flavor boost. |
| Parmesan | Poor | Salty, Umami | Finishing cheese; adds a strong, savory flavor. |
| Fontina | Excellent | Nutty, Buttery | Melts well and adds a rich, creamy element. |
Factors Influencing Cheese Selection
Choosing the right cheese for your pizza depends on several factors, including:
- Desired Flavor Profile: Do you prefer a mild, creamy taste or a bolder, more complex flavor?
- Crust Type: Thinner crusts require cheeses with lower moisture content to prevent sogginess.
- Toppings: Select cheeses that complement your toppings. A cheese blend might be necessary to enhance the overall flavor.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best cheese is the one you enjoy the most.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Cheese: Overloading your pizza with cheese can lead to a greasy and unbalanced result.
- Using High-Moisture Cheeses Without Adjustment: Fresh mozzarella and other high-moisture cheeses require proper draining or pre-baking to prevent a soggy crust.
- Ignoring Cheese Quality: Opt for high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Forgetting to Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can inhibit melting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pre-shredded cheese okay to use on pizza?
Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose and other anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting properly. Freshly shredded cheese will always melt more smoothly and evenly. It is generally recommended to avoid pre-shredded cheese.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for pizza?
Using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment are both effective methods. Ensure the cheese is cold for easier shredding. For even melting, aim for medium-sized shreds.
How much cheese should I put on a pizza?
A good rule of thumb is to use about 4-6 ounces of cheese for a 12-inch pizza. This amount provides ample coverage without overloading the crust. Adjust the amount based on personal preference and the specific cheese used.
What temperature should I bake my pizza at for the best cheese melting?
Most pizza recipes recommend baking at a high temperature, typically between 450-500°F (232-260°C). This high heat helps the cheese melt quickly and evenly while also creating a crispy crust. Ensure your oven is preheated before placing the pizza inside.
Can I use vegan cheese on pizza?
Yes, there are many vegan cheese options available for pizza. Look for vegan mozzarella-style shreds that are designed to melt well. Experiment with different brands to find one that you enjoy. Some vegan cheeses melt better than others.
How do I prevent my pizza from getting greasy?
Using low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is the best way to prevent a greasy pizza. Avoid overusing oily toppings, and consider blotting the pizza with a paper towel after baking to absorb excess grease. Proper cheese selection and topping control are key.
What are some good cheese alternatives for people with lactose intolerance?
Lactose-free mozzarella is a good option for those with lactose intolerance. Aged cheeses, like Parmesan, often contain lower levels of lactose and may be tolerated better. Vegan cheeses are also naturally lactose-free.
How do I store leftover pizza cheese?
Store shredded cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, use it within 5-7 days. Freezing cheese is also an option, but it may slightly alter the texture upon thawing. Proper storage ensures optimal flavor and freshness.
Can I use cheese blends other than mozzarella blends?
Absolutely! Experimenting with different cheese blends is a great way to customize your pizza. Try combining provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for a more complex and flavorful result. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Taste and aroma will vary.
Is it better to put cheese on top or under the toppings?
This is largely a matter of personal preference. Placing the cheese under the toppings can help prevent them from drying out during baking. However, putting the cheese on top allows it to brown more directly. Experiment with both methods to see which you prefer. Each produces different visual and textural results.
What’s the deal with “brick cheese” on Detroit-style pizza?
Brick cheese is a mild, creamy cheese with a high butterfat content, traditionally used on Detroit-style pizza. It melts beautifully and creates a crispy, caramelized edge. It’s a key ingredient for authentic Detroit-style flavor. It’s becoming more widely available.
Why does some cheese bubble up and burn on pizza?
This usually happens with cheeses that have a higher moisture content or are too close to the heating element. Consider using a lower baking temperature or placing the pizza on a lower rack in the oven. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with cheese.