Choosing the right type of cheese for pizza is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and meltability. The cheese you select can significantly impact the overall taste and experience of your pizza. While mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese, there are numerous other varieties that can enhance your pizza in unique ways. This article explores the best cheeses to use on pizza and explains how each type contributes to the ideal pizza experience.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizza, and for good reason. It melts beautifully, has a mild flavor that complements a wide range of toppings, and provides the stretchy, gooey texture that pizza lovers crave. There are several types of mozzarella to consider:
Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella, often sold in balls, has a high moisture content and a delicate, creamy flavor. It’s perfect for Neapolitan-style pizzas and pairs well with fresh tomatoes and basil for a classic Margherita pizza. However, its high moisture content can make the pizza soggy, so it’s best to pat the cheese dry with paper towels before using it.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella: This type of mozzarella is the standard choice for American-style pizzas. It has a lower moisture content than fresh mozzarella, which helps it melt evenly without making the pizza soggy. Low-moisture mozzarella is available in both whole milk and part-skim varieties. Whole milk mozzarella has a richer flavor and creamier texture, while part-skim mozzarella is firmer and less greasy.
Provolone
Provolone is another excellent cheese for pizza. It has a smooth texture and a slightly tangy, sharp flavor. Provolone melts well and is often used in combination with mozzarella for added depth of flavor. Aged provolone has a more pronounced taste and can be grated over the pizza for a burst of flavor.
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Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is known for its sharp, tangy flavor and vibrant orange color. While it’s not traditionally used on Italian-style pizzas, it can be a great addition to American-style pizzas or specialty pizzas like barbecue chicken pizza. Cheddar doesn’t melt as smoothly as mozzarella, so it’s often combined with other cheeses to achieve the desired meltability.
Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a strong, nutty flavor. It’s not typically used as the primary cheese on pizza, but it makes an excellent topping. Grated Parmesan can be sprinkled over the pizza before or after baking to add a burst of savory flavor. It also pairs well with other cheeses, like mozzarella and provolone, to create a more complex taste.
Gouda
Gouda cheese has a rich, buttery flavor and melts beautifully, making it a great choice for pizza. Smoked gouda adds a unique, smoky taste that can enhance various pizza toppings, such as bacon or roasted vegetables. Gouda pairs well with both traditional and unconventional pizza toppings, offering a creamy texture and a distinct flavor.
Fontina
Fontina is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. It adds a creamy texture and rich taste to pizza. Fontina is often used in gourmet pizzas with sophisticated toppings like caramelized onions, mushrooms, and truffle oil. Its mild flavor complements both savory and sweet toppings.
Ricotta
Ricotta cheese is a fresh, soft cheese with a creamy texture and mild flavor. While it doesn’t melt like mozzarella or provolone, it adds a rich, creamy element to pizza. Ricotta is often used in white pizzas or as dollops on top of a traditional pizza. It pairs well with spinach, garlic, and other vegetables.
Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavor and is typically grated over the pizza after baking. Like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is not usually used as the main cheese but as a flavorful topping. Its robust taste can enhance the overall flavor of the pizza.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese has a strong, pungent flavor and creamy texture. It’s not a traditional pizza cheese, but it can add a unique twist to certain pizzas. Blue cheese pairs well with bold toppings like caramelized onions, figs, and prosciutto. It can be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors on the pizza.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese has a tangy, creamy flavor that works well on pizza. It doesn’t melt as smoothly as mozzarella but adds a unique texture and taste. Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of toppings, including roasted vegetables, honey, and arugula. It’s often used in gourmet or vegetarian pizzas.
Asiago
Asiago cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a flavor that ranges from mild to sharp, depending on its age. It melts well and adds a nutty, slightly sweet taste to pizza. Asiago is often used in combination with other cheeses to add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the pizza.
Burrata
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, creamy center that oozes when cut, making it a luxurious addition to pizza. Burrata is often used as a topping after the pizza is baked to preserve its creamy texture. It pairs well with simple ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of cheese for your pizza depends on the flavor profile and texture you want to achieve. While mozzarella remains the go-to cheese for its melting properties and mild flavor, experimenting with other cheeses can elevate your pizza to new heights. Combining different cheeses can create a more complex and satisfying taste experience, allowing you to enjoy the best of each cheese’s unique qualities.
FAQs
Can I use a combination of cheeses on my pizza?
Yes, using a combination of cheeses can enhance the flavor and texture of your pizza. Popular combinations include mozzarella and provolone, mozzarella and Parmesan, and mozzarella and cheddar.
How do I prevent my pizza from becoming soggy when using fresh mozzarella?
To prevent sogginess, pat the fresh mozzarella dry with paper towels before using it. This reduces the moisture content and helps the cheese melt evenly without making the pizza crust soggy.
Is it okay to use non-traditional cheeses on pizza?
Absolutely! Non-traditional cheeses like blue cheese, goat cheese, and gouda can add unique flavors and textures to your pizza. Experimenting with different cheeses can result in delicious and creative pizza variations.