What Cheese Goes On Pizza?

What Cheese Goes On Pizza?

If you enjoy the great taste of a delicious pizza, then you will understand why cheese is such an important ingredient. When making pizza, it’s essential to pick the right cheese. The type of cheese you choose will determine how gooey and delicious your pizza is – as well as its flavor. The right type of cheese will take a regular pizza to delectable heights, making it truly enjoyable. But what kind of cheese should you use? With so many varieties available in the market today, it can be difficult to know which one works best for pizzas – especially if you are new to the game. 

In this blog post, we will explore popular types of cheese that are commonly used on pizzas and discuss their unique characteristics in order to help you make an informed choice when building your next pie. So if you’re looking for the perfect cheesy topping for your homemade pie, keep reading on.
What Cheese Goes On Pizza

What is cheese?

Cheese is a dairy product made from the curd of milk. It can be eaten on its own, or used in various dishes to add flavor and texture. Cheese comes in many forms, including hard cheese such as cheddar, soft cheeses like Brie, blue cheese, cream cheese, and even processed cheeses. Each type has its own unique taste and texture.

Cheese is also incredibly versatile; it can be melted into sauces, shredded over salads and pizzas, spread onto crackers or breads for sandwiches, or cubed up and served with fruit as a snack. Additionally, cheese can be combined with other ingredients to create flavorful dishes such as macaroni and cheese or lasagna.

Moreover, cheese is a great source of protein, calcium and other essential nutrients. It can also be a flavorful way to add some healthy fats and flavor to your meals! With so many types and textures, cheese can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Where does cheese originate?

Cheese is thought to have been created thousands of years ago, in Central Asia. It has since spread around the world and is now a popular food in many countries.

Cheese can be made from cow, goat, sheep or buffalo milk and comes in many varieties. From sharp cheddars to creamy bries and smoky goudas, there’s always something new to explore when it comes to cheese! 

Enjoying cheese doesn’t just stop at eating it; it can also be used as an ingredient in recipes like cheesecakes, quiches and tarts. You can also get creative with your cheeseboard and pair different types of cheese with fruits, nuts, honey and even cured meats for a delicious

What Cheese Goes On Pizza?

Choosing which cheese to add on your pizza might be difficult given the broad range of options available. It is advised that you must take into account the cheese’s flexibility, free oil, moisture, water activity, and baking temperature. Check out some of the top cheeses for pizza in the list below.

  1. Mozzarella Cheese:

Mozzarella cheese is a type of soft, white cheese that originated in Italy. It’s made from cow’s milk and comes in several varieties, including buffalo mozzarella and smoked mozzarella. Mozzarella is well-known for its stretchy texture when melted and can be used on pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Mozzarella cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor and an elastic, stretchy texture. It melts easily and has a creamy, milky taste making it ideal for pizzas.

When selecting mozzarella cheese for pizza, you should consider its moisture content and fat content. Low-moisture mozzarella is best for pizzas as it holds its shape better and won’t add too much liquid to the pizza dough. Additionally, full-fat mozzarella will give a richer flavor and creamier texture than reduced-fat varieties.

  1. Cheddar Cheese:

Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp cow’s milk cheese that originated in England. It has a distinctive orange hue due to annatto food coloring but can also be found in white or yellow colors. The aging period of cheddar varies from two months to several years, which affects its taste and texture.

Cheddar cheese is a hard and sharp cheese with a smooth texture that crumbles easily. It melts well and has a nutty, buttery flavor that compliments the flavors of pizza toppings.

When selecting cheddar cheese for your pizza, you should keep in mind its age. Aged cheddars are sharper in flavor so use them sparingly or mix them with mozzarella for added depth. Also, it’s important to note that aged cheddars will not melt as well as younger varieties so they may not be ideal for pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

  1. Parmesan Cheese:

Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a sharp flavor and grainy texture, and can be grated over food for extra flavor. Parmesan is one of the most popular cheeses used in Italian cooking.

Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese with an intense, nutty flavor that adds depth and richness to dishes. It melts relatively slowly so it won’t become stringy or stretchy like mozzarella does when heated.

When selecting parmesan for pizza, you should consider its age as older varieties will have a stronger flavor. Aged parmesan is best for sprinkling over pizzas as it won’t melt as much, while younger parmesan cheeses can be grated over pizzas or melted on top.

  1. Feta cheese:

Feta cheese is a Greek specialty made from sheep’s milk or a combination of goat and sheep’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavor that makes it perfect for salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.

Feta cheese is a soft, crumbly cheese with a salty, tangy flavor. Its creamy texture melts easily when heated making it an excellent topping for pizza.

When selecting feta for your pizza you should keep in mind its salty flavor. As such, use this type of cheese sparingly as too much may overpower the other flavors on your pizza. Additionally, avoid pre-crumbled feta as it is usually too dry and doesn’t melt as well.

  1. Swiss cheese:

Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a mild, nutty flavor and distinctive holes. It originated in Switzerland but is now produced worldwide.

Swiss cheese has a soft, creamy texture that makes it perfect for melting on top of pizzas. Its mild yet nutty flavor pairs well with other toppings and lends itself to many different types of pizza recipes.

When selecting Swiss cheese for your pizza, you should consider its fat content as full-fat varieties will have the best meltability and creaminess. Additionally, light or reduced-fat cheeses may not have the same flavor and texture as their full-fat counterparts. Also, if you’re looking for a cheese with a more intense flavor, opt for an aged Swiss cheese.

  1. Gouda Cheese:

Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese originating in the Netherlands. It has a mild, buttery flavor and smooth texture that makes it perfect for melting on pizzas or grating over salads and sandwiches.

Gouda cheese has a creamy texture with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with many different pizza toppings. Its soft texture melts easily when heated making it ideal for pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

When selecting gouda for pizza, you should consider the age of the cheese. Aged varieties of gouda are sharper in flavor and may not melt as well as their younger counterparts. Additionally, full-fat varieties of gouda will have the best meltability and creaminess.

  1. Gruyere Cheese:

Gruyere cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese originating in Switzerland. It has a sweet, nutty flavor with a firm but creamy texture that makes it perfect for melting on pizzas or grating over salads and sandwiches.

Gruyere cheese has a smooth, creamy texture with a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with many different pizza toppings. It melts easily when heated, making it ideal for pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

When selecting gruyere for your pizza you should keep in mind its strong flavor. As such, use this type of cheese sparingly as too much may overpower the other flavors on your pizza. Additionally, avoid pre-grated gruyere as it is usually too dry and doesn’t melt as well.

Also, bear in mind that high-quality varieties tend to have a stronger flavor than lower quality ones so select accordingly.

  1. Provolone cheese:

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese originating in Italy. It has a sharp, piquant flavor and smooth texture that makes it perfect for melting on pizzas or grating over salads and sandwiches.

Provolone cheese has a firm yet creamy texture with a sharp, piquant flavor that pairs well with many different pizza toppings. Its soft texture melts easily when heated making it ideal for pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

When selecting provolone for pizza, you should consider the age of the cheese. Aged varieties of provolone are sharper in flavor and may not melt as well as their younger counterparts. Additionally, full-fat varieties of provolone will have the best meltability and creaminess.

  1. Ricotta cheese:

Ricotta cheese is a soft cow’s milk cheese originating in Italy. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture that makes it perfect for melting on pizzas or using to make creamy sauces.

Ricotta cheese has a smooth, creamy texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with many different pizza toppings. Its soft-yet-creamy consistency makes it ideal for pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

When selecting ricotta for pizza, you should consider the fat content. Full-fat varieties will have the best meltability and creaminess, whereas low-fat versions may not melt as well or be as flavorful. Additionally, be aware that some brands of ricotta can be quite salty so taste before using.

Finally, keep in mind that ricotta cheese is quite delicate and should not be cooked at too high a temperature or for too long as it may break down and become watery.

  1. Blue cheese:

Blue cheese is a type of cow’s milk or sheep’s milk cheese that has been inoculated with Penicillium mold, giving it its distinct blue-green veins and pungent flavor.

Blue cheese has an intense, salty flavor and crumbly texture that pairs well with many different pizza toppings. Its soft texture melts easily when heated making it ideal for pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

When selecting blue cheese for pizza, you should keep in mind its strong flavor and salty taste. As such, use this type of cheese sparingly as too much may overpower the other flavors on your pizza. Additionally, avoid pre-crumbled varieties as they are usually too dry and don’t melt as well.

Finally, bear in mind that blue cheeses can vary greatly in intensity so select accordingly.

Blue cheese also has a high fat content which means it melts quickly and easily making it perfect for pizzas with an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese. Additionally, if you’re looking to add extra flavor to your pizza you can mix crumbled blue cheese with creamier cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.

  1. Cottage cheese:

Cottage cheese is a soft cow’s milk cheese that originated in the United States. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture that makes it perfect for adding to savory dishes like pizzas or salads.

Cottage cheese has a smooth, creamy texture with a mild flavor that pairs well with many different pizza toppings. Its soft-yet-creamy consistency melts easily when heated so it can be used as an alternative to mozzarella on pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

You should consider cottage cheese’s moderate taste and high moisture level while choosing it for pizza. Pre-crumbled types should be avoided since they will be too dry and won’t melt correctly. Furthermore, choose full-fat varieties since they offer the highest meltability and creaminess.

Remember that cottage cheese is rather fragile and shouldn’t be cooked at a high temperature or for an extended period of time because doing so might cause it to break down and turn runny.

  1. Brie cheese:

Brie cheese is a soft-ripened cow’s milk cheese that originated in France. It has an earthy flavor and creamy texture that makes it perfect for melting on pizzas or using to make creamy sauces.

Brie has a smooth, creamy texture with a mild yet flavorful taste that pairs well with many different pizza toppings. Its soft-yet-creamy consistency melts easily when heated so it can be used as an alternative to mozzarella on pizzas where an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese is desired.

You should consider brie’s mild yet flavorful taste and high moisture level when selecting it for pizza. Pre-sliced brie is best avoided since it will have a less creamy texture than its full-fat variety. Additionally, look for low sodium varieties as the added salt may be overwhelming on a pizza.

Finally, bear in mind that brie can vary greatly in intensity so select accordingly. Brie’s high fat content means that it melts quickly and easily making it perfect for pizzas with an ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese. Additionally, if you’re looking to add extra flavor to your pizza you can mix crumbled brie cheese with creamier cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.

No matter what type of cheese you choose, it’s sure to make your pizza even more delicious and flavorful! Keep in mind the texture, flavor, melting characteristics, and fat content when selecting cheeses for your pizza. Enjoy experimenting with different types of cheese to find the perfect combination for your next homemade pizza!

What about the nutrition facts of different cheeses?

The nutrition facts of different cheeses vary depending on the type and amount used. However, all cheeses are high in fat, sodium, and protein. Additionally, some cheeses can contain high amounts of calcium and other vitamins and minerals. It is important to check the nutrition label of the cheese you are using to determine how many calories or nutrients it contains per serving size. When selecting cheese for a pizza, it is best to opt for lower-fat varieties like part-skim mozzarella or feta cheese to reduce overall calorie intake. Additionally, choose low-sodium varieties if possible as excess sodium can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.

Typically, it is divided into two common types:  hard cheese and soft cheese.

First, hard cheese is made by pressing curds together and is a great addition to pizza toppings. Popular hard cheese varieties include Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and Cheddar. These cheeses are typically added after the pizza has been cooked as they don’t melt like soft cheeses do.

Second, soft cheese is made from either cow’s or goat’s milk and is usually used for sauces or melted on top of pizza before baking. Examples of popular soft cheeses are mozzarella, feta, ricotta, brie, gouda, blue cheese and many more. Soft cheeses tend to have a higher moisture content than hard cheeses so they melt quickly when heated making them perfect for adding that extra layer of flavor and ooey-gooey goodness to your homemade pizzas.

The nutrition facts of hard cheese:

Hard cheese is typically higher in fat and sodium than soft cheese. For 100g of Parmesan cheese, for example, there is around 11g of fat and 830 mg of sodium which is nearly a third of most people’s recommended daily intake. On the flip side, hard cheeses can also be an excellent source of calcium with one-third cup providing around 20% of your daily calcium needs.

The nutrition facts of soft cheese:

Soft cheeses tend to have lower amounts of fat and sodium compared to hard cheeses.Mozzarella cheese, for example, has 6g of fat and 215 mg of sodium per 100g serving size while feta contains approximately 5 g fat and 420 mg sodium per 100g serving size. Soft cheeses are also typically higher in calcium than hard cheese with one-third cup providing around 20% of your daily calcium needs.

How much cheese is there on a pizza?

The amount of cheese to use on a pizza largely depends on personal preference. Some people like more cheese and some prefer less, so it is up to you to decide how much cheese you want to add. Generally, about 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese will cover a 12-inch pizza and about 2 to 3 cups for a 16-inch pizza should be enough. Additionally, if the recipe calls for multiple cheeses they may need to be weighed or measured individually.

Using different types of cheese can add new flavors and textures to your homemade pizzas. From hard cheeses like Parmesan and Asiago to soft varieties such as mozzarella and feta, there are many delicious options available. Be sure to check the nutrition facts of different cheeses to determine how they contribute to total calorie and sodium intake. With a bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect combination of cheese for your homemade pizzas.

How to make your own handmade cheese pizza combinations?

When it comes to making your own unique combinations of cheese for pizza, the possibilities are endless. You can mix and match different flavors and textures to create a delicious and balanced flavor profile. Consider pairing hard cheeses such as Parmesan with soft cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a rich and creamy topping. Or, go bolder by mixing cheddar with blue cheese for an intense depth of flavor. Additionally, adding herbs or spices like oregano or garlic powder can add an extra layer of flavor to the cheese mixture.

Finally, keep in mind that not all types of cheese will melt evenly when cooked so you may need to experiment with different amounts until you find the right combination that works best for your pizza recipe.

Here are some ideas that may motivate you to develop your own original pizza toppings:

1) Pizza with a cheddar cheese crust, mozzarella topping and smoked gouda cheese

Ingredients:

– 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

– 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

– ¼ cup Smoked Gouda cheese, grated

– 1 tablespoon Oregano

– ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder

Instructions to make this type of pizza:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Spread cheddar cheese over a pre-baked pizza crust and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and smoked gouda cheese.
  4. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  5. Slice, serve and enjoy!

2) Pizza with a Parmesan crust, Asiago topping and goat cheese

Ingredients:

– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

– 2 cups Asiago cheese, shredded

– ¼ cup Goat cheese, crumbled

– 1 tablespoon Thyme

– ¼ teaspoon Onion powder

Instructions to make this type of pizza:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Preheating the oven is the essential done first and foremost to make sure the pizza is cooked properly.
  2. Mix Parmesan cheese with thyme, onion powder and spread over a pre-baked pizza crust.
  3. Top with Asiago cheese and sprinkle goat cheese over the top.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  5. Slice, serve and enjoy.

3) Pizza with a Ricotta crust, Provolone topping and feta cheese

Ingredients:

– 1 cup Ricotta cheese, crushed/mashed

– 2 cups Provolone cheese, shredded

– ¼ cup Feta cheese, crumbled 

– 1 tablespoon Basil

– ¼ teaspoon Paprika

Detailed Instructions to make this type of pizza:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Spread Ricotta cheese over a pre-baked pizza crust and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Top with Provolone cheese and sprinkle with basil, paprika, and feta cheese.
  4. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  5. Slice, serve and enjoy!

No matter what type of cheesy combination you choose, adding the right amount of cheese will give your pizzas that perfect flavor balance so you can enjoy every bite! If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to try out different combinations to find the one that best suits your taste preferences.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, cheese selection is an important part of creating delicious pizzas – choose the wrong variety and it could ruin your pizza. That said, there are many different types of cheese to choose from and each has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for certain types of pizzas. Before selecting one of these cheeses for your pizza, consider the intensity of their flavor, moisture content and meltability so you can create the perfect pizza every time! Happy cooking!

References:

Pizza – Wikipedia

3 Ways to Make Easy Pizza – wikiHow

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