Which Cheese is Best for Pizza?

When it comes to creating the perfect pizza, cheese plays a crucial role. The right cheese can elevate a good pizza to greatness, while the wrong choice might leave you with a disappointing slice. So, which cheese is best for pizza? Let’s dive into the world of pizza cheeses and discover the secrets to achieving that perfect, gooey, and flavorful topping that will make your taste buds dance.

From classic mozzarella to adventurous blends, we’ll explore the top cheese choices for pizza, their unique characteristics, and how to use them to create mouthwatering pies. Whether you’re a home cook or a pizza enthusiast, this guide will help you make informed decisions about which cheese is best for your pizza creations.

Top 5 Cheeses to Use on Pizza

1. Mozzarella

When pondering which cheese is best for pizza, mozzarella invariably comes out on top. There’s a reason why Wisconsin cheesemakers produce nearly 1 billion pounds of mozzarella annually, with a significant portion destined for pizzas across the country.

What makes mozzarella the ideal pizza cheese?

• Excellent melting properties: Mozzarella has the perfect balance of moisture and elasticity, allowing it to melt evenly and create that coveted stretchy cheese pull.
• Mild, milky flavor: Its subtle taste complements other toppings without overpowering them.
• Ideal browning: Mozzarella bubbles and browns beautifully in the oven, creating an appetizing appearance.

For the best results, opt for low-moisture mozzarella when making pizza. This type has less water content, which prevents your pizza from becoming soggy. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella if possible, as it often contains additives that can affect its melting qualities. Instead, buy a block and shred it yourself for optimal meltability.

If you’re aiming for a classic Margherita pizza, fresh mozzarella can take your pie to new heights. However, it requires some extra preparation:

1. Drain the fresh mozzarella and let it dry for 20-25 minutes on a paper towel.
2. Tear the cheese into small pieces before placing it on your pizza.

This extra step ensures your pizza doesn’t end up with a soggy center due to excess moisture.

2. Provolone

If mozzarella is the superhero of pizza cheese, consider provolone its trusty sidekick. Provolone is an excellent cheese to blend with mozzarella, creating a dynamic duo that enhances your pizza’s flavor profile.

Key characteristics of provolone for pizza:

• Semi-hard texture
• Sharper flavor that develops with age
• Drier than mozzarella
• Complements mozzarella perfectly

To incorporate provolone into your pizza, start with a 1:1 ratio of mozzarella to provolone. This balanced blend provides the ideal combination of meltability and flavor. As you become more comfortable with the blend, feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences.

3. Cheddar

While not traditionally associated with pizza, cheddar can be a delightful addition to your cheese blend. However, it’s important to use cheddar judiciously, as it behaves differently from mozzarella when heated.

Tips for using cheddar on pizza:

• Don’t use cheddar as the sole cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly as mozzarella and can separate when overheated.
• Blend cheddar with mozzarella: Start with a base of mozzarella and sprinkle cheddar on top for added flavor.
• Choose younger cheddars: They tend to melt better than aged varieties.

The rich, tangy flavor of cheddar can add depth to your pizza, especially when paired with toppings like bacon, caramelized onions, or barbecue chicken.

4. Parmesan

Parmesan might not be your first thought when considering which cheese is best for pizza, but it can play a crucial role in enhancing your pie’s flavor profile.

How to use Parmesan on pizza:

• Grate it over your pizza after baking: Due to its low moisture content, Parmesan doesn’t melt well during baking.
• Add it to your pizza dough: Incorporate grated Parmesan into your dough for an extra flavor boost.
• Use it as a finishing touch: A light sprinkle of Parmesan after baking adds a burst of umami flavor.

Remember, a little Parmesan goes a long way. Its intense flavor means you don’t need much to make an impact on your pizza’s taste.

5. Ricotta

For those looking to venture beyond traditional pizza cheeses, ricotta offers a delightful change of pace. This light, creamy cheese is gaining popularity as a pizza topping, and for good reason.

Why consider ricotta for your pizza:

• Adds a refreshing, creamy element
• Can be used alone or blended with other cheeses
• Pairs well with both vegetable and meat toppings

To use ricotta on your pizza, try dolloping it in small amounts over your other toppings before baking. For a more intense cheese flavor, blend ricotta with mozzarella in a 1:1 ratio.

Cheesy Pizza Recipes to Inspire Your Next Creation

Now that we’ve explored which cheese is best for pizza, let’s put that knowledge into practice with some mouthwatering recipes.

1. Mozzarella and Provolone Agrodolce Sausage Pizza

This thin-crust, Italian-style pizza showcases the perfect harmony between mozzarella and provolone. The sweet-sour agrodolce sauce provides a unique flavor base that complements the cheese blend beautifully.

Key features:

• Thin, crispy crust
• Equal parts mozzarella and provolone
• Sweet-sour agrodolce sauce
• Italian sausage topping

2. Hot Sausage Deep-Dish Pizza

For those who love a hearty slice, this deep-dish pizza combines multiple cheeses for a rich, indulgent experience.

Cheese blend:

• Mozzarella base
• Fontina for extra flavor
• Parmesan sprinkle on top

Pro tip: If you’re worried about the pizza being too rich, opt for part-skim mozzarella to lighten things up a bit.

3. Chicken and Sun-dried Tomato Grilled Pizza

This grilled pizza demonstrates how different cheeses can work together to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Cheese combination:

• Mozzarella for the base
• Ricotta for creaminess
• Parmesan for a flavor boost

The combination of these three cheeses, along with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, results in a pizza that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.

Conclusion

When it comes to determining which cheese is best for pizza, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best cheese for your pizza depends on your personal preferences, the toppings you choose, and the style of pizza you’re making.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

• Mozzarella is the gold standard for pizza cheese, offering the perfect balance of flavor, meltability, and stretch.
• Experimenting with cheese blends can elevate your pizza game. Try combining mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or ricotta for unique flavor profiles.
• Don’t overlook finishing cheeses like Parmesan, which can add a burst of flavor when sprinkled on after baking.
• Consider the moisture content of your chosen cheese to avoid soggy pizzas.
• Fresh, high-quality cheese will always yield better results than pre-shredded varieties.

Remember, the journey to finding your perfect pizza cheese blend is part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and ratios until you find your ideal mix.

Whether you’re a traditionalist who swears by mozzarella or an adventurous chef looking to push the boundaries of pizza cheese, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and the delicious results. So fire up that oven, grab your favorite cheese (or cheeses), and start creating your perfect pizza today!