Introduction
Pizza, the beloved Italian dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide, is a symphony of flavors and textures.
While the crust, sauce, and toppings play crucial roles in crafting a delightful pizza, it’s the cheese that adds that gooey, melty, and savory touch, turning a simple flatbread into a culinary masterpiece.
In this blog post, we’ll embark on a cheese-tasting journey and explore the best cheeses for pizza, each one bringing its unique character to this beloved dish.
Mozzarella: The Classic Choice
When it comes to pizza, one cheese stands out as the classic choice – mozzarella. This cheese’s mild flavor and fantastic meltability make it the perfect topping for traditional and contemporary pizza alike.
Whether you’re enjoying a Margherita pizza with fresh basil or a meat lover’s pizza with hearty toppings, mozzarella provides the perfect backdrop, allowing other flavors to shine while adding its delightful creaminess.
Mozzarella originated in southern Italy and was traditionally made from buffalo milk, known as “mozzarella di bufala.” Today, most mozzarella is made from cow’s milk. The fresh version of mozzarella is soft and moist, coming in a ball shape, while the low-moisture version is commonly used for pizza, as it doesn’t release excess liquid during baking.
Parmesan: The Flavor Enhancer
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, aged cheese with a sharp and nutty flavor. Grated Parmesan sprinkled on top of pizza adds depth and richness to each bite. It beautifully complements tomato-based sauces, adding a delightful umami taste that elevates the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
Produced in specific regions in Italy, true Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged for at least 12 months, developing its characteristic crumbly texture and complex flavor. Its use on pizza provides a sophisticated touch that appeals to even the most discerning cheese lovers.
Fontina: Creamy Goodness
Fontina, a semi-soft cheese originating from the Aosta Valley in Italy, brings a creamy and nutty taste to pizza. Its meltability makes it an excellent choice for achieving that perfect cheese pull when you take a slice.
Fontina pairs wonderfully with both meat and vegetable toppings, making it a versatile cheese for various pizza creations.
Fontina is known for its creamy texture and a slightly nutty and earthy taste. It melts smoothly and evenly, creating a luscious cheese layer on your pizza. The richness of fontina works well with hearty toppings like mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even thinly sliced potatoes.
Provolone: A Smoky Twist
Provolone, an Italian cheese with a slightly smoky flavor, adds a unique twist to pizza. This semi-hard cheese melts beautifully and brings a distinct tangy taste that pairs wonderfully with spicy or savory toppings. Try blending provolone with other cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
Depending on the aging process, provolone can vary in flavor. Young provolone has a mild taste, while aged provolone develops a more robust and sharp flavor. For a pizza with a kick, opt for aged provolone paired with ingredients like pepperoni or hot Italian sausage.
Gouda: A Touch of Sweetness
Gouda, a Dutch cheese known for its buttery and slightly sweet taste, is a delightful addition to pizza. The creamy texture of Gouda complements well with a variety of pizza toppings. Whether you’re making a vegetarian pizza or a gourmet pizza with prosciutto and arugula, Gouda adds a touch of sweetness that tantalizes the palate.
Available in various ages, Gouda can range from young and mild to aged and robust. Young Gouda is creamy and mellow, while aged Gouda develops crunchy crystals and deep caramel notes. This cheese brings a delightful contrast to the tanginess of tomato sauce and the richness of toppings.
Ricotta: Creamy and Dreamy
Ricotta, an Italian whey cheese, is a versatile option for pizza lovers who prefer a lighter and creamier cheese. It works exceptionally well on white pizzas or as an additional layer of richness beneath the primary cheese. Pair it with spinach, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet delicious pizza.
Ricotta is a soft and moist cheese made from the whey leftover from cheese production. Its delicate flavor allows it to blend effortlessly with other ingredients, adding a dreamy creaminess to the pizza. For a unique twist, mix ricotta with herbs or lemon zest before spreading it over the pizza dough.
Blue Cheese: Bold and Flavorful
For adventurous cheese enthusiasts, blue cheese provides a bold and intense flavor that can take pizza to new heights. Its pungent taste complements sweet toppings like caramelized onions or juicy figs, creating a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
Blue cheese varieties such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton are known for their distinctive blue-green veins and tangy taste. When using blue cheese on pizza, it’s essential to crumble it evenly over the pizza to ensure the flavor is distributed throughout. Add a drizzle of honey or a handful of toasted walnuts to complement the cheese’s sharpness.
Conclusion
The best cheese for pizza ultimately comes down to personal preference and the flavor profile you wish to achieve.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic mozzarella or enjoy experimenting with bolder flavors like blue cheese, there’s a cheese that will perfectly complement your pizza creation. Embrace the versatility of cheese and try different combinations to discover your favorite pizza masterpiece.
When making homemade pizza, don’t be afraid to mix and match different cheeses to create a medley of flavors that will leave you craving more. Remember to pair your chosen cheese with high-quality ingredients, and let your culinary creativity run wild. Whether you’re sharing a pizza night with friends or indulging in a cozy solo treat, the best cheese for pizza will undoubtedly elevate your dining experience and have you coming back for seconds.
And if after reading this you need some further inspiration, check out this Guinness World Record-holding pizza topped with 154 varieties of cheese…phew!
