From the streets of Naples to pizzerias worldwide, pizza has captured hearts and taste buds with its delectable combination of flavors and textures. As the foundation of any great pizza, cheese plays a pivotal role in elevating this culinary delight. Whether you prefer a gooey, stretchy mozzarella or a sharp, tangy Parmesan, the choice of cheese can transform a simple pizza into a masterpiece.
In this article, we present a curated selection of cheese options that will take your pizza-making skills to new heights. From classic favorites like mozzarella and cheddar to unique and flavorful picks like goat cheese and blue cheese, we have something for every palate. With detailed descriptions and helpful tips, you'll discover the perfect cheese to complement your pizza creations.
Our top-rated mozzarella section includes options for both fresh and shredded mozzarella, ensuring that you can achieve that perfect melt and stretch in every bite. For those who love a bold and nutty flavor, we recommend experimenting with aged mozzarella or smoked mozzarella.
If you're looking for a classic American-style pizza, cheddar cheese is an excellent choice. With its sharp, tangy flavor and gooey texture, cheddar adds a familiar and comforting touch to any pizza. For a unique twist, try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a smooth and flavorful combination.
For those who appreciate a more sophisticated pizza experience, goat cheese and blue cheese offer distinct and unforgettable flavors. Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy note that pairs beautifully with arugula and roasted vegetables. Blue cheese, with its pungent and assertive flavor, is best enjoyed in small doses, adding a touch of complexity and depth to your pizza.
In addition to these classic choices, we also explore other exciting cheese options that can elevate your pizza-making game. Parmesan cheese, with its hard and crumbly texture, adds a salty and nutty flavor that is perfect for sprinkling over your pizza before baking. For a creamy and flavorful twist, try using ricotta cheese as a base or topping.
With our carefully curated selection of cheese options and expert tips, you'll be able to create pizzas that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a cheesy adventure that will leave your taste buds craving more!
CHEESE PIZZA
This plain pie tastes anything but basic. Start with my homemade pizza dough and marinara sauce recipes, so you can make this plus many more pizzas. I put the cheese down first to protect the dough from getting soggy from the sauce.
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h15m
Yield 1 pizza
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place a pizza stone in the center rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F for 1 to 2 hours before you're ready to bake the pizza to get the stone nice and hot.
- Generously sprinkle a flat work surface with flour. Use a rolling pin to stretch the dough into an 11-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured pizza peel or unrimmed baking sheet so it can slide right onto the pizza stone in the oven. (I use the bottom of a baking sheet.)
- Top with the mozzarella, sprinkle with the oregano, then gently spread the marinara sauce on top, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges for the crust (my favorite part!).
- Turn off the oven and turn on the broiler. Use the peel or baking sheet to slide the pizza onto the pizza stone. The heat from the stone will cook the bottom of the pizza and the boiler will char and cook the top, mimicking a Neapolitan pizza oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is evenly crisped, 5 to 6 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Slice the hot pizza and serve immediately.
CHEESES PIZZA
This is a pizza reimagining of the classic Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe, pasta served with only cheese and black pepper. It came to The Times from the kitchens of Roberta's restaurant in Brooklyn, a pizzeria and lifestyle collective that occupies a number of buildings and lots in a far corner of the Bushwick neighborhood. Cream slicks the dough, and a mixture of mozzarella and tangy taleggio tops it. A shocking amount of freshly ground black pepper follows that application and, after the pizza is cooked, a shower of grated Parmesan. A drizzle of honey over the top would not be blasphemy.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, lunch, pizza and calzones, appetizer, main course
Time 15m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place a pizza stone or tiles on the middle rack of your oven and turn heat to its highest setting. Let it heat for at least an hour.
- Drizzle the cream over the stretched dough. Break the mozzarella into large pieces and gently place these on the dough. Break the taleggio into pieces and do the same. Grind an exceptional amount of black pepper onto the surface of the pie, approximately 8 to 10 grinds.
- Using a pizza peel, pick up the pie and slide it onto the heated stone or tiles in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, approximately 4 to 8 minutes.
- Scatter the Parmesan over the pizza and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 549, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 59 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 1255 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams
Tips:
- Choose the right type of cheese: Different types of cheese have different melting properties and flavors. For a classic pizza, mozzarella is a popular choice because it melts well and has a mild flavor. Other good options include cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère.
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese: The quality of the cheese you use will greatly impact the taste of your pizza. Look for cheese that is fresh and has a good flavor.
- Grate the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating the cheese yourself will ensure that it melts evenly and has a better flavor.
- Use the right amount of cheese: Too much cheese can make your pizza greasy and heavy. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 cup of cheese per 12-inch pizza.
- Distribute the cheese evenly: Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly over the pizza so that every bite has a cheesy flavor.
- Bake the pizza at a high temperature: This will help the cheese to melt and brown quickly.
Conclusion:
The type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the taste of your pizza. By following these tips, you can choose the right cheese and use it properly to create a delicious and cheesy pizza.
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