Let's face it, pizza is the holy grail of American comfort food. With over 70,000 pizzerias in the United States raking in a staggering $32 billion annually, it's safe to say that pizza holds a special place in our hearts—and stomachs. If you own a pizzeria, you know the fierce competition out there, and crafting a standout pizza is essential to winning over customers. While there are numerous factors that contribute to making an amazing pizza, the real secret lies in choosing the perfect cheese. Don't worry, we've done the research to unveil the cheeses that will elevate your pizza to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Choose the Ideal Cheese for Pizza
Before you pick the star cheese for your pizza menu, it's essential to know what characteristics make a cheese perfect for baking on a pizza:
- Browning Capability: It should turn a beautiful golden brown without burning through the Maillard reaction.
- Melting Ability: It should spread evenly over the crust without clumping or becoming too thin.
- Stretchiness: There should be visible strands when you pull apart pizza slices.
- Fat Content: The density and ability to stretch and melt depend on the milkfat content of the cheese.
- Moisture Content: The liquid percentage impacts the cheese's browning ability.
The best cheese for pizza should exhibit a light golden brown color without burning under the intense heat of the pizza oven. It should have a low melting point to glide smoothly over the crust, ensuring an even distribution. Moreover, the cheese should boast a mild stretchiness, producing those irresistible cheese-pulling moments without being too chewy. Pizza cheese typically has a low moisture level (~50-52%) and a low fat content (~35-40%), contributing to its desired melting and stretchability.
As the reigning champion of pizza cheeses, Mozzarella is a beloved classic for good reason. With its minimal processing, it offers a fresh taste and a light, creamy texture. Traditionally crafted from Bufala milk, Mozzarella can now be found with cow's milk as well, making it more accessible and versatile for your pizza creations.
Provolone, an Italian semi-hard cheese, is the ultimate sidekick to blend with other cheeses. Its flavor profile varies greatly based on aging time. For a sweeter, creamier touch, opt for shorter aging periods. If you prefer a sharper, drier taste, go for the longer-aged Provolone. It's all about personalizing your pizza experience.
Known for its sharp taste, Cheddar cheese might not be the first choice for pizza alone due to its response to high heat. However, it becomes a star ingredient when blended with other cheeses. Cheddar's lower elasticity prevents blistering as easily as Mozzarella, and a sharp, deep orange-tinted Cheddar adds a pop of color to your pizza masterpiece.
Parmesan, alongside other aged Italian hard cheeses, is the perfect finishing touch for your freshly baked pizzas. However, avoid blending it into your cheese mix, as the delicate flavor and dryness don't take well to baking. Instead, shave or shred Parmesan on top of your pizza after it's out of the oven to enhance the overall flavor.
Hailing from the Netherlands, Gouda is a semi-hard cheese known for its rich and unique flavor with a smooth texture. Older Gouda boasts less moisture and a tangier taste compared to its younger counterpart. The versatile flavor profile of Gouda makes it an excellent choice for pizzas featuring pulled pork or barbecue chicken, adding a delightful twist to your creations. And let's not forget, you can pick between straight or smoked Gouda, depending on how you want it to interact with the other flavors on your pizza.
Now, armed with this ultimate cheese guide, you're ready to create pizzas that will leave everyone craving for more. Elevate your pizza game and become the talk of the town with these delectable cheese options!"
