Best Cheese for Pizza: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavour and Stretch
Pizza and cheese are inseparable now. Although the origin of pizza did not use abundant cheese toppings, many people have loved the combination of pizza and soft cheese over time. However, not all cheese can be used as pizza toppings. Before making pizza, it would be better to recognise the best cheese for pizza, such as mozzarella cheese, and find out which is best suited for your pizza!
Types of cheese for pizza
Here's a quick look at some popular cheeses used on pizzas. Each cheese adds something unique, such as a strand of low-moisture mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is the Versatile Classic, which is famous for its melt and stretch; Mozzarella is the most commonly consumed classic pizza cheese. Its versatility allows it to be combined with various sauces and toppings, making it a perfect choice for various pizza styles. In Australia, fresh mozzarella is favoured for authentic Italian-style pizzas, offering that gooey, stringy texture that's hard to beat.
Provolone
Provolone is an Italian cheese that is slightly sharper than mozzarella but melts beautifully. It adds a more decadent, smokier flavour to pizzas without overpowering the other ingredients, especially when combined with a good tomato sauce. Provolone is perfect if you want a cheese that stretches well but adds more depth and complexity to your slice.
Parmesan
Although not as melted as mozzarella, Parmesan is a popular cheese sprinkled on top after topping the pizza to give it a stronger flavour. When added after baking, Parmesan can enhance your pizza's overall flavour profile, giving it a savoury lift and a nice textural contrast.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese can be an option for pizza because it has a sharp and tangy flavour, unlike other types of cheese. It melts well but does not stretch like mozzarella. It is best used with different cheeses to balance the intense flavour and enhance the texture.
Goat's cheese
If you want a creamy texture on your pizza, goat cheese is the best choice. It provides a creamy flavour and gives your pizza a different touch. This cheese has a distinctive taste and soft texture that pairs well with fresh vegetables or caramelised toppings. Goat cheese is not too stretchy but melts smoothly and richly, creating a gourmet experience perfect for pan pizza.
Ricotta
Ricotta cheese is also quite popular for cheese pizza. It is a soft, mild cheese often dolloped on top of pizzas. Moreover, adding ricotta to your pizza adds a creamy texture without dominating the other flavours. Ricotta doesn't melt or stretch, but provides a lovely smoothness, balancing more pungent cheeses and adding richness to homemade pizza.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a creamy, bold blue cheese that adds a sharp, tangy kick to pizza, especially with tomato sauce. It melts nicely, creating pockets of intense flavour. If you like a bit of bite and complexity in your cheese mix, Gorgonzola is a great choice, especially paired with sweet ingredients like pear or honey.
Blue cheese
Like Gorgonzola but often stronger, blue cheese brings intense flavour and creaminess. It melts well but is best used sparingly as it can overpower the pizza, especially when combined with spicy toppings. Australian foodies enjoy it on specialty pizzas that aim for a rich and unique taste.
Monterey Jack cheese
Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese that melts smoothly. Though not traditionally Italian, it's a favourite in some pizzas for its buttery flavour and excellent melting qualities, making it perfect for a crispy crust. It's often blended with more pungent cheeses for balance, creating a milder flavour profile.
Parmigiano-reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the usual authentic Italian Parmesan cheese, aged longer and with a richer flavour that complements a crispy crust. It's commonly grated over pizzas after baking, giving a salty, nutty boost. This cheese is a staple for Italians and those who want an authentic taste of Italy down under, often found in local pizzerias.
Pecorino-romano
Using Pecorino Romano is perfect if you want to add a salty flavour to your pizza, enhancing the overall taste of the dough. Derived from sheep's milk cheese, it adds a sharp and piquant flavour, provides a savoury flavour, and is perfect for adding a little texture contrast to semi-hard cheeses. Although not commonly used as a topping, pecorino romano is highly valued for authentic Italian cooking.
Vegan or lactose-free cheese
For those avoiding dairy, vegan or lactose-free cheeses have come a long way. Made from plant-based ingredients like nuts or soy, these cheeses melt and stretch increasingly well. Australian brands are improving their flavour and texture, making it easier to enjoy a cheesy pizza without the lactose.
Tips for selecting the best cheese for pizza
Meltability and Stretchability
A cheese that melts easily, like mozzarella, will give you a texture many people love, especially for classic pizza pulls. You can use low-moisture mozzarella as the first option, a cheese that melts easily and is very stretchy, suitable for combining with any toppings.
Moisture Content
The moisture content of cheese also needs to be considered to get the best texture for a pizza. A cheese texture that is too moist will give the pizza a sogginess, but low-moisture pizza, like Parmesan, adds flavour without excess moisture and will not make the pizza sogginess. Therefore, choosing cheese with the right moisture content and balance is essential in making pizza.
Flavour Balance
To get a balanced taste for pizza, you need to use cheese that does not give too strong a flavour. Cheese that gives too strong a flavour will dominate the taste of the pizza because it overpowers the toppings. Combining cheeses lets you create a complex flavour profile that's tasty but not overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Combining cheeses is a skill that involves balancing flavour, melt, and stretch to achieve a beautiful brown finish on the crust. A popular blend is mozzarella for stretch, provolone or cheddar for flavour, and Parmesan or Pecorino for sharpness. Experimenting with ratios helps you find your perfect cheese mix, making you a knowledgeable pizza chef.
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Avoiding common cheese mistakes is crucial in making a perfect pizza. For instance, using cheeses that don't melt well can result in a less-than-ideal pizza. Maintaining a balance of flavours is also important; too much strong cheese can overpower the pizza. Finally, avoid pre-shredded cheese with additives that affect the melt and flavour. By being cautious and informed, you can ensure your pizza turns out perfect every time.
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Choose a mix of cheeses that complement each other in taste and texture to create the perfect pizza recipe. Fresh, high-quality cheeses tend to melt better and taste fresher. Pay attention to moisture content to avoid sogginess, and add harder cheeses for flavour finishing. Cooking at the right temperature also makes a big difference.
Conclusion
Picking the best cheese for pizza balances melt, stretch, moisture, and flavour. While mozzarella remains the gold standard, mixing in other cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or vegan options can take your pizza recipe to the next level. Whether you're making a classic Margherita or a bold gourmet pie, choosing the right cheese blend, including crumbly options, is key.
To learn more about crafting perfect pizzas, check out the Panza Piena Pizza Masterclass, which offers expert tips and recipes.