Pizza is one of the most beloved foods around the world, and for good reason. It's a perfect combination of crispy crust, zesty tomato sauce, and a delicious blend of toppings. But there's one ingredient that stands out above the rest- cheese.
From the classic Margherita to the meaty Meat Lovers, cheese is the star of every pizza pie. Whether it's gooey mozzarella, tangy feta, or sharp cheddar, the right type of cheese can make or break a pizza. It's no wonder that cheese has become an essential component of pizza-making, and chefs and home cooks alike are always on the lookout for the perfect blend to top off their pies.
In this article, we'll explore the different types of cheese used in pizza-making, why it's so important, and how it has evolved to become the ultimate pizza topper. So grab a Pizzaville Pizza slice, and let's dive into the cheesy world of pizza.
The history of pizza and cheese
Pizza has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that pizza as we know it today began to take shape in Naples, Italy. Neapolitan-style pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Cheese has always been an essential ingredient in pizza-making. In fact, the word "pizza" is thought to have originated from the Latin word "pinsa," which means flatbread topped with cheese (Pinsa is a style of hand-pressed pizza dough that has been a part of Roman artisan baking and cooking for over 100 years). Mozzarella cheese, in particular, has a long history in Naples and has been used in pizza-making for centuries. Today, it remains the most popular cheese used on pizza worldwide.
The importance of cheese in pizza making
Cheese is a crucial ingredient in pizza-making for several reasons. First and foremost, it serves as a binding agent between the crust and the toppings, helping to hold everything together. It also adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the tangy tomato sauce and other toppings.
Furthermore, cheese plays a critical role in the texture of the pizza. Different types of cheese can create different textures, from gooey and stretchy to crumbly and dry. This can affect the way the pizza feels in your mouth and how well the toppings adhere to the crust.
Types of cheese used on pizza
The most common cheese used on pizza is mozzarella, which is known for its mild, creamy flavor and excellent melting properties. Mozzarella is typically made from buffalo or cow's milk and comes in two types - fresh and aged. Fresh mozzarella has a high moisture content and is commonly used on Neapolitan-style pizzas, while aged mozzarella has a denser texture and is often used on pizzas with heartier toppings.
Parmesan is another popular cheese used on pizza. This hard, sharp cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to pizza and is often grated on top of the pie before baking. Other types of cheese commonly used on pizza include cheddar, provolone, and gouda.
Cheese-based pizza crusts
While cheese is typically used as a topping on pizza, some chefs have started to experiment with cheese-based crusts. One of the most popular is stuffed crust pizza, where mozzarella cheese is baked into the crust, creating a gooey, cheesy center. Another is the cheese blend crust, where a blend of different cheeses is used to create a unique and flavorful crust.
Unique pizza toppings that highlight cheese
While cheese is an essential ingredient in most pizzas, some chefs have started to experiment with unique toppings that highlight the cheese. One popular combination is goat cheese and arugula, which adds a tangy, peppery flavor to the pizza. Another is the four-cheese pizza, which features a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, and provolone for a rich, complex flavor.
Cheese and regional pizza styles
Different regions around the world have their own unique styles of pizza, each with its own preferred type of cheese. Neapolitan-style pizza, as mentioned earlier, is typically made with fresh mozzarella. In Chicago, deep-dish pizza is the style of choice, and it's typically made with a blend of different types of cheese, including mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan.
How cheese affects the taste and texture of pizza
The type of cheese used on a pizza can have a significant impact on its taste and texture. Mozzarella, for example, has a mild, creamy flavor that complements most pizza toppings. Cheddar, on the other hand, has a sharp, tangy flavor that can overpower more delicate toppings.
Similarly, different types of cheese can create different textures. Fresh mozzarella has a high moisture content, which makes it gooey and stretchy when melted. Parmesan, on the other hand, is drier and has a crumbly texture when grated on top of pizza.
Health benefits and drawbacks of cheese on pizza
While cheese is undoubtedly delicious, it's also high in fat and calories, which can be a concern for some people. However, cheese does offer some health benefits, such as being a good source of protein and calcium. Additionally, some types of cheese, such as feta and goat cheese, are lower in fat and calories than others.
Why cheese will always be the star of pizza
Cheese has been an essential ingredient in pizza-making for centuries, and it's not hard to see why. It adds flavor, texture, and helps hold everything together. From classic Margherita to meaty Meat Lovers, cheese is the star of every pizza pie. While different types of cheese can create different tastes and textures, they all share one thing in common- they make pizza delicious. So the next time you bite into a slice of pizza, take a moment to savor the cheesy goodness that makes it so irresistible.
In conclusion, cheese is the ultimate pizza topping, and it has evolved to become an essential component of pizza-making. Whether it's used as a topping or in the crust, cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the tangy tomato sauce and other toppings. Different types of cheese can create different textures, and each region has its own preferred type of cheese. While cheese can be high in fat and calories, it also offers some health benefits. But most importantly, cheese makes pizza delicious, and it will always be the star of every pizza pie.
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Pizzaville is a local mom and pop pizzeria located at the corner of Goose Creek Road and Westport Road in Louisville, Kentucky (between Bandido Taqueria Mexicana and Great Clips). Pizzaville serves the best pizzas using scratch made dough, premium toppings, and the highest quality cheeses available all at a fair price with the friendliest, most helpful customer service in the industry.
For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Pizzaville’s website at www.pizzavillepizza.com
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Co-Authors - Rachael Reed and Todd Case
Learn more about the Pizzaville Founders
