Pizza originated in Italy after the Second World War and was known as food for the poor. Today, this product takes a considerable share in the market. We can see a lot of businesses promoting scrumptious pizzas. And this product cannot be made without its main ingredient- the cheese. Cheese gives pizza its unique feature, not only for its savory taste but also in its texture and composition. But what kind of cheese is on pizza?
Several kinds of cheese make a great pair with pizza. We will introduce the kinds of cheese best used to top on your crust for businesses and home use.
Let’s Get Cheesy: The Eight Best for Pizzas
What kind of cheese is on pizza that is commonly available in the market? The following are the most popularly used, not just at home but by pizza sellers as well.
- Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is made from a buffalo’s milk and is processed through the “stretched curd” method. It is widely used on pizza because of its versatility, allowing it to blend well with other cheese types such as the provolone. - Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese has a sharp and intense taste, making it saltier than mozzarella. It is not used on pizzas as much as mozzarella, but many pizza makers still love to couple other cheese types with cheddar. And unlike mozzarella, cheddar does not produce as many bubbles, a quality that makes it great for pizzas. - Aged Havarti
This type of cheese originated in Denmark. Like cheddar, it is rich in flavor and a staple ingredient in recipes with other types of cheese because it blends well. It is a versatile cheese as it is easy to use on different types of food while providing a delightful sensation to the palate. - Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola cheese is made from a cow’s milk. It has some sort of a hazelnut-like flavor. It melts smoothly and spreads evenly on the surface of the dough. It’s comparable to cheddar in terms of taste intensity, although a bit subtle. The tang this cheese exudes depends on its age. The more aged gorgonzola becomes, the stronger it tastes. - Parmigiano- Reggiano
This kind of cheese gives a pie an aromatic umami taste. It also has the tone of hazelnut like the gorgonzola. Usually, Parmigiano is grated and garnished as toppings in the pie. It could also be melted, sliced, or whatever your choice may be, although nothing beats when it’s grated as toppings. - Provolone
The flavor of provolone cheese is much more like the mozzarella, and it also originated in Italy. The strength of its taste depends on its age. While it is delightful when put on pizza, it can be a standalone cheese as it’s tasty on its own. Unlike other cheese, it best when it is not overly aged. - Goat Cheese
Goat cheese has a tart flavor and has a creamy feature. It is known to be refreshing, especially when paired with vegetables and herbs toppings. This kind of cheese isn’t always available in the market. - Pecorino- Romano
Pecorino is pretty much similar to Parmigiano- Reggiano in that both originated in Italy and made out of a sheep’s milk. Its taste is some sort of spicy with a tinge of toasted hazelnut. Pecorino-Romano makes a good substitute in the absence of Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese.
How Do Cheese Give Pizza its Distinct Taste?
Cheese, which is inseparable from pizza, gives a more detailed, luscious taste to it. It has a distinct flavor that a pie might not be made as sumptuous without it. While cheese may not be the most important ingredient in making pizzas, its absence makes a sad difference. The combined sweet and salty taste, creaminess, and nip of the cheese give the pizza its subtle savor that we always enjoy. A combo! so to speak. It also adds to the elastic feature of the pie. Can you picture out the time when you pick your share of pizza? Cheese does it.
Which Type of Cheese Do I Go For?
What kind of cheese is on pizza, or should be on your pizza? The choice for what is the best cheese for pizza is as subjective as a person’s taste. Many prefer mozzarella, maybe because it is almost always available in the market. For businesses whose mainstream operation is selling pizza, it would be best to find a less expensive product to maximize the capital return. Others also use more costly cheese types, believed to be superior in taste quality, to satisfy their cravings for the dish. Some offer both the experience and the relish of pizza.
The delicious sense impression of cheese gives one a delectable food experience provided that the dough is of exceptional quality. It must be that the best pizza experience does not only depends on the kind of cheese on pizza but also on how the main product is made. It can also be considered that the best cheese to use on pizza is the combined savor of the dairy.
What Other Benefits Can We Get From Cheese?
Cheese is a dairy product produced out of cultured milk of cattle, sheep, cow, or goat. It is rich in protein, which helps our body have healthy tissues. Protein also aids the immune system to produce antibodies that keep us away from infections and diseases. It also has calcium, which everyone knows is best for the bones. It contains vitamins A, B-12, riboflavin, omega- 3 fatty acids (known to be good for the heart), zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin K.
Cons with Cheese
Now that we’re done praising what kind of cheese is on pizza let’s also get to know some of its downsides, just to encourage you a bit to be in moderation with your favorite food.
- It is high in fats and has no fiber in it, causing constipation whenever one eats too much of it.
- Aged-cheese has a strong flavor and must be consumed with moderation, especially when it’s your first time. You wouldn’t want a bad tummy and frequent trips to the toilet thereafter.
- Some cheese is salty, which is not recommended to be put much on pizza, especially to those on a sodium-restriction diet.
Conclusion
What kind of cheese is on pizza? Well, there is a lot that you can choose from. The best you can top on your crust depends on what you would like to achieve. For businesses, it is wise to choose the less expensive kinds to have a bigger profit margin. In contrast, others who simply love to bake pizza at home may choose the best quality cheese they can afford to satisfy their pizza craving. When you want the best for your pizza, you may want to spend more on your cheese. Find out more about cheese on pizza.