The Cheese for Pizza: A Guide to Deliciously Cheesy Pies

When it comes to making pizza, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right cheese. The type of cheese you use can greatly impact the flavor, texture, and overall experience of your pizza. While mozzarella is the classic choice, there are many other options to consider, each bringing its unique qualities to your homemade pie. Let’s explore the best cheeses for pizza and how to use them to elevate your next pizza night.

1. Mozzarella: The Classic Choice

Why it’s great: Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, and for good reason. It’s known for its creamy texture, mild flavor, and excellent melting properties.

Types of mozzarella:

• Fresh mozzarella: Soft and creamy, best used for Neapolitan-style pizzas. It contains more moisture, so it’s a good idea to pat it dry before using to avoid a soggy crust.
• Low-moisture mozzarella: This is the type you’ll find pre-shredded or in blocks. It’s firmer than fresh mozzarella and melts into a perfectly stretchy, gooey layer of cheese.

Tips for use: Grate it yourself for better melting and coverage. Pre-shredded mozzarella often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts.

2. Provolone: A Flavorful Partner

Why it’s great: Provolone is another excellent choice for pizza, offering a slightly sharper and more complex flavor than mozzarella. It’s a semi-hard cheese that melts beautifully, making it a great partner for mozzarella or a standalone option for those who like a bit more bite.

Types of provolone:

• Mild provolone: Smooth and creamy, similar to mozzarella but with a bit more flavor.
• Aged provolone: Sharper and more robust, ideal for adding a punch to your pizza.

Tips for use: Combine provolone with mozzarella for a balanced flavor profile. A ratio of two parts mozzarella to one part provolone works well.

3. Cheddar: For a Tangy Twist

Why it’s great: Cheddar adds a tangy flavor and a vibrant color to your pizza. While not traditional, it’s a fun way to switch things up, especially on specialty pizzas like BBQ chicken or cheeseburger pizza.

Types of cheddar:

• Mild cheddar: Melts smoothly and has a subtle flavor.
• Sharp cheddar: Offers a more pronounced tang and can add a complex depth to your pizza.

Tips for use: Cheddar doesn’t melt as smoothly as mozzarella, so it’s best used in combination with other cheeses. Try mixing it with mozzarella or provolone for a blend that melts well and tastes great.

4. Parmesan: The Finishing Touch

Why it’s great: Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese known for its nutty, salty flavor. It’s not typically used as a primary pizza cheese but rather as a finishing touch to add a burst of umami.

Types of parmesan:

• Parmigiano-Reggiano: The gold standard of parmesan, aged for at least 12 months and offering a complex, rich flavor.
• Grana Padano: Similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano but typically aged for a shorter period, resulting in a milder taste.

Tips for use: Grate fresh parmesan over your pizza just before serving to enhance the flavor. A light sprinkle can elevate a simple margherita pizza to new heights.

5. Gouda: A Smoky Surprise

Why it’s great: Gouda, especially the smoked variety, adds a unique, savory flavor to your pizza. It’s semi-hard and melts well, making it an unexpected but delightful choice.

Types of gouda:

• Young gouda: Soft and creamy, with a mild flavor.
• Smoked gouda: Adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with hearty toppings like bacon or caramelized onions.

Tips for use: Use gouda in moderation, as its strong flavor can easily overpower other ingredients. Pair it with milder cheeses like mozzarella to balance the taste.

6. Ricotta: Creamy and Delicate

Why it’s great: Ricotta is a fresh cheese with a light, fluffy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s not a melting cheese but works wonderfully in dollops on top of the pizza, adding a creamy contrast to other ingredients.

Types of ricotta:

• Whole milk ricotta: Richer and creamier, ideal for pizza.
• Part-skim ricotta: Lighter and less creamy but still delicious.

Tips for use: Spoon small dollops of ricotta over your pizza before baking. It pairs especially well with vegetable toppings like spinach, artichokes, and roasted tomatoes.

Choosing the right cheese for your pizza is an art that can transform a good pizza into a great one. Whether you stick with the classic mozzarella or experiment with different combinations, the key is to balance flavors and textures. Try mixing and matching these cheeses to create your perfect pizza, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Happy pizza making!