Pizza is a classic comfort food that can be customized in countless ways. While pizza toppings may vary depending on personal preference, there is one ingredient that is absolutely essential – cheese. The right cheese can take a pizza from good to great. But with so many cheese options available, how do you know which one to choose? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore different cheese options for pizza and help you determine which one is right for your next homemade pie.

Mozzarella – The Classic Choice

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizza, and for good reason. This mild, soft cheese is known for its excellent melting properties and ability to become stringy when melted. It’s perfect for pizzas that require a gooey, stretchy texture. Mozzarella also has a neutral flavor, which makes it a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of toppings.

Mozzarella cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce serving contains about 6 grams of protein and 20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

There are a few variations of mozzarella cheese that you can choose from, including fresh, low-moisture, and buffalo. Fresh mozzarella is made from buffalo or cow’s milk and has a higher moisture content, giving it a softer texture and a delicate flavor. Low-moisture mozzarella, on the other hand, is firmer and has a saltier taste. It’s perfect for pizzas that require a little more texture and flavor. Buffalo mozzarella is a premium variety of fresh mozzarella that is made from the milk of domesticated water buffalo. It has a rich, creamy flavor and is perfect for gourmet pizzas.

According to a King Arthur Baking article, mozzarella is the best cheese for stretchability on pizza. Shredding your own cheese is recommended for better taste and melting, as pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.

What Cheese to Put on Pizza: A Comprehensive Guide

• Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza due to ideal characteristics such as stretchiness and flavor.
• Cheddar, ricotta, aged Havarti, Gorgonzola, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Gruyere are other cheese options with different characteristics to consider.
• Tips for choosing the best cheese for pizza include considering flavor, texture, and melting point and experimenting with different cheese combinations.

Cheddar – The Bold Option

Cheddar cheese is a bold choice for pizza, but it can add a unique flavor and texture to your pie. This hard cheese has a sharp and tangy taste, which makes it ideal for pizzas with bold toppings like bacon or sausage. Cheddar cheese also has a high melting point, which means it won’t burn as easily as other cheese options.

Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce serving contains about 7 grams of protein and 20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

There are a few different types of cheddar cheese to choose from, including mild, sharp, and extra sharp. Mild cheddar has a milder flavor and is perfect for pizzas that require a little less bite. Sharp cheddar has a more pronounced flavor and is perfect for pizzas with bold toppings. Extra sharp cheddar has the strongest flavor and is perfect for pizzas that require a lot of flavor.

According to Wisconsin Cheese, cheddar cheese should be used in combination with other cheeses, as it does not melt as well as other options.

Ricotta – The Creamy Alternative

If you’re looking for a creamy cheese option for your pizza, ricotta cheese is a great choice. This soft cheese has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth texture that makes it perfect for pizzas with a creamier base. Ricotta cheese pairs well with a variety of toppings, including spinach, mushrooms, and roasted vegetables.

Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce serving contains about 3 grams of protein and 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

There are two main types of ricotta cheese – whole milk and skim milk. Whole milk ricotta has a richer, creamier flavor, while skim milk ricotta is lighter and less creamy. Both types of ricotta cheese work well on pizza, depending on personal preference.

According to King Arthur Baking, ricotta cheese works best as a topping on pizza, rather than as a base.

Aged Havarti – The Versatile Cheese

Aged Havarti cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of different ways on pizza. This semi-soft cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of toppings. Aged Havarti cheese is perfect for pizzas that require a little more depth of flavor.

Aged Havarti cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce serving contains about 7 grams of protein and 20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

There are a few different variations of aged Havarti cheese, including flavored and unflavored options. Flavored Havarti cheese comes in a variety of different flavors, including dill, jalapeno, and garlic. Unflavored Havarti cheese has a milder flavor that pairs well with a variety of different toppings.

According to Castello Cheese, aged Havarti cheese is a great option for pizzas that require a little more texture and flavor.

Gorgonzola – The Blue Cheese Option

If you’re a fan of blue cheese, then Gorgonzola cheese is a great option for your pizza. This crumbly cheese has a tangy, salty flavor and a creamy texture that pairs well with a variety of different toppings. Gorgonzola cheese is perfect for pizzas that require a little more bite.

Gorgonzola cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce serving contains about 6 grams of protein and 15% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

There are two main types of Gorgonzola cheese – creamy and crumbly. Creamy Gorgonzola cheese has a milder flavor and a smoother texture, while crumbly Gorgonzola cheese has a stronger flavor and a crumbly texture. Both types of Gorgonzola cheese work well on pizza, depending on personal preference.

According to Webstaurant Store, Gorgonzola cheese pairs well with toppings like mushrooms, caramelized onions, and prosciutto.

Parmigiano-Reggiano – The King of Cheeses

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is a hard, granular cheese that is perfect for adding a finishing touch to your pizza. This cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of different toppings. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is perfect for pizzas that require a little more depth of flavor.

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce serving contains about 10 grams of protein and 30% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

There are two main types of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese – grated and shredded. Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is perfect for sprinkling on top of your pizza after it comes out of the oven, while shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is perfect for layering on top of your pizza before it goes in the oven.

According to King Arthur Baking, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese works best as a finishing touch on pizza, rather than as a base or topping.

Gruyere – The Swiss Cheese Option

Gruyere cheese is a great option for pizza lovers who enjoy the taste of Swiss cheese. This semi-hard cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of different toppings. Gruyere cheese is perfect for pizzas that require a little more depth of flavor.

Gruyere cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce serving contains about 8 grams of protein and 20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

There are two main types of Gruyere cheese – aged and unaged. Aged Gruyere cheese has a stronger flavor and a firmer texture, while unaged Gruyere cheese has a milder flavor and a softer texture. Both types of Gruyere cheese work well on pizza, depending on personal preference.

According to Webstaurant Store, Gruyere cheese pairs well with toppings like caramelized onions, mushrooms, and roasted garlic.

Other Cheese Options

In addition to the cheese options listed above, there are a few other cheese options that work well on pizza. Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild flavor and a smooth texture. Feta cheese is a crumbly cheese that has a tangy, salty flavor and pairs well with Mediterranean-inspired toppings. Asiago cheese is a hard, nutty cheese that works well on pizzas with bold flavors. Fontina cheese is a semi-soft cheese that has a mild, nutty flavor and pairs well with a variety of different toppings.

The Unexpected Favorite Cheese on My Pizza

When it comes to pizza, I have always been a mozzarella kind of person. That is until one day, a friend suggested we try a new cheese on our pizza – feta. I was hesitant at first, as I had never considered putting feta on pizza, but I was open to trying something new.

To my surprise, the feta added a tangy and salty flavor that complemented the other toppings perfectly. Since then, I have experimented with different types of cheese on my pizza and have found that trying new cheese options can elevate the taste of a pizza to a whole new level.

My advice to those looking to switch up their pizza game: don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know, it might just become your new favorite cheese option on your pizza.

Tips for Choosing the Best Cheese for Your Pizza

When choosing the best cheese for your pizza, there are a few factors to consider. Flavor, texture, and melting point are all important factors to keep in mind. It’s also important to consider how the cheese will pair with your toppings. Some cheeses work better with certain toppings than others, so it’s important to choose a cheese that will complement your pizza.

One of the best ways to choose the best cheese for your pizza is to experiment with different combinations. Try mixing and matching different cheese options to see what works best for you. You may be surprised at how different cheese options can completely change the flavor and texture of your pizza.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Mozzarella has excellent melting properties and is versatile.	Cheddar cheese should be used in combination with other cheeses, as it does not melt as well as other options.
Cheddar cheese has a bold flavor and high melting point.	Ricotta cheese works best as a topping, rather than as a base.
Ricotta cheese is a creamy alternative that pairs well with a variety of toppings.	Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese works best as a finishing touch, rather than as a base or topping.
Aged Havarti is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of ways.
Gorgonzola cheese has a unique flavor that pairs well with certain toppings.
Gruyere cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of toppings.

FAQ

What is the most popular cheese for pizza?

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used on pizza, and for good reason. This mild, soft cheese is known for its excellent melting properties and ability to become stringy when melted.

What cheese pairs well with bold pizza toppings?

Cheddar cheese is a bold choice for pizza that pairs well with toppings like bacon or sausage.

Can ricotta cheese be used as a base for pizza?

While ricotta cheese can be used as a base for pizza, it works best as a topping.

What is the best cheese for adding a finishing touch to pizza?

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is a hard, granular cheese that is perfect for adding a finishing touch to your pizza.

What is the best way to choose the best cheese for your pizza?

Experiment with different combinations of cheese to see what works best for you. Keep in mind factors such as flavor, texture, melting point, and how the cheese pairs with your toppings.