When it comes to pizza, there’s one ingredient that truly steals the show — cheese. Whether you’re a fan of the classic mozzarella or daring enough to try something new, cheese is the heart and soul of every pizza. It’s the gooey, melted goodness that brings together the crispy crust, tangy sauce, and whatever toppings you fancy.
But with so many varieties to choose from, how do you decide which cheese belongs on your pizza? From the mild and creamy to the bold and tangy, each cheese offers its own unique twist to your slice. Whether you’re sticking with tradition or experimenting with new flavors, the world of pizza cheese is full of delicious possibilities. Our team at Pequod’s Pizza will help you explore the best cheeses for your next homemade pizza pie.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is undeniably the king of pizza toppings. Its perfect melting quality, stretchiness, and ability to brown without burning make it a top choice for creating classic pizzas. There are several types of mozzarella available, each offering different benefits depending on your needs. How would you know which one’s the best mozzarella for pizza?
Low-Moisture Mozzarella
This variety is a favorite in many pizzerias due to its density and saltiness. It has a lower water content compared to fresh mozzarella, which helps it melt evenly and reduces the risk of a soggy pizza. It’s also more durable, making it ideal for long shelf life and consistent results. Whole-milk low-moisture mozzarella tends to melt and brown slightly better due to its higher fat content compared to part-skim versions.
Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella, known for its soft texture and mild flavor, has a higher water content because it hasn’t been dried. While this makes it wonderfully creamy, it can also release excess moisture during baking, which might make the crust soggy. To get the best results with fresh mozzarella, it’s important to thoroughly dry it before adding it to your pizza. Pat it dry and let it sit on paper towels for 10 to 20 minutes to drain any extra moisture, ensuring a crispier crust.
Whether you choose low-moisture or fresh mozzarella, each type brings its own unique qualities to your pizza, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a fantastic way to enhance your pizza with its unique flavor profile. Known for its nutty and slightly salty taste, Parmesan adds a layer of richness that truly elevates the overall pizza experience. Its granular and crumbly texture doesn’t melt like other cheeses but instead provides a delightful crunch and a crispy finish when added on top.
Made from cow’s milk and aged to perfection for a bold and intense flavor, Parmesan offers a concentrated burst of savory goodness. Its low moisture content makes it perfect for adding depth without overwhelming the other ingredients. Though it doesn’t stretch like softer cheeses, its ability to brown beautifully and add a satisfying crunch makes it a valuable addition to your pizza, whether you sprinkle it on before baking or as a final touch after the pizza comes out of the oven.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is an excellent choice if you’re looking to add a bold and distinctive flavor to your pizza. With its sharp, tangy taste, cheddar offers a compelling contrast to the sweetness of tomato sauce, bringing an added layer of depth and complexity to the dish. Its firm and dense texture provides a satisfying bite, while its rich flavor profile pairs exceptionally well with a variety of toppings, especially meats and vegetables.
Crafted from cow’s milk, cheddar melts evenly, creating a smooth and creamy layer that coats the toppings. Though it’s not as stretchy as mozzarella, it still delivers a delightful melt and contributes to a well-balanced flavor experience. However, cheddar can sometimes separate under high baking temperatures because of its fat content. For the best results, consider using a milder or medium cheddar as part of a cheese blend rather than as the sole cheese. This approach will enhance your pizza with cheddar’s bold flavor without compromising the overall melt and texture of the cheese.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola cheese brings a rich, creamy, and aromatic touch to any pizza, making it a standout ingredient. Originating from the northern regions of Italy, this blue cheese made from cow’s milk boasts a soft, slightly crumbly texture that melts beautifully. Its flavor profile starts mild with hints of hazelnuts and becomes more intense as it lingers on the palate, offering a complex and rounded taste without being overly sharp.
The versatility of Gorgonzola shines when paired with ingredients such as prosciutto and caramelized onions, showcasing its ability to complement and enhance various flavors. There are two main types available: Gorgonzola piccante, which is aged for about 90 days and has a more intense flavor, and Gorgonzola dolce, aged for around 60 days, with a milder sweet, more subtle taste. Both varieties add a decadent touch to your pizza, whether you opt for the bolder or the more delicate version.
Provolone
Provolone cheese is a versatile addition to any pizza, valued for its smooth and creamy texture combined with a touch of tanginess. Made from cow’s milk, provolone comes in both younger and aged varieties, each offering unique benefits. The younger version provides a milder flavor and excellent stretchability, making it ideal for creating a gooey, satisfying cheese layer. On the other hand, the aged provolone delivers a sharper, more intense flavor that can enhance the overall taste of your pizza.
Provolone’s superb melting properties ensure a uniform, velvety layer that complements the pizza dough and toppings without overpowering them. Its moderate stretchiness adds a pleasing cheese pull, while its balanced flavor profile — sweet with just a hint of tang — enhances the pizza’s overall taste. Whether used on its own or blended with mozzarella, provolone adds richness and depth, making it a staple in many pizza cheese blends.
Experience Deep Dish Pizza at Pequod’s Pizza
Using the right cheese can transform your pizza from ordinary to extraordinary, enhancing flavors and textures in delightful ways. Whether you’re experimenting with bold Gorgonzola, creamy provolone, or classic mozzarella, each cheese brings a unique touch to your pie. For an exceptional pizza experience, visit us at Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago. Ranked as the #1 pizza in the country by Yelp Elites in 2024, our signature pan pizzas are crafted with top-quality cheese and creative combinations. You can also order our pizzas frozen throughout the U.S. and Canada through Goldbelly. Don’t miss out on savoring a pizza that’s truly unforgettable.
Pizza on Brown Wooden Board by Brett Jordan is licensed with Pexels License