Best Cheese for Pizza: Top Choices for Perfect Melting and Flavor

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, and cheese is an essential ingredient in making a delicious pizza. However, not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to pizza. The right cheese can make all the difference in the taste and texture of your pizza.

After conducting some research, we have compiled a list of the best cheeses for pizza. Some of the top contenders include cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, mozzarella (both fresh milk and standard), Muenster, provolone, and Swiss raclette. Each of these cheeses has excellent meltability and can add a unique flavor profile to your pizza. However, it is important to note that the best cheese for pizza ultimately comes down to personal preference.

History of Cheese in Pizza

Pizza has been around for centuries, and cheese has always been an essential ingredient. However, the type of cheese used in pizza has evolved over time. In ancient times, pizza was made with a simple dough and topped with olive oil and herbs. Cheese was not commonly used until the 16th century when mozzarella cheese was introduced to Italy.

Mozzarella cheese quickly became popular in Italy and was soon used as a topping for pizza. However, it was not until the 19th century that pizza with mozzarella cheese became widespread. This was due to the opening of the first pizzeria in Naples, which served pizza topped with mozzarella cheese.

As pizza became more popular, different types of cheese were used. In the United States, cheddar cheese was commonly used on pizza until the 1950s. However, mozzarella cheese soon became the preferred choice due to its excellent melting properties and mild flavor.

Today, mozzarella cheese is the most popular cheese used on pizza, accounting for over 50% of all pizza cheese used in the United States. Other types of cheese used on pizza include provolone, fontina, Gouda, Muenster, and Swiss raclette.

In conclusion, cheese has played an essential role in the history of pizza. From the simple olive oil and herb toppings to the use of mozzarella cheese, pizza has evolved over time, and cheese has been an integral part of that evolution.

Types of Cheese

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for pizza, there are a variety of options to consider. Here are some of the most popular types of cheese for pizza:

• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is one of the most popular and widely used cheeses for pizza. It has a mild flavor and a creamy texture that melts easily, making it perfect for topping pizzas.

• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is another popular option for pizza. It has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs well with a variety of toppings. Cheddar cheese also melts well, making it a great choice for pizzas that require a longer cooking time.

• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard, salty cheese that is often used as a topping for pizza. It has a strong flavor that can add depth and complexity to any pizza.

• Provolone Cheese: Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, nutty flavor. It melts well and is often used as a topping for meat lovers’ pizzas.

• Gouda Cheese: Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It melts well and is often used as a topping for pizzas that feature vegetables or fruits.

• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that is often used as a topping for white pizzas. It has a mild flavor and a smooth texture that pairs well with a variety of toppings.

• Feta Cheese: Feta cheese is a crumbly, salty cheese that is often used as a topping for Greek-style pizzas. It has a tangy flavor that can add a unique twist to any pizza.

Overall, the best cheese for pizza will depend on your personal taste preferences and the toppings you plan to use. Experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect combination for your next pizza.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is one of the most popular cheeses used for pizza. Its mild, creamy flavor and excellent melting properties make it a favorite among pizza lovers. There are two main types of mozzarella cheese used in pizza making: fresh mozzarella and low moisture mozzarella.

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is a soft, moist cheese that is made from cow’s milk or buffalo milk. It has a high moisture content and a delicate, milky flavor. Fresh mozzarella is a great choice for Neapolitan-style pizza, which is cooked at high temperatures for a short time. The cheese melts quickly and evenly, creating a deliciously gooey texture.

Low Moisture Mozzarella

Low moisture mozzarella is a firmer, drier cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a lower moisture content than fresh mozzarella, which makes it less likely to make the pizza soggy. Low moisture mozzarella is a better choice for New York-style pizza, which is cooked for a longer time at a lower temperature. The cheese has a firmer texture and a stronger flavor than fresh mozzarella.

When choosing mozzarella cheese for your pizza, it is important to consider the type of pizza you are making. Fresh mozzarella is ideal for Neapolitan-style pizza, while low moisture mozzarella is better suited for New York-style pizza. However, both types of mozzarella can be used interchangeably depending on personal preference.

Here is a quick comparison between fresh mozzarella and low moisture mozzarella:

Fresh Mozzarella	Low Moisture Mozzarella
Soft, moist texture	Firm, dry texture
High moisture content	Low moisture content
Delicate, milky flavor	Stronger flavor
Melts quickly and evenly	Melts slower and more evenly
Ideal for Neapolitan-style pizza	Ideal for New York-style pizza

In conclusion, mozzarella cheese is a versatile and delicious choice for pizza. Whether you prefer fresh mozzarella or low moisture mozzarella, both types of cheese can help you achieve the perfect pizza.

Provolone

Provolone is an Italian cheese that is often used on pizza. It is a semi-soft cheese made from cow’s milk and has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and nutty. Provolone cheese is a great option for pizza because it melts well and has a good flavor.

When choosing provolone cheese for your pizza, look for aged provolone, which has a stronger flavor than the younger versions. It is also important to slice the cheese thinly to ensure it melts evenly and covers the pizza evenly.

Here are some additional tips for using provolone cheese on your pizza:

• Combine provolone with other cheeses such as mozzarella or fontina for a more complex flavor.
• Use shredded provolone instead of sliced for a more even melt.
• Consider adding provolone to a white pizza with garlic and olive oil for a delicious, simple flavor.

In summary, provolone cheese is a great option for pizza because of its mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. When using provolone on your pizza, choose aged provolone, slice it thinly, and consider combining it with other cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a popular option for pizza lovers who prefer a sharp and tangy flavor. It is a hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk and is aged for various periods, which affects its flavor and texture.

Here are some things to consider when using cheddar cheese for pizza:

• Meltability: Cheddar cheese does not melt as well as some other cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone. It can become oily and greasy when melted, which can make the pizza less enjoyable. However, combining cheddar with a more melt-friendly cheese can help improve its texture and flavor.

• Flavor: Cheddar cheese has a distinct flavor that can add a unique twist to your pizza. It pairs well with toppings like bacon, caramelized onions, and mushrooms.

• Texture: Depending on the age of the cheddar, it can have a crumbly or smooth texture. This can affect how it behaves when melted on a pizza. Aged cheddar can be harder and drier, which can make it more difficult to melt.

Overall, cheddar cheese can be a great addition to your pizza if used correctly. Consider pairing it with other cheeses and toppings that complement its flavor and texture.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a nutty and salty flavor. It is not typically used as the main cheese on a pizza, but it can be a great addition to enhance the flavor of other cheeses.

When grated and sprinkled on top of a pizza, Parmesan adds a delicious umami flavor and a crispy texture. It pairs well with almost any other cheese, but it is especially good with mozzarella, fontina, and Gouda.

It is important to note that Parmesan should be used in moderation as it is a strong cheese and can easily overpower other flavors. A little goes a long way.

When choosing Parmesan for your pizza, it is best to go for freshly grated cheese rather than pre-grated. Freshly grated cheese has a better flavor and texture.

In summary, Parmesan is not the main cheese for a pizza, but it can be a great addition to enhance the flavor of other cheeses. Use it in moderation and choose freshly grated cheese for the best results.

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a blue cheese that originated in Italy. It is made from cow’s milk and is characterized by its blue-green veins and creamy texture. Gorgonzola has a strong, tangy flavor that pairs well with other bold flavors like garlic and herbs.

When it comes to pizza, Gorgonzola can be a great addition to your toppings. Its strong flavor can complement other ingredients like mushrooms or caramelized onions. However, it’s important to use it sparingly as it can easily overpower other flavors.

If you’re looking to use Gorgonzola on your pizza, you may want to consider pairing it with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina. This can help balance out the strong flavor of the Gorgonzola and create a more well-rounded pizza.

Overall, Gorgonzola can be a delicious addition to your pizza toppings if used correctly. Just remember to use it sparingly and pair it with other complementary flavors.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cheese

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for pizza, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Meltability

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing cheese for pizza is meltability. The cheese should melt evenly and smoothly, without separating or becoming greasy. Some of the best cheeses for pizza with good meltability include mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, provolone, and Swiss raclette.

2. Flavor

Another important factor to consider is flavor. The cheese should complement the other toppings on the pizza without overpowering them. Mozzarella is a popular choice because of its mild flavor, but other options like Gouda, provolone, and Swiss can add a unique and delicious taste to your pizza.

3. Texture

The texture of the cheese is also important. It should be smooth and creamy, without being too hard or too soft. Mozzarella is known for its stretchy texture, which makes it perfect for pizza. Other options like Gouda and fontina have a smooth and creamy texture that can add a great mouthfeel to your pizza.

4. Fat content

The fat content of the cheese can affect its meltability and flavor. Cheeses with a higher fat content like cheddar and provolone tend to melt better and have a richer flavor. However, they may also be more greasy and heavy. Cheeses with a lower fat content like mozzarella and Swiss can be a lighter option.

5. Toppings

Finally, the toppings on your pizza can also affect the type of cheese you choose. For example, if you’re making a pepperoni pizza, a cheese with a stronger flavor like provolone or fontina can complement the spicy pepperoni. If you’re making a vegetarian pizza with lots of vegetables, a milder cheese like mozzarella or Swiss can allow the flavors of the vegetables to shine through.

Overall, choosing the best cheese for pizza depends on your personal preferences and the toppings you’re using. By considering factors like meltability, flavor, texture, fat content, and toppings, you can find the perfect cheese to make your pizza delicious and satisfying.

Melting Properties

When it comes to pizza, the melting properties of the cheese are crucial. You want a cheese that will melt evenly and create that perfect stretchy, gooey texture that we all love. Here are some cheeses that have excellent melting properties:

• Mozzarella: This cheese is the classic choice for pizza, and for good reason. It has ideal melting and stretching properties, with just enough moisture to brown and bubble without burning. It has a mild, milky flavor that pairs well with a variety of toppings.

• Cheddar: Shredded cheddar is another great option for pizza. It melts extremely well and brings a tangy, sharp flavor to the table.

• Fontina: This Italian cheese has a nutty, buttery flavor and melts beautifully. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a cheese that will add some depth and complexity to your pizza.

• Gouda: Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that has a rich, creamy flavor and melts beautifully. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a cheese that will add some smokiness to your pizza.

• Provolone: This Italian cheese has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and melts beautifully. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a cheese that will add some creaminess to your pizza.

When choosing a cheese for your pizza, it’s important to consider factors like fat content, protein bonding, pH levels, and salt content. These factors can all affect the melting properties of the cheese and can make a big difference in the final product. By choosing a cheese with excellent melting properties, you can ensure that your pizza will be deliciously gooey and satisfying.

Flavor Profile

When it comes to pizza, cheese plays a crucial role in determining the overall flavor profile of the dish. The right cheese can elevate the taste of the pizza, while the wrong one can ruin it. Here are some of the cheeses that can help you achieve a beautiful flavor profile for your pizza:

• Mozzarella: This is the most popular cheese used for pizza, and for a good reason. It has a mild flavor and a stretchy texture that makes it perfect for pizza. Fresh mozzarella is the best option, but standard mozzarella works well too.

• Cheddar: Cheddar cheese has a distinct sharpness and bright flavor that can add depth to your pizza. It’s best used in combination with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone.

• Fontina: This cheese has a nutty and buttery flavor that can add richness to your pizza. It’s also known for its excellent meltability, making it perfect for pizza.

• Provolone: This cheese has a mild and slightly tangy flavor that can complement the other flavors in your pizza. It also melts beautifully, making it perfect for pizza.

• Gouda: Gouda cheese has a creamy and nutty flavor that can add a unique twist to your pizza. It’s best used in combination with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone.

• Ricotta: Ricotta cheese has a mild and creamy flavor that can add a nice contrast to the other flavors in your pizza. It’s best used as a topping or in combination with other cheeses.

Experimenting with different cheese combinations can help you find the perfect flavor profile for your pizza. Keep in mind that the quality of the cheese matters, so always opt for high-quality cheeses for the best results.

Texture

When it comes to cheese for pizza, texture is an important factor to consider. The right texture can make all the difference in the final product. Here are some cheeses with great texture that you can use for your next pizza.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a classic cheese for pizza and for good reason. It has a soft and stretchy texture that gives pizza that perfect cheesy pull. Fresh mozzarella is the best choice for pizza, as it has a high moisture content that makes it melt easily and evenly.

Provolone

Provolone cheese has a semi-hard texture that makes it perfect for pizza. It has a slightly tangy and salty flavor that pairs well with other toppings. It also melts well and creates a nice golden brown crust on top.

Fontina

Fontina cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a nutty and buttery flavor. It has a smooth and creamy texture that makes it perfect for pizza. It melts well and creates a gooey and delicious layer of cheese on top of your pizza.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a sharp and nutty flavor. It is not typically used as the main cheese for pizza, but it can be a great addition for texture and flavor. Grated parmesan sprinkled on top of your pizza can add a crispy and salty texture to your pizza.

Ricotta

Ricotta cheese has a creamy and slightly grainy texture that makes it a great addition to pizza. It is typically used in small spoonfuls on top of other cheeses, as it has a mild flavor that can be easily overpowered. It adds a luxurious and milky texture to your pizza that is hard to resist.

In conclusion, the right cheese texture can take your pizza to the next level. Whether you prefer a soft and stretchy cheese or a crispy and salty cheese, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider the texture of your cheese when making your next pizza for a delicious and satisfying result.

Fat Content

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for pizza, the fat content of the cheese is an important factor to consider. While cheese is undoubtedly delicious, it can also be high in fat, which can lead to health problems if consumed in excess.

Mozzarella is a popular cheese choice for pizza, and it is also relatively low in fat compared to other cheeses. According to Nutritionix, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese contains around 22 grams of fat. However, it is important to note that some types of mozzarella, such as fresh mozzarella, may contain higher levels of fat.

Other cheeses that are commonly used on pizza, such as cheddar and provolone, tend to be higher in fat. For example, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese contains around 34 grams of fat, while one cup of shredded provolone cheese contains around 28 grams of fat.

It is worth noting that not all fats are created equal. Some cheeses, such as feta and goat cheese, contain more healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than other types of cheese. However, these cheeses may not be the best choice for pizza due to their strong flavors and crumbly textures.

Overall, when choosing the best cheese for pizza, it is important to consider the fat content of the cheese, as well as its taste and texture. Mozzarella is a good choice for those looking to keep their fat intake in check, while other cheeses may be better suited for those who prioritize taste over health concerns.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for pizza, there are a few key factors to consider. Cheese that melts well and has a good flavor profile is essential. From the search results, we can see that mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for pizza due to its excellent melting properties and mild flavor. However, other cheeses like cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, provolone, and Swiss raclette can also be great options.

It is important to note that the type of cheese used can vary depending on the style of pizza being made. For example, traditional Neapolitan pizza often uses fresh mozzarella, while New York-style pizza typically uses a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Additionally, low-moisture mozzarella cheese is commonly used for homemade pizza as it does not release any water when it melts.

Ultimately, the best cheese for pizza is a matter of personal preference. Experimenting with different types of cheese and blends can help you find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Remember to choose a cheese that melts well, has a good flavor profile, and complements the other toppings on your pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese do pizzerias typically use?

Pizzerias typically use mozzarella cheese for their pizzas. It is a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other toppings on the pizza. Some pizzerias also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese, which adds a bit more flavor to the pizza.

What is the best cheese for making homemade pizza?

The best cheese for making homemade pizza is fresh mozzarella. It has a high moisture content, which helps it melt and spread evenly across the pizza. Other good options include provolone, fontina, and Parmesan.

What are some good Italian cheeses to use on pizza?

Some good Italian cheeses to use on pizza include Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Asiago. These cheeses have a strong flavor that adds depth to the pizza.

What is the ideal cheese blend ratio for pizza?

The ideal cheese blend ratio for pizza is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a blend of 50% mozzarella and 50% provolone, while others prefer a blend of 75% mozzarella and 25% Parmesan. Experiment with different ratios to find the blend that works best for you.

What is the healthiest cheese option for pizza?

The healthiest cheese option for pizza is fresh mozzarella. It is lower in calories and fat than other cheeses, and it is also a good source of protein.

What type of cheese does Domino’s use on their pizzas?

Domino’s uses a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese on their pizzas. This blend gives the pizza a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other toppings.