Cheese Makes The Pizza
Lots of people enjoy a good cheese pizza. In all its simplicity, it is one of the most popular types eaten. How do you make a really great pie? Why do so many enjoy a simple cheese pie when they could have one with the works? It is the cheese.
Most people think of mozzarella when they think of pizza. This is a mild, creamy cheese that melts really well. Once melted, mozzarella stretches, creating that signature cheese stretch that we all look for in a classic pie. You should use fresh mozzarella for the best results. It is a fresh cheese that is ready to eat only a day or two after being started. It is usually too soft to shred. However, do not stop there; mozzarella does better when it has friends.
Parmesan cheese is another traditional cheese to use. Place shredded parmesan on top next time you make one to add a little zing to it. Parmesan is aged for a long time to create a unique flavor that complements other cheeses perfectly. If you look at the history of pizza, you will see Parmesan pop up over and over.
Do not stop there. Lots of other cheeses help add more depth to your meal. The perfect cheese pie makes the most of as many types of cheese as possible. They are simple to make at home. If you decide to do so, consider some of these cheeses for your foray.
Provolone is a creamy cheese from Italy made from cow’s milk. It blends well with other cheeses. It has a stronger flavor than mozzarella, but it stretches very well, so it is always a good choice. Good provolone is aged at least 4 months. Smoked provolone is also available if you like a smoky flavor on your pie.
Another hard cheese that is a bit like parmesan is Asiago. It has a spicier flavor, though. It has a texture similar to parmesan, so you will want to grate or shred it to mix with the other cheeses. You could make very thin slices to lay on top if you prefer. Asiago has concentrated flavors that combine well with other cheeses, giving them a nice complexity.
Gourmet pizzas demand fine cheeses like feta. Made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of goat and sheep milk, feta can be found at most stores in crumbles or blocks. You can find it ranges from mild to sharp in flavor. Sprinkle some crumbles across the top of the pizza to add a tangy, salty taste to it.
While cheddar is not often used on commercial versions, it can make a nice addition to one made at home. Its robust flavor adds another dimension to your cheese pizza. Always mix it with other cheeses as it easily burns under high heat. One of the most popular cheeses in the world, cheddar adds both color and flavor to your meal.
Once all your cheeses are combined, sprinkle the blend liberally over the top of your pizza. You can further enhance the flavor with some dried herbs.
Italian pizza history is a really fascinating subject and it is interesting to know how pizza has evolved throughout history as well as which varieties are preferred in which countries. You can find all the details at our site and perhaps be inspired to make your own tasty homemade pizza.
