Mozzarella: The Most Common Cheese for Pizza Toppings

While cheese is integral to pizza, it serves as a topping on this popular Italian dish. In most cases, standard pizza dough is topped with a slice of mozzarella cheese, which is well-known for its versatility and taste.

Understanding Cheese in Pizza

Pizza makes use of a combination of dough, sauce, and cheese. While it might seem simple at first glance, the type of cheese and its preparation can significantly impact the flavor and texture of the pizza. There are various types of cheese that can be used for pizza toppings, each with its unique characteristics:

Tomato Pie Margherita/Neopolitan Artisan-style Toppings

Standard pizza often relies on low-moisture mozzarella, which is specifically designed for pizza. However, artisan-style pizzas may include other varieties such as Gorgonzola, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Provolone, Chevré, and Pecorino-Romano, depending on the pizzaiolo's creativity and local preferences.

Why Mozzarella is the Most Common Pizza Topping?

When discussing the most commonly used cheese for pizza, mozzarella stands out as the clear choice. It is the de facto standard for pizza toppings due to its unique properties. However, the apparent simplicity hides some complexities in its usage.

The high water content in mozzarella can lead to a mushy texture if not used correctly. Consequently, many pizzaiolos add fresh mozzarella near the end of the cooking process or right after the pizza comes out of the oven. This method helps prevent the cheese from burning rather than melting.

It's worth noting that most mozzarella used in pizza is not true fresh mozzarella. Instead, it is a low-moisture version that is more suitable for pizza. The authentic fresh mozzarella, while delicious, is not as practical for large-scale pizza production.

The Versatility of Mozzarella

Beyond just pizza toppings, mozzarella is also enjoyed in various forms. One popular variation is Mozzarella sticks, which are mozzarella cheese that has been cut into stick-shaped pieces, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crispy. This form of mozzarella adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

Mozzarella is not only a widely used pizza topping but also a versatile food item. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite in Italian cuisine and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cheese are commonly used for pizza toppings?

In addition to mozzarella, other popular pizza toppings include options such as:

Gorgonzola Ddffeczy Provolone Chevré Pecorino-Romano

Why is mozzarella used in pizza?

Mozzarella is widely used in pizza because of its:

melting properties creamy texture affordability availability in large quantities

How is mozzarella made for pizza use?

Mozzarella used for pizza is usually low-moisture, which means it has been dehydrated to make it more suitable for pizza. This process preserves its texture and flavor, allowing it to melt smoothly on the pizza.

Conclusion

In the world of pizza, mozzarella takes the throne as the most commonly used cheese for toppings. Its unique characteristics, convenience, and delicious flavor make it the go-to choice for pizza makers around the world.