Although you can find some cheeseless pizzas out there, why would you want to enjoy a slice without this delectable, gooey treat on top?
Some say that the spices or ingredient combination is what makes a great pizza. If you don’t have cheese serving as a binder for those flavors, the only thing you have is a fancy, open-faced pie.
When you embrace the art of cheesemaking, you’ll discover that fresh cheese on pizza is a heavenly experience. Some types work better than others, although you’re free to experiment!
What homemade cheese will you put on your next pizza?
List of the Best Cheese Choices for Pizza
It is said that Mozzarella got discovered because a clumsy cheesemaker dumped his curds into hot water one day. This cheese comes from Naples, offering a stringy texture that works quite well on pizza.
You can make a 30-minute Mozzarella at home for your pizza, giving it a creamy texture with subtle flavors. A low-moisture variety is what you typically see on most recipes today because of its saltiness and fast melting properties.
If you want to try something other than Mozzarella on your pizza, consider using one of these varieties.
Cheddar Cheese on Pizza
Cheddar cheese used to be a British regional variety. Now, it is one of the most popular options available. It has over 600 years of experience behind every brick and wheel made, providing a wide range of flavor profiles that range from mild to extra sharp.
You can find crumbly cheddar cheese to put on your pizza. It can get shredded in a way that’s similar to low-moisture Mozzarella. You often find it in combination with other varieties on many recipes because it doesn’t blister due to its limited elasticity.
Ricotta Cheese on Pizza
This soft cheese might be famous for what it can provide to lasagna, but it also works well on pizza. It is exceptionally versatile and simple to make at home. When you have leftover whey from a preferred recipe, turn it into this cheese!
You can make ricotta from any milk type. One of the most flavorful options comes from water buffalo milk. It adds a tangy, moist bite that works well on any pizza filled with fresh ingredients.
Gouda on Pizza
Although this Dutch cheese is classified as a hard variety, you wouldn’t know it based on the first impression you get. It’s soft enough to be similar to Mozzarella, creating a smooth texture with luxurious flavors. It is sweet, mild, with a slightly nutty taste.
Younger gouda wheels tend to have a sweetness to the cheese. As the cheese ages, the tone grows sharper, with a tartness that balances nicely with a buttery appeal. It works exceptionally well on a pizza with smoked meats, roasted peppers, or bacon.
Chevre Cheese on Pizza
This French cheese comes from goats’ milk, providing a creamy and tart flavor that takes you outside of your comfort zone. It isn’t going to melt in the oven when baking, which means you have that fresh consistency with each bite.
Anyone with lactose intolerance will enjoy this cheese because of its low lactic acid levels. Try breaking it up into small chunks to give each slice even coverage during the baking process. Add some sun-dried tomatoes and pesto with chicken and a white sauce for a fantastic experience.
Parmesan Cheese on Pizza
This aged Italian cheese is a versatile ingredient that works well on almost any pizza recipe. The modern version developed in the 16th century, but several similar types were made during the Roman Empire.
You might put the powdered Parmesan on your pizza already. Instead of settling for a product that contains wood cellulose, consider the robust flavors from the real thing. A few shavings off a brick of this cheese is going to turn your next slice into a memorable experience.
Gruyere on Pizza
The complex flavors of this cheese make it the perfect addition to almost any pizza. This variety is difficult to replicate at home unless you can secure milk from the Swiss region where it is made. The unique soil content and pasture growth create exquisite touches that make you want to take another bite.
Use Gruyere on pizzas that feature smoked ham or peppers. If you want to try a regional delicacy, try putting sliced potatoes on your slice with this cheese. It also pairs well with toppings that have earthy tones, such as artichokes or mushrooms.
Brie on Pizza
Although this cheese might not seem like a pizza ingredient, the mild flavor it offers pairs well with caramelized ingredients to create an excellent taste profile. Use it with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and prosciutto for an outstanding slice.
If you want to make a dessert pizza, brie is an excellent choice to consider. Having a slice with cranberries, walnuts, and honey with this cheese will have everyone clamoring for more.
You could also use a cheese such as Camembert to achieve a similar outcome.
What Cheese Will You Try on Your Pizza?
Mozzarella is the perennial favorite when selecting a pizza topping. Since you can make fresh cheese at home in 30 minutes with this variety, you have several ways to enjoy a fresh slice when feeling hungry.
These additional cheese options provide unique flavors that can expand your appreciation of pizza to untold levels. Each one offers a different texture to enjoy while blending the toppings together into a cohesive bite.
Try pairing these cheese choices with a potent adversary, such as gorgonzola, stilton, or limburger, to challenge your palette even more!
What new cheese will you try on your pizza today?
