Pizza cheese

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Pizza Cheese is a type of cheese specifically used for the preparation of pizza. It is a key ingredient that contributes to the overall taste, texture, and appearance of the pizza. The most commonly used pizza cheese is Mozzarella, but other varieties such as Provolone, Cheddar, and Parmesan are also used.

History[edit | edit source]

The use of cheese in pizza dates back to the dish's origins in Naples, Italy. The first pizzas were topped with simple, local ingredients, including the soft, white mozzarella cheese made from the milk of water buffalos. As pizza gained popularity and spread to other parts of the world, different types of cheese began to be used.

Types of Pizza Cheese[edit | edit source]

Mozzarella[edit | edit source]

Mozzarella is the most widely used cheese on pizza. It is appreciated for its melting qualities, mild flavor, and stringy texture when melted. There are two main types of mozzarella used for pizza: fresh mozzarella and low-moisture mozzarella.

Provolone[edit | edit source]

Provolone is another Italian cheese that is often used on pizza. It has a slightly stronger flavor than mozzarella and melts well.

Cheddar[edit | edit source]

Cheddar is commonly used on pizza in the United States, especially on types of pizza that are inspired by other cuisines, such as Mexican or barbecue chicken pizza.

Parmesan[edit | edit source]

Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese that is often grated over pizza for added flavor. It is not typically used as the main cheese on pizza, but rather as a complement to other cheeses.

Production[edit | edit source]

Pizza cheese is produced in a similar manner to other types of cheese, but with specific considerations for its ultimate use on pizza. The cheese must have good melting properties to achieve the desired texture and must also be able to withstand the high temperatures of pizza ovens.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD