The cheese is a big part of pizza too, not just the crust and toppings. A lot of people don’t think about what kind of cheese to use. But choosing the right one can make a big difference.
It’s not just about how it tastes. It’s also about the feel in your mouth and how it melts. Different kinds of mozzarella will melt in different ways. You want one that goes best with the toppings you pick.
So let’s talk about the different mozzarella cheeses and help you pick out the perfect one for your pizza.
The Two Main Types of Mozzarella
There are two main kinds of mozzarella. The first is called fresh. It’s soft and white, sometimes found floating in a container of water. It has a really creamy feel and a mild flavor. It melts perfectly on your pizza, making it great for traditional Neapolitan or Margherita styles.
The other type is the low-moisture mozzarella. Unlike the fresh kind, this one is drier and thicker. You usually find it in a block or already shredded. It gets nice and gooey when melted without making the crust soggy. That’s why it’s a favorite for American pizzas like New York or deep-dish Chicago styles.
The fresh mozzarella melts smoothly but could make your pizza soggy. The low-moisture kind melts gooey without sogginess but isn’t as creamy. You need to be aware of these characteristics since they can greatly affect the particular type you are making.
Choosing Based on Pizza Style
For Neapolitan pizza, with its thin crust and few toppings, you need the fresh mozzarella. Its soft texture and high moisture content melt perfectly in the super hot wood-fired oven. The cheese blends nicely with the simple ingredients.
New York-style pizza is a great use of low-moisture mozzarella. The drier cheese helps make slices that aren’t soggy but still have lots of flavor. Everything stays balanced.
Deep-dish pizza also does well with low-moisture mozzarella. Its ability to hold its shape while baking keeps each layer, like the crust, distinct and crispy even after cooking a long time in the oven. The cheese doesn’t release too much liquid.
Additional Tips
If you use fresh mozzarella, especially the kind from a water container, be sure to drain it well before putting it on the pizza. Some people squeeze out extra liquid between paper towels too. This keeps your pizza from getting soggy from too much water in the cheese.
When placing the cheese on the pizza, think about slicing or shredding. For fresh mozzarella, slicing it gives an even melt and a nice presentation that looks traditional. Shredding works best for the low-moisture type so it covers the surface evenly and gives you big stretches when you take a bite.
Why Quality is Important?
No matter which kind of mozzarella you choose, it’s really important to get good quality cheese. Pick brands that are known for their taste and being traditional. Some people like mozzarellas made by artisans from specific areas, while others look for organic brands without extra ingredients.
Going with quality makes a huge difference compared to just grabbing the regular stuff. You want one that really adds flavor instead of just being in the background.
Store It For Later
Fresh mozzarella needs to be used within a few days of opening. Keep it submerged in the liquid it came in until you use it. The low-moisture kind can be in the fridge for a few weeks.
You can freeze the low-moisture mozzarella, which is handy if you like having cheese ready for pizza anytime. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. Unfortunately, freezing fresh mozzarella isn’t a good idea since it can change the texture a lot.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes the only way to know what you like best is to test them out. What’s great on one pizza might not be your favorite for another with different toppings.
Picking the perfect mozzarella is part science, part creativity. Now that we’ve covered the basics, you have a good starting point.
