When it comes to pizza, cheese is the undeniable star of the show. But with so many varieties of cheese out there, it can be difficult to figure out which one will give you the best result.

Luckily, science has done the hard work for us and has identified the ultimate cheese for pizza.

Mozzarella: The King of Pizza Cheese

Science has spoken, and mozzarella cheese is the king of pizza cheese. It’s the cheese most commonly used on pizza and is loved for its stretchy, gooey texture and mild flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine through.

Mozzarella cheese is made from the milk of water buffalo or cows, making it a great source of protein and calcium. But what sets it apart from other cheeses is the way it melts.

Mozzarella has a high moisture content, which makes it stretch and ooze when heated, creating that classic cheesy string that we all love.

The Science Behind Melting Cheese

Have you ever noticed that not all cheeses melt the same way? Some become oily, while others turn into a crunchy crust. This is because of the cheese’s chemical makeup, specifically its protein and fat content.

When cheese is heated, its proteins start to unravel and move around. The fat, on the other hand, starts to break down and separate from the protein. Cheeses with a higher fat content, like cheddar or gouda, tend to create an oily texture when melted.

Cheeses with a lower moisture content, like parmesan or romano, create a crunchy, crusty texture when melted.

Mozzarella, with its high moisture and lower fat content, is the perfect cheese for pizza. Its proteins create the stretchy, gooey texture we all love, while its lower fat content prevents it from becoming too oily.

The Perfect Ratio

While mozzarella is the star of the show, it’s important to use other cheeses in moderation to create the perfect balance.

Parmesan, for example, adds a salty, nutty flavor to the pizza, while provolone creates a gooey texture and a sharper, more complex flavor.

The ideal ratio of cheese for pizza is 70% mozzarella, 20% provolone, and 10% parmesan. This mix creates a delicious, flavorful pizza that’s not too cheesy or too overpowering.

The Importance of Quality Cheese

While the right ratio of cheeses is important, so is the quality of the cheese you use. Cheeses that are low quality or have been processed tend to have a lower moisture content and higher fat content, making them less suitable for pizza.

Instead, opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses that have a higher moisture content and lower fat content. Fresh mozzarella, for example, is higher in moisture and has a more delicate flavor than pre-shredded mozzarella.

Using high-quality ingredients will result in a better-tasting pizza and will make all the difference.

Experimenting with Different Cheeses

While mozzarella is undoubtedly the king of pizza cheese, that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with different types of cheese. Smoked gouda, fontina, and feta are all great options that can add a unique flavor to your pizza.

Just remember to use them sparingly and in combination with mozzarella to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Now that you know the science behind choosing the best cheese for pizza, you can confidently create the perfect pie. Remember to choose high-quality cheeses, use the right ratio, and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.