The art of pizza making has been a subject of debate for centuries, with various regions and cultures offering their unique twists and preferences. One of the most contentious issues in the pizza world is the question of whether to put cheese or toppings first on a pizza. This may seem like a trivial matter, but it has sparked intense discussions among pizza enthusiasts, chefs, and food scientists. In this article, we will delve into the history of pizza making, explore the arguments for both sides, and examine the scientific principles behind the perfect pizza combination.
History of Pizza Making
To understand the cheese versus toppings debate, it’s essential to look at the origins of pizza making. The modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. The first pizzas were cooked in wood-fired ovens and topped with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. The classic Neapolitan pizza, also known as “Pizza Margherita,” was created in 1889 to honor the visit of Queen Margherita of Savoy. This iconic pizza featured a thin crust, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, arranged to resemble the Italian flag.
Over time, pizza toppings evolved to cater to local tastes and ingredient availability. In the United States, the first pizzeria, G. Lombardi’s, was opened by Gennaro Lombardi in 1905. Lombardi’s menu featured a variety of toppings, including cheese, meats, and vegetables. The introduction of new toppings and combinations led to the development of different pizza styles, such as Chicago-style deep-dish, California-style gourmet, and New York-style thin crust.
Regional pizza styles have their unique topping combinations, which often reflect local traditions and flavor profiles. For example, the New Haven-style pizza, also known as “apizza,” typically features a coal-fired crust, charred crust, and a light coating of cheese, with toppings like clams, sausage, and mushrooms. In contrast, the Detroit-style pizza, also known as “square pizza,” features a thick crust, crispy edges, and a thick layer of cheese, with toppings like pepperoni and sausage.
The Cheese-First Approach
The cheese-first approach is a traditional method that involves applying a layer of cheese, usually mozzarella, to the dough before adding toppings. This technique has several advantages. Firstly, it helps to prevent toppings from sinking into the dough, creating a soggy crust. Secondly, it allows the cheese to melt and spread evenly, creating a creamy, uniform base for the toppings. Finally, it enables the cheese to develop a golden-brown crust, known as the “browning reaction,” which adds flavor and texture to the pizza.
Different types of cheese have unique characteristics that affect the pizza’s flavor and texture. Mozzarella, the most commonly used pizza cheese, has a high moisture content, which makes it ideal for melting and stretching. Other popular cheese options include cheddar, parmesan, and gorgonzola, each with its distinct flavor profile and melting properties.
When using multiple types of cheese, it’s essential to consider pairing strategies to achieve a balanced flavor profile. For example, combining mozzarella with parmesan creates a rich, savory flavor, while pairing mozzarella with gorgonzola adds a tangy, creamy element.
The Toppings-First Approach
The toppings-first approach involves adding toppings to the dough before applying cheese. This method has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among gourmet pizza enthusiasts. The main advantage of this approach is that it allows for a more even distribution of toppings, creating a visually appealing pizza. Additionally, it enables the toppings to cook and caramelize before the cheese is added, which can enhance the flavor and texture of the pizza.
When using the toppings-first approach, it’s crucial to consider topping combination strategies to avoid overwhelming the pizza. A good rule of thumb is to balance flavors, textures, and colors. For example, combining sweet and savory ingredients, like figs and prosciutto, creates a harmonious flavor profile. Similarly, pairing crunchy and soft toppings, like bacon and mushrooms, adds texture and depth to the pizza.
The order in which toppings are added can significantly impact the pizza’s structure and flavor. For example, adding wet toppings, like tomatoes or olives, before dry toppings, like cheese or herbs, can create a soggy crust. Conversely, adding dry toppings before wet toppings can help to maintain a crispy crust.
Scientific Principles Behind Pizza Making
The art of pizza making is rooted in science, and understanding the underlying principles can help to create the perfect pizza. The Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars, is responsible for the browning and flavor development of the crust and toppings. The type and amount of cheese, as well as the cooking time and temperature, can affect the Maillard reaction and the final pizza product.
Different cooking techniques, such as wood-fired, brick oven, or conveyor belt cooking, can impact the pizza’s flavor, texture, and appearance. Wood-fired cooking, for example, creates a crispy crust and smoky flavor, while brick oven cooking produces a well-cooked crust and evenly distributed toppings.
The right tools and equipment can make a significant difference in pizza making. A pizza peel, for example, allows for easy transfer of the pizza to the oven, while a pizza stone or baking steel can enhance crust crispiness and flavor.
In conclusion, the debate over whether to put cheese or toppings first on a pizza is a complex issue that depends on various factors, including personal preference, regional traditions, and scientific principles. While the cheese-first approach offers advantages in terms of crust protection and flavor development, the toppings-first approach provides opportunities for creative topping combinations and enhanced flavor profiles. Ultimately, the perfect pizza combination is a matter of individual taste, and experimentation with different techniques and ingredients is encouraged to find the ideal balance of flavors and textures. By understanding the history, science, and art of pizza making, we can appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating the perfect pie.
| Pizza Style | Crust Type | Toppings |
|---|---|---|
| Neapolitan | Thin, soft | Tomato, mozzarella, basil |
| New York-style | Thin, crispy | Mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms |
| Chicago-style deep-dish | Thick, flaky | Thick layers of cheese, meats, vegetables |
- Choose a high-quality dough that can hold toppings and cheese
- Experiment with different cheese types and combinations to find the perfect balance of flavors
- Consider the order and distribution of toppings to achieve a visually appealing pizza
- Understand the scientific principles behind pizza making, including the Maillard reaction and crust development
What is the traditional way of building a pizza?
The traditional way of building a pizza involves starting with a layer of sauce on the dough, followed by a layer of cheese. This method is still widely used today in many pizzerias and is often considered the authentic way to make a pizza. The cheese is typically spread evenly over the sauce, and then various toppings are added on top of the cheese. This order makes sense, as the cheese acts as a barrier between the sauce and the toppings, preventing the toppings from getting soggy or overwhelmed by the sauce.
This traditional method has been passed down through generations of pizza makers and is still widely used today. Many pizzerias and pizza enthusiasts swear by this method, claiming that it produces the best flavor and texture. However, some people have started to experiment with alternative methods, such as adding toppings before the cheese. While this approach may seem unconventional, it can actually produce some interesting and delicious results. Ultimately, the order in which you add the cheese and toppings is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one “right” way to build a pizza.
What are the benefits of putting cheese first?
Putting cheese first can have several benefits, including a more even distribution of flavor and a creamier texture. When cheese is added on top of the sauce, it can sometimes melt unevenly, resulting in a patchy or inconsistent flavor. By adding the cheese first, you can ensure that it melts evenly and covers the entire surface of the pizza. This can also help to create a more cohesive flavor profile, as the cheese and sauce can meld together more effectively.
In addition to its flavor benefits, putting cheese first can also help to create a more textured crust. When cheese is added on top of the sauce, it can sometimes make the crust soggy or soft. By adding the cheese first, you can help to protect the crust from the sauce and create a crunchier, more defined texture. Overall, putting cheese first can be a great way to add flavor, texture, and depth to your pizza, and is definitely worth trying if you’re looking to mix things up.
What are the benefits of putting toppings first?
Putting toppings first can have several benefits, including a more intense flavor and a greater variety of textures. When toppings are added on top of the cheese, they can sometimes get lost or overwhelmed by the melting cheese. By adding the toppings first, you can ensure that they retain their unique flavor and texture, and add a more dynamic element to the pizza. This can be especially beneficial for toppings like vegetables or meats, which can become soft or soggy when cooked under a layer of cheese.
In addition to its flavor benefits, putting toppings first can also help to create a more visually appealing pizza. When toppings are added on top of the cheese, they can sometimes become hidden or obscured by the melting cheese. By adding the toppings first, you can create a more colorful and dynamic presentation, with each topping visible and distinct. This can be especially beneficial for pizzas with a lot of toppings, as it can help to create a more balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
How do different types of cheese affect the pizza-building process?
Different types of cheese can have a significant impact on the pizza-building process, as each type of cheese has its own unique melting properties and flavor profile. For example, mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for pizza because it melts well and has a mild flavor. Other types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, may not melt as well but can add a richer, more intense flavor to the pizza. When choosing a type of cheese, it’s essential to consider the other ingredients and the overall flavor profile you’re trying to achieve.
In addition to its melting properties and flavor profile, the type of cheese can also affect the texture of the pizza. For example, a soft, creamy cheese like mozzarella can help to create a smooth, even texture, while a harder, more aged cheese like parmesan can add a more crunchy, defined texture. By choosing the right type of cheese and combining it with other ingredients in the right way, you can create a pizza that is both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an experimenter, the type of cheese you choose can have a significant impact on the overall quality and character of your pizza.
Can you mix and match different cheese and topping combinations?
Yes, you can definitely mix and match different cheese and topping combinations to create unique and delicious pizzas. In fact, one of the best things about pizza is its versatility and the endless possibilities for creative combination. By combining different types of cheese with various toppings, you can create a wide range of flavor profiles and textures, from classic and traditional to innovative and experimental. Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar and comforting or something new and adventurous, the combination of cheese and toppings is limited only by your imagination.
When mixing and matching different cheese and topping combinations, it’s essential to consider the flavor profiles and textures of each ingredient and how they will work together. For example, a strong, pungent cheese like blue cheese may be overpowering if combined with too many toppings, while a mild, creamy cheese like mozzarella can provide a solid foundation for a wide range of toppings. By experimenting with different combinations and finding the right balance of flavors and textures, you can create pizzas that are both unique and delicious, and that reflect your personality and style.
How does the order of cheese and toppings affect the cooking process?
The order of cheese and toppings can have a significant impact on the cooking process, as it can affect the way the ingredients melt, cook, and interact with each other. For example, when cheese is added on top of the sauce, it can sometimes melt too quickly, resulting in a burnt or overcooked crust. By adding the cheese first, you can help to protect the crust from the sauce and create a more even cooking temperature. On the other hand, when toppings are added on top of the cheese, they can sometimes cook too slowly, resulting in an undercooked or raw texture.
In addition to its impact on the cooking temperature and time, the order of cheese and toppings can also affect the texture and consistency of the crust. For example, when toppings are added on top of the cheese, they can sometimes make the crust soggy or soft, while adding the cheese first can help to create a crunchier, more defined texture. By considering the order of cheese and toppings and how it will affect the cooking process, you can create pizzas that are both delicious and well-cooked, with a crispy crust, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked toppings.
Is there a “right” or “wrong” way to build a pizza?
There is no one “right” or “wrong” way to build a pizza, as the order of cheese and toppings is ultimately a matter of personal preference. While some people may swear by the traditional method of adding sauce, cheese, and then toppings, others may prefer to experiment with alternative methods, such as adding toppings before the cheese. The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and produces a pizza that you enjoy.
In fact, the beauty of pizza lies in its versatility and the endless possibilities for creative combination. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an experimenter, the order of cheese and toppings is just one aspect of the pizza-building process, and there are many other factors to consider, such as the type of crust, the sauce, and the cooking method. By embracing the diversity and complexity of pizza and experimenting with different techniques and ingredients, you can create unique and delicious pizzas that reflect your personality and style, and that bring people together in a shared love of good food and good company.