What To Know
- The crumbly texture of Parmesan adds a delightful contrast to the soft dough and chewy cheese.
- Pecorino Romano is a sharp, salty cheese that provides a different flavor profile to Parmesan.
- Store Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Absolutely! Parmesan cheese, with its nutty, salty flavor and crumbly texture, is a fantastic addition to any pizza. Its umami-rich taste complements the savory flavors of pizza sauce and toppings, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Types of Parmesan Cheese for Pizza
There are two main types of Parmesan cheese used for pizza:
- Grated Parmesan: Finely grated Parmesan is the most common type used for pizza. It provides a consistent distribution of flavor and texture.
- Shaved Parmesan: Shaved Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano flakes, is larger in size and adds a more pronounced nutty flavor.
How to Use Parmesan Cheese on Pizza
Using Parmesan cheese on pizza is easy:
1. Evenly distribute: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the pizza, ensuring it covers all areas.
2. Add during or after baking: You can add Parmesan cheese before or after baking the pizza. Adding it before baking allows it to melt and incorporate into the flavors, while adding it after baking preserves its texture.
3. Quantity: The amount of Parmesan cheese to use depends on your preference. A light sprinkling provides subtle flavor, while a generous amount can enhance the richness.
Benefits of Using Parmesan Cheese on Pizza
Parmesan cheese brings numerous benefits to pizza:
- Flavor enhancement: Parmesan’s salty, nutty flavor complements the savory notes of pizza sauce and toppings.
- Texture variation: The crumbly texture of Parmesan adds a delightful contrast to the soft dough and chewy cheese.
- Umami boost: Parmesan is rich in umami, which adds depth and richness to the pizza’s flavor.
- Nutritional value: Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins.
Pairing Parmesan Cheese with Pizza Toppings
Parmesan cheese pairs well with a wide range of pizza toppings, including:
- Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers
- Other cheeses: Mozzarella, ricotta, provolone
Parmesan Pizza Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for a Parmesan pizza:
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a greased baking sheet.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add your desired toppings.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pizza.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Alternatives to Parmesan Cheese on Pizza
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, here are some alternatives:
- Asiago cheese: Asiago has a similar nutty flavor to Parmesan but is slightly milder.
- Pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano is a sharp, salty cheese that provides a different flavor profile to Parmesan.
- Grana Padano cheese: Grana Padano is a close substitute for Parmesan with a slightly sweeter flavor.
Questions You May Have
Can I use Parmesan cheese on frozen pizza?
Yes, you can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on frozen pizza before baking it.
How can I make my Parmesan cheese melt better on pizza?
Grate the Parmesan cheese finely and sprinkle it over the pizza evenly. You can also add a small amount of olive oil to help it melt.
How do I store Parmesan cheese for pizza?
Store Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
