Chicago style pizza, also called deep-dish pizza, is a unique style of pizza that has taken the pizza world by storm. With its thick crust, generous amounts of cheese, and hearty toppings, it’s no wonder that Chicagoans claim it as their own. One of the key ingredients in Chicago style pizza is cheese, and many people wonder what type of cheese is used to achieve the perfect slice.
There are many different theories about what type of cheese is used in Chicago style pizza. Some say it’s a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, while others argue that it’s a mix of mozzarella and provolone. Regardless of the specific type of cheese used, there is no denying that cheese plays a crucial role in the taste and texture of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of cheese that are commonly used in Chicago style pizza and discuss why they’re so important to this savory dish.
The History of Chicago-style Pizza and its Connection to Cheese Selection
Chicago-style pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, has a unique place in American culinary history and is beloved by pizza enthusiasts everywhere. The pizza is characteristically thick, golden-brown, and hearty, with an abundance of toppings and cheese. It is a popular menu item in many pizzerias scattered throughout the Windy City, and in some other parts of the US.
Cheese is one of the essential components of the dish, and its selection and usage have a significant impact on the taste and texture of the final product. Traditionally, mozzarella cheese is the primary cheese used, as it is known for its stretchy, gooey, and mild flavor. However, some Chicago-style pizza places add other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, or even a blend of different cheese varieties, to create a unique signature taste. The cheese is usually placed on the crust first, followed by toppings and sauce, which is then baked to perfection.
Cheeses Used in Traditional Chicago-style Pizza
When it comes to traditional Chicago-style pizza, there are two types of cheese that are commonly used: mozzarella and Parmesan. The mozzarella used in Chicago pizza is different than the standard mozzarella used in other pizzas. It is a special type of cheese that is sliced thickly and has a high moisture content. This gives the pizza a creamy texture and a distinct flavor.
Parmesan is also used in traditional Chicago-style pizza, but not in the same way as mozzarella. It is typically grated and sprinkled on top of the pizza as a finishing touch. The nutty and slightly salty flavor of Parmesan adds a unique depth of flavor, and together with the mozzarella, creates a perfect combination that Chicagoans have enjoyed for decades. These two types of cheese, combined with the other classic ingredients like deep-dish crust and tomato sauce, give Chicago-style pizza its distinct identity and popularity.
Understanding the Characteristics of Cheese Ideal for Chicago Pizza
To understand the characteristics of cheese ideal for Chicago pizza, it’s essential to know what makes a Chicago-style pizza different from traditional pizza styles. Chicago pizza is known for its deep-dish style, where the cheese is usually on the bottom, and tomato sauce is poured on top. Due to this unique crust and topping arrangement, cheese that has good melting qualities and robust flavor is essential. Cheese that has less moisture content, such as low moisture mozzarella, is commonly used in Chicago pizza as it helps to counteract the wetness of the sauce and dough.
Apart from low moisture content, the best cheese for Chicago pizza should also have excellent stretchability, which makes every bite memorable. Therefore, cheese like provolone, cheddar, and grated parmesan can also be used to add depth and flavor to the pizza. However, the cheese’s use would depend on the pizza’s recipe, toppings, and the pizzeria’s preference. Nevertheless, opting for high-quality cheese will ensure that your Chicago-style pizza is creamy, flavorful, and irresistible.
Tips on Choosing High-Quality Cheese for Your Homemade Chicago Pizza
When it comes to making a perfect Chicago-style pizza at home, choosing the right cheese is key. The most commonly used cheese for Chicago pizza is mozzarella. However, using just any mozzarella can lead to a subpar pizza. To make sure your pizza stands out, go for high-quality mozzarella that has been made from whole milk, as opposed to part-skim milk. This will give your pizza a richer, creamier texture and taste.
Another cheese option for Chicago-style pizza is provolone. It has a slightly sharper flavor than mozzarella and gives the pizza a unique taste. For a more robust flavor, you can opt for asiago, Parmesan, or Romano cheese. However, using too much of these cheeses can overpower the pizza’s flavors and make it too salty, so it’s essential to use them in moderation. Ultimately, choosing the right cheese comes down to personal preference, but remember that using high-quality, fresh cheese is the key to an authentic and delicious Chicago-style pizza.
The Role of Cheese in Complementing Other Pizza Ingredients in Chicago-style Pizza
When it comes to Chicago-style pizza, cheese is a crucial ingredient that plays an essential role in complementing other toppings. The combination of cheese and toppings come together to form the signature deep-dish pizza that Chicago-style pizza is famous for. The cheese used in Chicago-style pizza not only adds flavor but also provides the necessary structural support, holding the other toppings securely in place.
The most commonly used cheese in Chicago-style pizza is mozzarella. However, many pizzerias prefer to use a blend that includes other cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, and Romano to enhance the overall flavor profile. The cheese in Chicago-style pizza tends to be thick and gooey, providing a robust and satisfying bite. It is the perfect balance of cheese, sauce, and crust that makes Chicago-style pizza a favorite of pizza lovers across the world.
Challenges in Finding Authentic Chicago-style Pizza Cheese Outside of Chicago
Despite the popularity of Chicago-style pizza, finding authentic Chicago-style pizza cheese outside of Chicago can be quite challenging. The cheese used in this type of pizza is not your typical mozzarella cheese. It is a combination of mozzarella and a specific kind of cheese called aged provolone. This mixture gives the pizza a unique taste and texture that is essential to the overall flavor of the dish.
However, aged provolone cheese is not readily available in many parts of the country, which makes it difficult to replicate the taste of authentic Chicago-style pizza. Many pizzerias use substitutes such as shredded mozzarella, which can lead to a lack of flavor and an overall different experience. For those who are truly seeking the authentic taste of Chicago-style pizza, it is best to visit the city itself or find a pizzeria that specializes in this style of pizza and imports the necessary ingredients to create an authentic product.
Expert Opinions on the Optimum Cheese Blend for Chicago-style Pizza.
When it comes to making the perfect Chicago-style pizza, cheese plays a vital role in providing the right taste and texture. While mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese for Chicago-style pizza, expert opinions suggest that a blend of different cheeses is ideal. This is because a blend of cheeses not only enhances the flavor but also provides the desired stretchiness and gooeyness.
According to chefs and pizza experts, the best cheese blend for Chicago-style pizza could include a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. The combination provides a perfect balance of saltiness, creaminess, and tanginess. Some pizza makers also add cheddar cheese, which gives the pizza a unique and delicious flavor. However, ultimately, the choice of cheese blend depends on individual preference and the specific recipe used.
Verdict
Chicago Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, and its fame lies largely on its use of deep-dish style crust, tomato sauce, and generous toppings. However, cheese is what adds the final touch to this classic dish, ensuring an excellent flavor and consistency. The cheese blends in Chicago-style pizza are composed of multiple varieties, including mozzarella, provolone, and white cheddar, among others, creating a unique combination that brings an explosion of flavor with each bite.
Cheese is at the centerpiece of Chicago’s pizza tradition, creating a perfect complement to its other elements. Although the final choice of cheese blend is ultimately a matter of personal taste, selecting any combination of the above-mentioned varieties will give you the genuine Chicago pizza experience. Whether you are trying out deep-dish for the first time or revisiting this iconic dish, there is no better way to do it than by indulging in the unique and unmistakable flavor of Chicago-style pizza.