Pizza is one of the most popular foods worldwide, and BBQ chicken pizza is a fan favorite.
A good pizza is all about the toppings, and the cheese is undoubtedly the MVP of the show.
With that in mind, choosing the perfect cheese for your BBQ chicken pizza can sometimes be overwhelming.
In this article, we’re going to help you select the right cheese to elevate your pizza game to the next level.
We’ve researched and taste-tested what we believe are the best cheeses to complement the tangy BBQ sauce and juicy chicken.
Keep reading to find out what they are!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cheese for BBQ Chicken Pizza
When it comes to picking the perfect cheese for BBQ chicken pizza, there are a few factors to consider. The cheese should have a creamy texture that melts perfectly while not overpowering the other toppings.
Here are some key factors to consider when making your selection.
- Melting Point: The melting point of cheese is one of the most important factors to consider. You want a cheese that will melt quickly and evenly without burning. Cheeses with a low melting point, such as mozzarella, are ideal for pizzas as they melt quickly and give a beautiful “pull” when sliced.
- Moisture Content: The moisture content of the cheese is also essential to consider. Cheeses with a high moisture content, such as provolone, can make the pizza soggy, while cheeses with low moisture content, such as Parmesan, can make the pizza dry.
- Flavor Profile: The flavor of cheese you choose should complement the other toppings on your pizza. In the case of BBQ chicken pizza, you want a cheese that balances the flavors of the tangy BBQ sauce and smoky chicken.
- Compatibility with other Toppings: Some cheeses pair better with certain toppings. It’s essential to choose a cheese that pairs well with the other toppings on your BBQ chicken pizza. For example, blue cheese pairs well with caramelized onions, while cheddar goes well with bacon.
The 10 Best Cheeses for BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ chicken pizza is a classic dish, but the key to making it truly special is all about the cheese.
Here are ten of the best cheeses for BBQ chicken pizza that will take your meal to the next level:
1. Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is the classic pizza cheese, and for a good reason. It has a mild, creamy flavor and melts perfectly. The cheese has stretchy properties that create beautiful strings of cheese when sliced. Its creamy and delicate flavor complements the smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce and chicken.
2. Provolone
Provolone cheese has a sharper flavor but still maintains a creamy texture when melted. It has a lower water content than mozzarella, which makes it less likely to create a soggy crust. Its strong flavor can hold up against the bold flavors of the barbeque chicken while still melting and crisping up nicely.
3. Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for pizzas, especially when combined with barbecue chicken. Its sharp and tangy flavor cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and enhances the salty and smoky flavors of the chicken. Cheddar has a higher oil content than mozzarella, which makes it a little greasier but also adds to the flavor.
4. Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack cheese has a creamy, mild flavor that pairs well with the bold flavors of the barbecue sauce and spicy chicken. It melts smoothly and evenly, creating a beautiful cheesy blanket over your pizza. Its mild flavor makes it a great choice when you want the other toppings to shine.
5. Gouda
Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a rich, smoky flavor. It works well on BBQ chicken pizza because it enhances the smoky flavor of the chicken while also complementing the BBQ sauce. Because of its assertive flavor, a little bit goes a long way, making it a great cheese to combine with other, milder cheeses like mozzarella.
6. Feta
Feta cheese is a tangy and salty cheese that works well on BBQ chicken pizza. Its crumbly texture adds a unique texture and flavor to the pizza. Feta cheese also pairs well with other toppings like roasted red peppers, olives, and onions. It’s a great cheese to add a little bit of zing to your pizza.
7. Parmesan
Parmesan cheese has a nutty, salty flavor that adds depth to any pizza. Its low moisture content makes it a great cheese for sprinkling on top of your pizza as a finishing touch. It’s also great for those who prefer a more savory taste, rather than a creamy texture.
8. Asiago
Asiago cheese has a sharp and nutty flavor that complements the other toppings on your pizza. It has a higher fat content than Parmesan cheese, which makes it a creamy and melty cheese when melted. Asiago cheese is particularly good when combined with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.
9. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese has a strong and distinctive flavor that pairs well with barbecue chicken pizza. Its pungent taste creates a balance with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while its creamy texture adds richness to the pizza. This cheese also pairs well with other toppings like bacon or caramelized onions.
10. Ricotta
Ricotta cheese has a mild flavor and light texture, making it a great cheese to pair with the bold and savory flavors of the barbecue sauce and chicken. Its creamy texture also helps balance out the dryness from the chicken. Ricotta cheese is also a great alternative to traditional tomato sauce-based pizza, since it’s not as heavy and overpowering.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cheese for your BBQ chicken pizza is crucial for a delicious and satisfying meal. The cheeses we recommend have been chosen for their unique flavor profiles, melting points, and moisture content.
Remember to select cheeses that complement the other toppings on your pizza and to balance the flavors of sweet, smoky, and tangy. Use our recommendations as a starting point, and experiment with different combinations to elevate your pizza game!
The 10 Best Cheeses For BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Gouda
- Feta
- Parmesan
Instructions
- Select your favorite cheese from this article.
- Prep all of the required ingredients.
- Prep a pizza in 30 minutes or less.