Quick Answer
The best cheese for calzones is a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano. Ricotta adds creaminess and a balanced flavor, mozzarella gives the filling stretchy texture and cheesy taste, while Pecorino Romano will add sharpness to the overall flavor.
Calzones are a popular Italian dish that is essentially a folded pizza filled with various ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and cheese.
While the filling is important, the cheese used is what really sets the calzone apart.
Choosing the best cheese for calzone can make or break the dish, as the cheese plays a critical role in the flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment of the meal.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best cheeses for calzones and provide tips on how to choose the perfect cheese for your next calzone creation.
Whether you prefer a classic mozzarella or want to get adventurous with blue cheese, this guide will help you create a delicious and satisfying calzone.
How to Choose the Best Cheese for Calzones
When it comes to choosing the best cheese for calzones, there are several factors to consider. The texture, flavor, and meltability of the cheese are all important to ensure a delicious and satisfying result.
Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect cheese for your calzone:
- Consider the Texture: The texture of the cheese is important as it affects the mouthfeel of the calzone. Soft cheeses like ricotta or feta can add a creamy and smooth texture, while harder cheeses like parmesan or cheddar can add a chewy and dense texture. It’s important to balance the texture of the cheese with the other ingredients in the calzone to create a cohesive and enjoyable bite.
- Consider the Flavor: The flavor of the cheese is also important as it can add depth and richness to the calzone. Mild cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can provide a subtle flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine, while stronger cheeses like blue cheese or gouda can add a bold and distinctive flavor. It’s important to consider the overall flavor profile of the calzone and choose a cheese that complements the other ingredients.
- Consider the Meltability: The meltability of the cheese is crucial as it affects the overall texture and gooeyness of the calzone. Cheeses like mozzarella or fontina have a high meltability and can create a stretchy and gooey texture, while harder cheeses like parmesan or pecorino have a lower meltability and can create a crispy and crunchy texture. It’s important to choose a cheese that can melt evenly and complement the texture of the other ingredients in the calzone.
Top 10 Cheeses for Calzones
Now that we know how to choose the best cheese for calzones, let’s dive into the top 10 cheeses for this dish. These cheeses were selected based on their popularity, flavor, and meltability, and can be used in a variety of calzone recipes.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a classic cheese for calzones, known for its mild flavor and high meltability. It creates a stretchy and gooey texture, making it a perfect complement to a variety of ingredients.
- Ricotta: Ricotta is a soft and creamy cheese that adds a rich and smooth texture to calzones. It’s often used in combination with other cheeses to create a balanced and delicious filling.
- Provolone: Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a distinct flavor that can add depth and richness to calzones. It has a high meltability, creating a gooey and stretchy texture.
- Parmesan: Parmesan is a hard and salty cheese that can add a crunchy and nutty texture to calzones. It has a lower meltability, making it a great addition to the top of the calzone for a crispy finish.
- Gouda: Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a nutty and buttery flavor that can add a unique twist to calzones. It has a high meltability, creating a gooey and stretchy texture.
- Fontina: Fontina is a semi-soft cheese with a mild and nutty flavor that can add a subtle richness to calzones. It has a high meltability, creating a stretchy and gooey texture.
- Cheddar: Cheddar is a hard and sharp cheese that can add a bold and distinct flavor to calzones. It has a lower meltability, making it a great addition to the top of the calzone for a crispy finish.
- Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild and creamy flavor that can complement a variety of ingredients in calzones. It has a high meltability, creating a stretchy and gooey texture.
- Feta: Feta is a crumbly and tangy cheese that can add a bright and refreshing flavor to calzones. It has a low meltability, making it a great addition to the top of the calzone for a crumbly finish.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese is a pungent and bold cheese that can add a distinctive and flavorful twist to calzones. It has a low meltability, making it a great addition to the top of the calzone for a crumbly finish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right cheese is crucial to make a delicious and satisfying calzone.
The top 10 best cheeses for calzones are:
- Mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Provolone
- Parmesan
- Gouda
- Fontina
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Feta
- Blue cheese
By keeping in mind the texture, flavor, and meltability of the cheese, you can select the perfect one for your calzone. Ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the filling and use a high-quality cheese to get the best flavor and texture. Try these cheeses in your next calzone recipe and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.