The 10 Best Cheeses For Pepperoni Pizza

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, and pepperoni pizza is a classic favorite.

Whether it’s enjoyed as a quick lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a party food, pepperoni pizza never disappoints.

While toppings like sauce, pepperoni, and vegetables are undoubtedly important, cheese is the foundation of any pizza, and it plays a significant role in the overall taste and texture of the dish.

In this article, we’ll explore the best cheeses for pepperoni pizza, taking into account various factors like melting point, moisture content, and flavor profile.

So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect cheese for your next pepperoni pizza!

Pepperoni Pizza

Factors to Consider when Choosing Cheese for Pepperoni Pizza:

Choosing the right cheese for your pepperoni pizza can make all the difference between a bland and uninspiring pie and a mouth-watering, memorable one.

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting cheese for your pizza:

  • Melting Point: A cheese that melts evenly and thoroughly is crucial for achieving the perfect crust-to-cheese ratio. Cheeses with a lower melting point, like mozzarella and provolone, tend to work better on pizzas, as they melt smoothly and quickly in the oven. Cheeses with a higher melting point, like aged cheddar, may not melt as well and could leave you with a pizza that’s overly cheesy in some parts and not enough in others.
  • Moisture Content: Moisture content also affects how a cheese melts and the texture it provides on top of the pizza. Cheeses with high moisture content, like fresh mozzarella or feta, can create a wetter, creamier sensation compared to drier cheeses like Parmesan or Romano. The moisture content can also impact the browning of the cheese, with lower moisture cheeses having a tendency to brown more quickly than higher moisture cheeses.
  • Flavor Profile: Different cheeses bring different flavors to the table, and the one you choose can greatly impact the overall taste of your pepperoni pizza. Cheeses that have a mild, versatile flavor like mozzarella, provolone, or Fontina may work better with more pungent toppings like pepperoni, while cheeses like Gorgonzola or blue cheese may be too overpowering for some.
  • Compatibility with Other Toppings: It’s important to consider the other toppings you plan to use on your pepperoni pizza when selecting the cheese. A cheesy pizza with too many toppings will feel overstuffed and unbalanced. Cheeses like Parmesan or Romano function better when paired with a few simple ingredients, while a more complex cheese like Gouda or cheddar can hold its own against multiple toppings.
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The 10 Best Cheeses for Pepperoni Pizza

Now that we’ve outlined the key factors to consider when choosing cheese for your pepperoni pizza, let’s dive into our top ten picks:

1. Mozzarella

Fresh Mozzarella
Source: seriouseats.com

Mozzarella is the king of pizza cheeses and a classic choice for pepperoni pizza. Its low-moisture content and low-melting point make it perfect for achieving that gooey, stretchy texture we all crave in pizza. Mozzarella’s mild flavor also allows it to complement rather than overpower the pepperoni and other toppings.

2. Provolone

Provolone Cheese

Provolone is similar to mozzarella in terms of its low-moisture content and melting point, making it another ideal option for pepperoni pizza. With its nutty flavor and semi-hard texture, provolone adds a subtle richness to the pizza while still allowing the other flavors to shine through.

3. Fontina

Fontina Cheese

Fontina is a semi-soft cheese that melts beautifully and has a buttery, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with pepperoni. While it’s not as commonly used on pizza as mozzarella or provolone, it can add a unique depth of flavor that takes the pizza to the next level.

4. Parmesan

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a bold, nutty flavor that pairs well with a wide variety of toppings, including pepperoni. Its low-moisture content means it won’t make the pizza too soggy, and its sharp, distinctive flavor provides a nice contrast to the salty pepperoni.

5. Romano

Pecorino Romano Cheese

Like Parmesan, Romano is a hard, sharp cheese with a more intense flavor than mozzarella or provolone. It’s a great choice if you want to add a bit of a kick to your pepperoni pizza. Due to its low-moisture content, it won’t make the pizza too oily, and it’s perfect for those who prefer their pizza with a bit more tang.

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6. Cheddar

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a hard cheese that’s becoming increasingly popular on pizzas. While it has a higher melting point than mozzarella or provolone, it still melts well and has a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the saltiness of pepperoni. Cheddar also adds a more distinctive flavor to the pizza, making it a great option for those looking to mix things up.

7. Gouda

Gouda Cheese

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with pepperoni. Its low-moisture content and high melting point make it a great cheese for pizza, as it won’t make the crust too soggy. Gouda also has a distinct smoky flavor that adds another layer of complexity to the pizza.

8. Asiago

Asiago Cheese

Asiago is a semi-hard cheese from Italy with a slightly nutty, sharp flavor. It’s a great cheese to use on a pepperoni pizza if you want to add some depth to the flavor profile. Asiago also melts well and has a low-moisture content, making it a good choice for pizzas.

9. Ricotta

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta is a fresh cheese that’s not typically used on pizzas, but it can be a great alternative to mozzarella or provolone. Its mild, creamy flavor pairs well with pepperoni, and its high moisture content helps to keep the pizza from drying out. Ricotta works particularly well when mixed with other cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan.

10. Feta

Feta Cheese

Feta is a crumbly cheese with a tangy, salty flavor that adds a nice contrast to the spiciness of pepperoni. Its low-moisture content means it won’t melt like mozzarella or provolone, but it can be added to the pizza in small crumbles for a burst of flavor.

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These are just a few of the best cheeses for pepperoni pizza, but there are many other options to explore. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different combinations until you find one that you love.

The 10 Best Cheeses For Pepperoni Pizza

The 10 Best Cheeses For Pepperoni Pizza

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Pizza
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Mozzarella
  • Provolone
  • Fontina
  • Parmesan
  • Romano
  • Cheddar
  • Gouda Cheese
  • Asiago

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite cheese from this article.
  • Prep all of the required ingredients.
  • Prep a pizza in 30 minutes or less.