Pizza Cheese - Do Not Stop With Mozzarella

If you've long been a fan of cheese pizza, but have never ventured beyond traditional mozzarella, you are missing out on a world of exciting and unique flavors. While the most popular and, some would argue, standard form of topping, mozzarella cheese only offers one specific taste. This can result in many pies tasting roughly the same, particular if you don't really enjoy any of the usual meat toppings. If you want to branch out and make your next meal something to remember, here are some alternatives (and additions) that could add something special to your next pie.

Fresh Mozzarella

Now yes, this is still mozzarella, but using fresh mozzarella is an entirely different beast than what you're probably used to. Instead of being dried, grated, and packed like what is in the supermarket, the fresh variety is packed as balls and is stored in water. The texture is quite different, but it can be used to give your pizza a very different feeling than what you may be accustomed to. Change isn't always a good thing, but you'll probably be pleased with the differences here.

Provolone

Most people think of provolone as a traditional deli cheese, only to be used on submarine sandwiches and the like. Unfortunately, these people are missing out on what can be a superb addition to any pizza. It comes in both smoked and non-smoked varieties, both of which can led a satisfying, if wholly unusual taste to your pie. The non-smoked variety has something of a nutty flavor, which can add depth to your food. The smoked variety comes with, naturally, a smoky taste, which can go hand in hand with traditional mozzarella to complete a fine pizza.

Cheddar

Cheddar usually doesn't make a good substitute for mozzarella. Though it is a fine melting cheese, it doesn't have the same stretch you expect from your pizza. That's why most restaurants will recommend combining it with traditional mozzarella to provide the best experience. Cheddar comes in both sharp and mild varieties. If you're making the meal at home, you might want to stick with the mild variety until you're sure you want more kick from the taste. If eating out, the chef will likely have his own blend.

Parmesan

You would be hard pressed to visit any pizzeria without spotting small jars of grated parmesan on every table. If you've always ignored it in favor of the salt, you could be missing out on one of the easiest ways to spice up a good slice. Parmesan goes particularly well with traditional pepperoni slices.