When it comes to making the perfect pizza, there’s one golden rule: it’s all about the cheese. Sure, the crust has to be solid, and the toppings matter, but let’s be real—cheese is the star of the show. Whether you like your pizza cheesy and gooey or with a bit more bite, choosing the right cheese can take your pie from good to “OMG, I
need
another slice!”
So, what
is
the best pizza cheese? Let’s break it down and see how the different cheeses stack up—and of course, we’ll give you the inside scoop on how
Nicky’s Coal Fired uses top-notch cheeses to craft our amazing coal-fired pizzas.
Mozzarella: The Classic Choice
When you think of pizza, mozzarella is likely the first cheese that comes to mind—and for good reason. Mozzarella is prized for its smooth, creamy texture and perfect meltability, making it the foundation of many pizzas (including our own!). Whether it’s used alone or combined with others, mozzarella’s mild flavor is the perfect base to complement a wide range of toppings.
Why Mozzarella Works:
- Meltability: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that classic pizza stretch we all know and love.
- Flavor: Its mild, creamy flavor pairs well with nearly any topping, from traditional pepperoni to more adventurous combinations.
- Texture: It provides that gooey, satisfying bite that pizza lovers
crave.
At Nicky’s, mozzarella is the go-to for a lot of our pizzas because it’s versatile and gives that perfect pizza-cheese texture you crave. For more insights into different types of pizza cheeses and how mozzarella leads the pack, check out
ThinkUSADairy’s guide to cheese varieties for pizza.
Parmesan: The Bold Finisher
Looking for a cheese that’s a little more intense? Parmesan has entered the chat. While it’s not typically used as the main cheese on pizza, parmesan is often sprinkled on top after baking to add an extra punch of sharp, salty flavor. It’s a hard cheese with a big personality—perfect for elevating a simple slice.
Why Parmesan Packs a Punch:
- Flavor Bomb: Just a little sprinkle adds tons of flavor, giving your pizza a rich, umami hit. The umami taste in parmesan comes from glutamic acid, a naturally occuring free amino acid that’s abundant in aged cheeses like parmesan.
- Great Garnish: Parmesan is more of a finisher than a main cheese—best when grated over a fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza. Its firm texture allows it to be easily grated into fine shreds, adding a salty, sharp punch without overwhelming the dish.
Ricotta: The Creamy Underdog
If you want to add some creaminess and a touch of luxury to your pizza, ricotta is your best bet. Soft and smooth, this cheese is often dolloped on top of pizzas for a rich, decadent finish. Ricotta pairs especially well with veggies or as part of a white pizza (a pizza without tomato sauce).
Why Ricotta Wins Hearts:
- Creamy Dreamy: Its smooth texture adds a little something extra to your slice.
- Perfect Pairing: Ricotta works great with lighter toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or even a drizzle of olive oil.
Provolone: Mozzarella’s Cooler Cousin
Provolone is like mozzarella’s cooler, older cousin. It’s a semi-hard cheese with a bit more bite, making it a great option for people who want their pizza to have a slightly sharper, more complex flavor. It is often mixed with mozzarella for a blend of creamy and tangy goodness.
Why Provolone is Pro:
- Flavor Boost: It has a little more personality than mozzarella but still melts beautifully.
- Great for Combo Pizzas: Provolone’s unique flavor complements heartier toppings like sausage or roasted peppers.
The Nicky’s Coal Fired Difference: Bringing Out the Best in Cheese
Now that we’ve covered the pizza cheese basics, let’s talk about how Nicky’s Coal Fired steps up the game. At Nicky’s, we don’t just stop at mozzarella—we take pizza to the next level with a combination of premium cheeses like pecorino romano, smoked mozzarella, and fontina. These cheeses, along with our coal-fired cooking method, give our pizzas that extra depth of flavor you won’t find just anywhere.
- Smoked Mozzarella: Adds a rich, smoky twist that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or veggies.
- Pecorino Romano: This salty, bold cheese is often grated up on top for a flavor punch.
- Fontina: Creamy with a nutty finish, it gives our pizzas a touch of luxury.
So, what makes coal-fired pizza so special? Coal ovens are hotter than traditional wood-fired ones, reaching temperatures up to 1,000°F, which gives the crust a unique charred flavor and texture that perfectly complements the rich, savory cheeses we use. You can learn more about the difference between coal-fired and wood-fired pizza
here.
Ready to Try the Best Pizza Cheese for Yourself?
Whether you’re a mozzarella purist or you like to experiment with more adventurous cheese combos, Nicky’s Coal Fired Pizza has something for everyone. Come on down and taste for yourself how we use these incredible cheeses to create the perfect coal-fired pizza. Trust us—once you’ve had one slice, you’ll be back for more!
Want to know more about us? Visit our
About Us page to learn what makes Nicky’s Coal Fired special.
