The Mystique of Excess Cheese on Pizza: Tradition, Flavor, and Texture
Adding extra cheese to pizza is a common practice seen across many restaurants and home kitchens. This article explores the reasons behind this tradition and delves into the sensory and practical benefits of topping your pizza with an abundance of cheese.
Enhanced Flavor and Texture
Cheese is a cornerstone ingredient in pizza, and the addition of extra cheese serves both functional and sensory purposes. Firstly, the increased cheese content can intensify the pizza's flavor, offering a richer, more complex taste profile. Different cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda, bring their unique flavor notes and textures to the dish.
Secondly, cheese adds a gooey, stretchy texture when melted, which many find satisfying and indulgent. The combination of the crisp, golden-brown crust and the melty, bubbly cheese atop creates a sensory experience that is both visually appealing and delicious. For true cheese lovers, this extra layer can elevate the overall dining experience.
Customization and Visual Appeal
Beyond the functional aspects, adding extra cheese offers a level of customization that can cater to individual preferences. Some pizza enthusiasts enjoy a cheesier composition, while others might opt for a lighter topping. The flexibility allows diners to create their ideal pizza, from a simple, mozzarella-based base to more complex combinations that include unique and flavorsome cheeses like ricotta, blue cheese, or feta.
Additionally, a pizza with an abundance of cheese can appear more appetizing, drawing customers to the plate. The golden-brown crust with bubbling cheese is not only visually stunning but also tempting to the palate, making it a compelling choice for many customers.
Ancient Traditions and Practical Benefits
The practice of adding extra cheese to pizza has deep roots in tradition and history. In ancient Sumeria, a culture known for its love of cheese and often lactose intolerant individuals, it is said that warriors would order pizzas with extra cheese before battle. The belief was that the additional cheese would provide nutritional benefits and even a strategic advantage.
According to legend, Sumerian warriors would cry, "EXTRA CHEESE IT!!!", as they prepared for battle. For these lactose intolerant warriors, the added cheese might have provided a source of easily digestible nutrients, offering an advantage in physical and mental performance. This cultural tradition has survived through the ages, although the practical reasons today are more centered around taste and enjoyment.
Practical Tips for Adding More Cheese
When adding extra cheese to your pizza, it's important to maintain the right balance. Simply adding more standard mozzarella might affect the overall balance of the pizza. Instead, consider using contrasting or complementary cheeses to enhance flavor and texture. For example, you can pair mozzarella with ricotta, blue cheese, feta, or roasted peppers, which can add depth and variety to the dish.
Another practical tip for incorporating more cheese is to use it to rehydrate dehydrated toppings. Sun-dried tomatoes and cranberries (Craisins) can benefit from a melt of cheese, which helps to plump them up and integrate them better into the pizza. This technique not only improves the texture of the toppings but also complements the cheese, creating a well-rounded and flavorful pizza.
Conclusion
Adding extra cheese to pizza is more than just a tradition; it's a sensory and practical choice that enhances the overall experience. Whether you're seeking a richer flavor, a satisfying texture, a visually appealing presentation, or simply a personal preference, the choice to top your pizza with an abundance of cheese can be a delightful and memorable addition. So, next time you order a pizza, consider the joy of extra cheese and let your indulgence be heard with a resounding, 'EXTRA CHEESE IT!!!'