Not all shredded cheeses are pizza pals!
Some have additives that prevent melting, like anti-clumping starches, leading to sad, patchy cheese instead of gooey goodness.
Others, like parmesan, can overpower other flavors or burn quickly. So, the choices are limited, though the taste is subjective.
Therefore, it’s essential to stick to these few options that this guide covers.
Here is a list of the top 9 regret-free shredded cheeses for pizza.
9 Best Shredded Cheese for Pizza
1. Mozzarella
Origin: Italy
Made from Cow’s milk
Taste: Mild, creamy
Meltability: Excellent
Best for: All types of pizza, from simple Margherita to gourmet creations.
Mozzarella as a “melt-tastic” champion reigns supreme for pizza!
It heats up like a dream, coating your crust in stretchy, gooey goodness that hugs every bite.
Plus, its mild, creamy flavor plays nicely with other toppings, letting them shine without stealing the show.
It’s like a blank canvas for your pizza masterpiece!
But Mozzarella isn’t just a one-trick pony.
Want a tangy bite?
Grab some sharp mozzarella!
Craving a richer flavor?
Go for full-fat.
And shredding?
Easy peasy!
No crumbles, just fluffy cheese clouds ready to conquer your pizza.
2. Provolone
Origin: Italy (Buongiorno!)
Made from: Cow’s milk (Moo!)
Taste: Mild, nutty, slightly salty (Yum!)
Meltability: Good (Stretchy fun!)
Best for: Italian-style pizzas, white pizzas, or pizzas with bold toppings
Provolone isn’t just mozzarella’s sidekick; it’s pizza’s fiesta starter flavor!
Although it melts beautifully, blanketing your crust in gooey goodness, its true magic lies in its taste.
That mild, nutty base gets a tangy kick. Thus, it adds a depth that mozzarella can’t match.
But Provolone doesn’t hog the spotlight.
It plays nice with mozzarella, blending in for a richer, creamier taste.
It’s also a textural chameleon!
Shredded or sliced, it stretches and pulls, adding a playful element to every bite.
Plus, it melts evenly; no dry patches here!
So next time you crave a pizza with a bit more bite, grab some provolone.
3. Cheddar (Mild or Sharp)
Origin: England
Made from: Cow’s milk
Taste: Sharp, tangy, slightly salty
Meltability: Good
Best for: Pizzas with bold flavors like BBQ chicken, cheeseburgers, and Mexican-inspired pies
Cheddar isn’t just for sandwiches!
When shredded on pizza, it’s a flavor bomb, exploding with a tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Unlike mozzarella’s mild whisper, cheddar shouts, “It’s pizza time!”
But cheddar’s not just a flavor bully. It melts beautifully, turning into gooey gold that hugs your crust and binds toppings together.
And shredding?
No problem!
Cheddar shreds like a champ, ready to blanket your pizza in cheesy goodness.
Be ready to try this bold blaster that turns your pizza into a flavor fiesta!
4. Monterey Jack
Origin: California
Made from: Cow’s milk
Taste: Mild, creamy, slightly sweet
Meltability: Excellent
Best for: Pizzas with bold toppings like Mexican, BBQ
Monterey Jack’s not just for nachos! On pizza, it’s the ultimate melty matchmaker, bringing everyone together in a delicious cheese hug.
It melts in the blink of an eye and rushes to coat every pizza bite perfectly.
Plus, its mild, creamy flavor plays team player, letting other toppings shine without stealing the show.
But Monterey Jack has a hidden talent of taste as well!
Want a kick?
Grab pepper jack for a spicy surprise.
Craving richer creaminess?
Monterey Jack’s got you covered.
And shredding? It’s effortless–No crumbles, just fluffy clouds of cheese ready to conquer your pizza.
Simply put, Monterey Jack gets you a pizza with melt-in-your-mouth magic and a touch of versatility.
5. Colby Jack
Origin: USA (Wisconsin)
Made from: Colby & Monterey Jack blend
Flavor: Mild, buttery, hint of cheddar zing
Melts: Excellent! Stretchy and gooey.
Best for: All types, but shines in BBQ, Tex-Mex, and gourmet pizzas.
Colby Jack is a pizza powerhouse!
It combines the best of both worlds…
Its mild, buttery base plays well with any toppings, while the cheddar zing adds a touch of complexity.
It melts like butter, stretching and oozing for that perfect pizza pull.
But Colby Jack’s true magic lies in its versatility.
It elevates BBQ pizzas with smoky sweetness, adds richness to Tex-Mex creations, and brings a touch of class to gourmet pies.
So, next time you crave a pizza adventure, grab some Colby Jack and get ready to explore!
6. Fontina
Origin: Italy (Alps)
Made from: Cow’s milk
Taste: Mild, nutty, slightly sweet
Melts: Excellently!Best for: Pizzas with bolder flavors, like meat-lovers’ pizzas, pizzas with tomato-based sauces, or pizzas where cheese plays a starring role.
Shredded fontina shines on pizza perfectly.
How?
Its mild flavor plays nicely with other toppings, letting them sing without getting overshadowed. It also melts beautifully, turning gooey and stretchy, ideal for that perfect pizza pull.
Additionally, a touch of nutty sweetness adds depth and complexity, taking your pizza from ordinary to extraordinary!
7. Havarti
Origin: Denmark
Made from: Cow’s milk
Taste: Mild, buttery, slightly tangy
Melts: Excellently!
Best for: Creamy, cheesy pizzas with bold toppings
Although not the first cheese that comes to mind, shredded Havarti can pair with pizza toppings for several reasons.
Its mellow, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor gently complements toppings without stealing the show.
This creamy cheese melts beautifully, stretching into gooey strands with every bite.
Aged Havarti adds a touch of complexity, but even young versions bring a richness that takes your pizza from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, Havarti might just be your new pizza best friend if you’re looking for a melty, flavorful cheese that adds taste to your favorite toppings.
8. Italian Blend
Origin: Italy
Made from: Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, Romano
Taste: Sharp, tangy, nutty
Melts: Good
Best for: Classic pizzas with tomato sauce and meat toppings
Italian Blend isn’t just one cheese.
It’s a party of flavors!
It brings a sharp bite from Parmesan and Romano, a nutty hint from Asiago, and a melty base from Mozzarella.
This combo cuts through the richness of tomato sauce and meat, adding depth and complexity.
Sure, it doesn’t melt as flawlessly as some cheeses, but its gooey goodness is still satisfying.
Apart from no melting drama, the flavor punch makes it a perfect match for pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.
In a nutshell, the Italian blend can take your pizza game to the next level.
9. Pizza Blend
Origin: Blend (Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar)
Made from: Multiple cheeses
Flavor: Mild, creamy, slightly tangy
Melts: Excellently!
Best for: All types of pizza
Pizza Blend is a crowd-pleaser because it brings together the best of all worlds!
You get the creamy stretch of mozzarella, the richness of provolone, and a touch of sharp bite from cheddar.
This combo delivers a balanced flavor that complements any toppings, from classic pepperoni to gourmet veggies.
No matter what kind of pizza you’re craving, a pizza blend is a safe bet.
It’s easy to use, saving you time on grating, and melts like a dream, blanketing your pizza in irresistibly cheesy goodness.
So, grab a bag and get ready to unleash your inner pizzaiolo!
What are Less Ideal Shredded Cheese?
Not all heroes wear capes, and not all cheeses belong on pizza!
Although mozzarella is supreme for its melty goodness, some shredded cheeses don’t cut it.
Here’s a quick rundown of why you might want to skip these options on your next pizza pie:
The Salty Squad
Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Reggianito are all aged and super salty, overpowering other flavors and leaving your taste buds parched.
Think of them as delicious sprinkles, not main attractions.
The Texture Troublesome
Gruyere and Cotija are crumbly and don’t melt evenly, leading to patchy cheese coverage and potentially burnt bits.
They’re better suited for salads or tacos.
The Flavor Fighters
Gorgonzola is strong and pungent, a love-it-or-hate-it cheese that can clash with other toppings.
Nacho and Taco blends are full of spices and designed for Mexican dishes, not pizza.
The Melty Misfits
Mac & Cheese blend is starchy and doesn’t melt well, leaving you with a clumpy mess. American cheese, while nostalgic, is processed and lacks the gooey pull we crave on pizza.
Remember, these are just guidelines!
If you love the bold taste of Parmesan or the crumbles of Cotija, go for it!
But for a classic pizza experience, stick with mozzarella or explore melty blends that complement your chosen toppings.
Tip to Use Shredded Cheeses on Pizza
Mastering the art of cheese on pizza is easier than you think.
Here are 5 tips to turn your pizza into a cheesy masterpiece:
1. Bring your Cheese to Room Temperature.
Cold cheese takes longer to melt, leaving some parts burnt while others are still chilly. Bring your cheese to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before sprinkling it on.
2. Layer Like a Pro
Don’t just dump it all in one go!
Start with a light base of cheese near the crust to prevent burning.
Then, add more cheese over your toppings for that perfect melt-through.
3. Mix and Match for Flavor
Mozzarella is a classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment!
Try adding shredded Parmesan for a nutty bite, Fontina for a creamy richness, or even Monterey Jack for a touch of Tex-Mex flair.
Just remember, strong cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort should be used sparingly.
Embrace the Leftovers
Don’t let leftover shredded cheese go to waste!
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Use it to sprinkle on salads, pasta dishes, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for an extra cheesy boost.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a shredded cheese maestro in no time! So go forth, experiment, and discover your own cheesy pizza perfection!
What Shredded Cheeses are the Best for Italian Classic Pizzas?
When it comes to classic Italian pizzas, the cheese game is all about Mozzarella!
It melts matchlessly, stretching with every bite and blanketing your crust in gooey goodness. Its mild, creamy flavor lets other toppings shine, like the tangy tomato sauce and savory meats.
But Mozzarella isn’t the only star!
Provolone adds a nutty punch, and Fontina brings a touch of sweetness and richness.
For a sharper bite, you may also sprinkle some Parmesan on top, but remember, it can overpower the other flavors if you use too much.
Skip the salty suspects like Parmesan and Romano as main attractions, and avoid crumbly cheeses like Gruyere that don’t melt evenly.
Trust the classics – Mozzarella, Provolone, and maybe a hint of Fontina – for a pizza masterpiece that’s truly Italiano!
Bottom Line
Choosing the right shredded cheese may be about personal preference, but
technical aspects like meltability, texture, and flavor compatibility play a crucial role in crafting a gooey, delicious masterpiece.
So, when selecting your cheesy hero, keep your taste and the technical aspects in mind.
Experiment, explore, and discover the perfect blend for your personal pizza paradise!
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