Best Cheeses for Different Pizza Styles: NY, Chicago, St. Louis, California, Detroit, Neapolitan, New England Greek, NJ

When it comes to pizza, the type of cheese used can make a significant difference in the overall taste and texture. Each pizza style, from New York to Neapolitan, has a specific type of cheese that complements its unique characteristics. This article will delve into the best cheeses for different pizza styles, including New York, Chicago (both thin and deep dish), St. Louis, California, Detroit, Neapolitan, New England Greek, and New Jersey. We’ll also discuss the most common cheese used for generic American style pizza.

New York Style Pizza

For the thin, crispy crust of a New York style pizza, mozzarella is the cheese of choice. It melts beautifully, has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, and gives that perfect cheese pull we all love.

Chicago Style Pizza

Chicago style pizza, whether thin or deep dish, typically uses a blend of mozzarella and provolone. The mozzarella provides the creaminess and meltability, while the provolone adds a bit of sharpness and tang.

St. Louis Style Pizza

St. Louis style pizza is known for its use of Provel cheese, a processed cheese product that is a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. It has a low melting point, resulting in a gooey, almost creamy texture when baked.

California Style Pizza

California style pizza is all about fresh, local ingredients, so the cheese can vary. However, a common choice is fresh mozzarella, which has a soft, creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of toppings.

Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit style pizza is characterized by its thick, crispy crust and generous amount of cheese. Brick cheese, a Wisconsin original, is the traditional choice. It has a high fat content, which allows it to melt evenly without burning, and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza, the original pizza from Naples, Italy, uses buffalo mozzarella. This cheese has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the simple tomato sauce and fresh basil typically used on this style of pizza.

New England Greek Style Pizza

New England Greek style pizza uses a blend of mozzarella and cheddar. The mozzarella provides the melt, while the cheddar adds a bit of sharpness and depth of flavor.

New Jersey Style Pizza

New Jersey style pizza, similar to New York style, typically uses mozzarella. However, some pizzerias may also add a bit of cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.

Generic American Style Pizza

The most common cheese used for generic American style pizza is mozzarella. It’s versatile, melts well, and has a mild flavor that pairs well with a wide variety of toppings.