5 Cheese Combinations for Pizza Lovers

When it comes to pizza, cheese is often the star of the show. While a simple pizza with high-quality mozzarella is always a delight, exploring different cheese combinations can transform your pizza experience into something extraordinary. In this article, we'll explore five exceptional cheese pairings that will take your homemade or restaurant pizza to new heights.

1. The Classic Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese)

This Italian classic combines four distinct cheeses to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures:

• Mozzarella: The foundation of any good pizza cheese blend, providing that quintessential stretch and mild flavor
• Gorgonzola: A blue cheese that adds a sharp, tangy element and creamy pockets of intense flavor
• Fontina: A semi-soft cheese that melts beautifully and contributes a nutty, slightly sweet taste
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: The "king of cheeses" brings a savory depth and slight crystalline texture

This combination is traditionally served on a white pizza (no tomato sauce) with just a light drizzle of olive oil and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh herbs after baking. The contrast between the mild, stretchy mozzarella and the bold Gorgonzola, complemented by the nutty nuances of Fontina and Parmigiano, creates a symphony of flavor in every bite.

2. Mediterranean Melody

This combination draws inspiration from the sunny Mediterranean coast:

• Feta: Crumbled feta brings a briny, tangy character
• Mozzarella: Provides the necessary melty base
• Ricotta: Dollops of creamy ricotta create pockets of subtle sweetness
• Pecorino Romano: A light grating adds a salty, sheep's milk complexity

This combination pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean toppings like olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme. The contrast between the creamy ricotta and the sharp feta creates a delightful textural and flavor experience.

3. Smoky Mountain

For those who appreciate depth and complexity, this smoky combination delivers:

• Smoked Mozzarella: The familiar stretch of mozzarella with an added dimension of smokiness
• Gouda: Select a slightly aged Gouda for its caramel notes and superior melting
• Provolone: Adds a slight sharpness and excellent melting properties
• Scamorza: Another smoked cheese that brings complexity and character

This cheese blend pairs exceptionally well with meaty toppings like bacon, ham, or grilled chicken. The multiple layers of smokiness in the cheese complement the savory proteins perfectly. For a vegetarian option, try adding caramelized onions and mushrooms, which echo the umami qualities in the cheese.

4. Creamy Dream

For those who prefer a luxuriously rich pizza experience:

• Mascarpone: This Italian cream cheese adds an unparalleled silkiness
• Buffalo Mozzarella: The premium version of mozzarella with a higher fat content and more complex flavor
• Taleggio: A washed-rind cheese that contributes a buttery, fruity quality
• Ricotta: Adds additional creaminess and a subtle sweetness

This indulgent combination creates a pizza that's almost dessert-like in its richness. It pairs wonderfully with delicate flavors like thinly sliced pears, a drizzle of honey, and fresh arugula added after baking. The contrast between the creamy cheeses and the crisp, bitter greens creates a perfectly balanced bite.

5. Bold & Beautiful

For adventurous cheese enthusiasts who appreciate strong flavors:

• Aged Cheddar: Provides a sharp backbone and beautiful color when melted
• Mozzarella: Used in a smaller quantity to provide the necessary stretch
• Roquefort: A potent blue cheese that adds intense pockets of flavor
• Gruyère: Contributes a complex nuttiness and excellent melting properties

This combination is not for the faint of heart! The bold flavors stand up well to equally assertive toppings like caramelized onions, figs, walnuts, and prosciutto. The contrast between the sharp cheddar, funky Roquefort, and nutty Gruyère creates a sophisticated flavor profile that's perfect for a gourmet pizza night.

Tips for Working with Multiple Cheeses

1. Balance moisture levels: When combining cheeses, be mindful of their moisture content. Too many wet, high-moisture cheeses can make your pizza soggy.
2. Consider melting points: Different cheeses melt at different temperatures. Add cheeses that brown quickly (like Parmigiano-Reggiano) later in the baking process or use them more sparingly.
3. Mind the salt: Many specialty cheeses are quite salty. When combining them, you may need to reduce the salt in your dough or sauce to compensate.
4. Create texture: Grate some cheeses, crumble others, and slice or cube still others to create an interesting variety of textures throughout your pizza.
5. Balance strong and mild: When using assertive cheeses like blue cheese or aged provolone, balance them with milder cheeses to create harmony.

At Murmur Forest Lane, we believe that cheese selection is an art form that deserves the same attention as dough preparation and sauce creation. We invite you to explore these combinations in your home kitchen or to visit us and experience our specialty pizzas featuring thoughtfully curated cheese blends.

Remember, the best pizza is the one that brings you joy—whether that's a simple margherita with fresh mozzarella or an adventurous exploration of the world's finest cheeses. Happy pizza making!