Pizza Mozzarella vs Regular Mozzarella: The Perfect Cheese for Pizzas

The mozzarella cheese – it indeed is like the holy grail for any good pizza.

However, is all mozzarella best for pizza, or is there any special ‘pizza mozzarella’? Well, this question is obvious as we often get a wet feel of pizza using regular mozzarella. Is there a special cheese to prevent this problem?

Here comes the pizza mozzarella, different from our regular one.

But how does pizza mozzarella different from regular mozzarella, and can it solve the watery pizza issue?

Let’s explore pizza mozzarella vs. regular mozzarella.

The main difference between pizza mozzarella and regular mozzarella is the moisture content. Pizza mozzarella has less water content (50% or less) than regular mozzarella, which has 60% moisture. So, it dries out from baking retaining all its flavor. They also differ in texture, aroma, and flavor.

Read on to get details about these two mozzarellas and how to pick out a good cheese for pizzas or other baking goodies.   

What is Pizza Mozzarella?

Pizza mozzarella, also known as fresh mozzarella, is not something huge. It is a soft ball of cheese that works amazing for pizzas.

Since we want our pizza to be a bit dry and not soggy, this mozzarella is a great choice. It has 50% or less moisture content, so the pizza doesn’t flood in oil. 

This low water quantity is vital to have a cheesy pizza that keeps the flavor of all the seasonings and toppings intact. The cheese is also easy to stretch to spread all over.

Difference Between Pizza Mozzarella And Regular Mozzarella

You will find that there are differences between mozzarella and pizza cheese in various ways.

1. Texture

Pizza mozzarella is soft, but the regular one is softer due to more water.

For this reason, regular mozzarella melts faster, even in thick slices. This one has more than 50% water that comes out loose due to melting. Pizza mozzarella has less water.

To get a great consistency on the crust, you need more fat and less moisture from the cheese.

2. Flavor

You will find a milky and quite mild taste in pizza mozzarella. It looks and feels fresher. A regular one might taste a little salty.

3. Aroma

There is a stronger smell from regular mozzarella than from fresh ones. You can almost feel the milky taste of the aroma. But both add a distinct flavor to the pizza due to their aroma.

How to Use Pizza Mozzarella?

The same way you use any cheese on pizzas. The plus point is that the cheese won’t drench your pizza crust. Cut the cheese into thin slices. After the crust is ready with all the toppings, spread the slices evenly on the pizza.

Once the pizza is baked, the cheese will melt like a milky splash, minus the watery feel. 

How to Make Pizza Mozzarella at Home?

Making pizza mozzarella at home is no rocket science.

1. Take one gallon of low-fat milk.
2. Bring it to a boil until you see bubbles.
3. Keep on stirring so that the milk doesn’t burn.
4. As the milk is boiling, add a teaspoon of rennet. You can substitute with either vinegar or lemon juice in the same amount.
5. Stir continuously till the milk curd and water separate. 
6. Now, take out the curd and squeeze hard to remove excess water.
7. Wrap it with a cheese cloth and cover it tight.
8. Let all the moisture soak up for two hours. The best thing to do is to leave for 24 hours.
9. Use another pad to dry off the cheese and prepare it for use.

How to Decrease the Moisture of Regular Mozzarella?

Even with the extra benefits of pizza mozzarella, there is no reason to dismiss regular mozzarella for pizzas. You can use some tricks to avoid the problems with regular mozzarella to make a great pizza.

1. Take out your mozzarella from the packet and dry it.
2. Cut into smaller pieces and leave them on a strainer to remove moisture.
3. Once completely dried, store them in the refrigerator inside an airtight container. 
4. Only take them out before spreading the cheese on the prepared crust.
5. Use some paper towels to soak any moisture from them before adding them to the crust.
6. Make very thin slices of mozzarella or grate it for the crust.
7. Store your mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator in a dry spot to remove water and keep them fresh.

Benefits of Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese in any form is a classic choice for pizzas for the following advantages. 

• The thick consistency of milk with a stringy texture is suitable for topping pizzas.
• Whether it is grated or used as slices, it melts faster.
• There is a fresh taste and aroma of milk to enhance flavor.
• Offers a gourmet appearance for pizzas to increase their quality.
• Easy to make at home with a few ingredients.
• Low in fat and sodium, it’s suitable for all consumers.
• Provides various health benefits.

Some Other Mozzarella Cheese for Baking

Mozzarella comes in different forms, not known to all of us. So, here we have a list of some of them that you can use for baking or cooking. 

Mass-Produced Mozzarella

The name is suggestive that this mozzarella is industrially made. There is a firmer texture that feels rubbery with a mild salty taste. The cheese is packaged using tight plastic to prevent moisture. So, this cheese is also low in water content for use in pizzas.

Mozzarella di Bufala

This one is made from buffalo milk, so it might be a little expensive. Since the milk is richer and creamier, the cheese feels richer. There is a sweet and milky flavor with a little grassiness. It is also ideal for pizzas where you don’t want too much water.

Burrata Cheese

A ball of mozzarella with thick cream in the middle. You can only reveal this after cutting the cheese. Some mozzarella curd and milk are used to make this cheese. So, this is a very creamy and spreadable cheese, almost close to cream cheese for eating with bread for breakfast. 

Smoked Mozzarella

Any mozzarella can be smoked, but you also get a readymade version. The cheese is usually placed over wood chips or a smoker to allow smoke in it. But the temperature used is only 100 F so that the cheese is not burned. So, this cheese looks brown in color. 

Scamorza Cheese

This is not mozzarella but similarly made. It is far drier and stiffer. You will find this in a ball shape or smoked form. It will readily melt from the heat and produce less water than pizza mozzarella. So, you can easily substitute this one for mozzarella. 

Difference Between Mozarella, Provolone, and Blue Cheese

Is cheese pizza nutritious and delicious? Yes, for a tasty pizza, you need to know what cheese is suitable for pizza.

All cheese comes from milk and melts from the heat. So, how are they different in their form and use?

Check the differences between mozzarella, provolone, and blue cheese, some of the commonly used cheeses for baking.

Pizza Recipe with Mozzarella Cheese

Whether you want a classic Margherita or any cheese pizza recipe here is a basic recipe to use fine pizza mozzarella for pizzas.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour for dough
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pizza sauce
• 1 pinch powdered black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered salt
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 chopped bell pepper
• 1 cup sliced mushroom

Recipe:

1. Make your dough with warm water and leave it to rest until the dough raises.
2. Then prepare the crust with the sauce and all the toppings.
3. Spread the mozzarella at the top of all.
4. Place the baking tray in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes at 900 F. 

FAQ’s:

• Which is the Best Cheese for Pizza?

The winner is, of course, mozzarella cheese. It is a universal cheese to reside in your fridge. Not only is it most suitable for pizzas, but it works equally amazing for other Italian dishes, especially for pizza toppings. Blue cheese and Swiss cheese are also great for pizzas in grated forms.

• What is the difference between Alra pizza topping and mozzarella?

Some people use Arla Pro Pizza Topping instead of cheese. But it works the same as mozzarella. This topping has a milder milk flavor than mozzarella but is more white. It is made of palm oil, so it contains more oil than mozzarella cheese. However, both of them work great for cooking and baking. 

• Can you use regular mozzarella for pizzas?

Expert chefs suggest using fresh or pizza mozzarella for baking pizzas as they have lower moisture. It will make your pizza taste much better. But you can also use regular mozzarella for any pizza. Simply dry the cheese as you use the slices.

• Can I use pizza mozzarella for lasagna?

We don’t want our lasagna or other dishes to become watery, like pizzas. The lasagna is already loaded with sauce. If we use a low-moisture pizza mozzarella, the lasagna will have a satisfying dryness to enjoy the sauce and cheese properly.

Conclusion 

So, pizza mozzarella vs. regular mozzarella: which is best for pizza?

Well, pizza mozzarella is the better of the two for pizzas. Its ideal properties are unmatchable. It is milder in flavor to intensify the actual taste of the ingredients. But most importantly, we don’t have to control moisture as it melts satisfactorily on the crust.

However, in general, any mozzarella is a good choice for pizzas. All we need to do is use them right to avoid greasiness. Mozzarella not only provides great flavor but also some health benefits.