When crafting the perfect pizza, few topics divide pizza lovers as much as the question: Does pepperoni go on before cheese or after? This seemingly simple debate sparks passionate arguments among enthusiasts, chefs, and home cooks alike. While it might seem trivial, the order in which you place your toppings significantly impacts the flavor, texture, and overall experience of your pizza.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science of pizza-making, explore the traditions surrounding pizza toppings, and share expert opinions to help you decide where pepperoni belongs on your pizza. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the best topping placement for your ideal pizza.
Pizza Topping Placement: An Overview
Before we explore the specifics of whether pepperoni goes before or after cheese, it’s important to understand the basic principles of pizza topping placement. While there’s no universal rule for pizza toppings, people typically follow a common order when assembling a pizza:
- Sauce: Spread this base layer directly on the pizza dough. The sauce adds moisture and flavor, while also “gluing” the other toppings in place.
- Cheese: Next, the mozzarella cheese covers the sauce, providing a gooey, melty texture. It also insulates the toppings, preventing them from drying out.
- Toppings: Finally, you add toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and vegetables on top of the cheese. This allows them to cook properly by receiving direct heat from the oven.
This standard order works for most pizzas, but things get more complex with pepperoni. Some prefer to place it on top of the cheese for that classic crispy texture, while others hide it under the cheese to keep it tender and juicy.
Read more about expert opinions on pizza topping order from Fontana Forni, a renowned pizza oven manufacturer.
The Case for Putting Pepperoni on Top of the Cheese
Many pizza lovers prefer placing pepperoni directly on top of the cheese, and there are several reasons why this method remains so popular. Firstly, it results in a crispy texture that many pizza enthusiasts seek. Additionally, the placement of pepperoni on top allows for better flavor. Finally, the visual appeal of seeing pepperoni on top contributes to the classic look and feel of a delicious pizza.
1. Crispy Texture
Placing pepperoni on top of the cheese exposes it to direct oven heat. As a result, the edges curl up and crisp, creating a texture that many people enjoy. The rendered fat then adds a crunchy, flavorful topping, which contrasts nicely with the softness of the melted cheese and the chewiness of the crust.
2. Rendered Fat for Extra Flavor
When exposed to heat, pepperoni’s fat melts and drips onto the cheese, enriching the pizza with additional flavor. Furthermore, the combination of rendered fat and melted cheese creates a flavor-packed bite that pepperoni lovers crave. Therefore, this method enhances the pizza’s taste by ensuring the fat integrates well with the other ingredients.
3. Visual Appeal
Of course, the visual aspect of a pizza should not be overlooked. Typically, when you picture a classic pepperoni pizza, you imagine those vibrant red circles resting on top of the bubbling cheese. In turn, this iconic look makes the pizza even more appetizing and visually appealing, drawing in those who associate it with a classic slice.
Pizza enthusiasts on forums like Reddit and Quora often argue that placing pepperoni on top ensures it cooks properly without becoming soggy. Consequently, this method consistently delivers better texture and flavor, according to many pizza aficionados.
The Case for Pepperoni Under the Cheese
Despite the popularity of placing pepperoni on top, some pizza makers prefer to put it under the cheese. This approach offers different benefits, especially for those seeking a moist, tender bite.
1. Moist and Tender Texture
When covered by cheese, pepperoni remains shielded from direct oven heat. This protective layer keeps it moist and tender, creating a softer texture compared to the crispy version. For pizza lovers who enjoy a more delicate bite, this method delivers.
2. Prevents Overcooking
Placing pepperoni on top sometimes risks overcooking, especially in hotter ovens. By placing it under the cheese, you can avoid burning or drying it out, ensuring the topping remains juicy and flavorful.
3. Locks in Flavor
Some believe that hiding pepperoni under the cheese preserves its flavor. The cheese traps the pepperoni’s juices, infusing the pizza with a rich, savory taste while preventing the seasoning from burning off under high heat.
This method works especially well in regional styles like Chicago deep-dish pizza, where long baking times require protection for toppings from overcooking.
The Science of Pizza Topping Placement: Pepperoni Before or After Cheese?
Understanding how the placement of toppings affects cooking requires diving into the science of pizza-making. The location of toppings impacts both their texture and how heat moves through the pizza.
1. Heat Distribution
Oven heat hits the top of the pizza first, meaning toppings placed above the cheese cook faster. For pepperoni, this direct heat renders fat and creates crispy edges. Toppings below the cheese cook more gently because the cheese insulates them, resulting in a softer texture.
2. Cheese as an Insulator
Cheese doesn’t just enhance flavor and texture; it also acts as a barrier. By covering toppings like pepperoni, the cheese slows the cooking process, protecting the meat from direct exposure to oven heat. This results in a more tender topping.
3. Moisture Control
The placement of pepperoni also influences how moisture behaves during baking. When you place it under the cheese, the steam generated by melting cheese creates a moist environment that keeps the pepperoni tender. In contrast, putting pepperoni on top allows moisture to evaporate and promoting crispness.
Regional Differences: Does Pepperoni Go Under or On Top of Cheese in Various Pizza Styles?
Pizza-making traditions vary by region, and different cultures have their own approaches to topping placement. The question of whether pepperoni goes before or after cheese depends largely on where you are and the style of pizza you’re making.
1. Italian Pizza
In Italy, pizzas tend to be minimalist. Traditional Neapolitan pizza uses only a few ingredients, like tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. When it comes to toppings like pepperoni, Italians often place them on top to ensure thorough cooking and a crispy finish.
2. American Pizza
In the United States, regional differences play a significant role in pizza-making. For example, New York-style pizza usually places pepperoni on top of the cheese, allowing the fat to render and the edges to crisp up. The thin, foldable crust pairs perfectly with the slightly charred pepperoni on top.
Meanwhile, Chicago deep-dish pizza often places toppings, including pepperoni, under the cheese. The longer bake time required for deep-dish pizzas means that placing toppings on top would cause them to dry out or burn. By covering the toppings with cheese, they stay moist and flavorful throughout the bake.
3. Neapolitan Pizza
Originating from Naples, Italy, Neapolitan pizza typically places toppings on top of the cheese. Since these pizzas bake at extremely high temperatures (over 900°F) for just 60 to 90 seconds, placing toppings like pepperoni on top allows them to cook properly and crisp up while the pizza remains light and airy.
Expert Opinions on Whether Pepperoni Should Go Before or After Cheese
While no universal answer exists to the question of whether pepperoni should go before or after cheese, many experts have offered their opinions.
1. Fontana Forni
Fontana Forni, a leading manufacturer of pizza ovens, believes the order of pizza toppings depends on the type of pizza and personal preference. In their blog about pizza topping order, they recommend placing pepperoni on top of the cheese to achieve a crispy texture. However, they acknowledge that placing it under the cheese works well for certain styles like deep-dish pizza.
Read more about expert opinions on pizza topping order from Fontana Forni.
2. Pizza Bien
Pizza Bien, another popular pizza resource, suggests that placing toppings like pepperoni on top creates a crispier finish. However, they encourage experimentation to find what suits individual tastes. For pizza makers who prefer softer pepperoni, placing it under the cheese may deliver better results.
3. Pizza-Making Communities
Pizza enthusiasts on forums like Reddit and PizzaMaking.com often debate the pros and cons of topping placement. While many advocate for crispy pepperoni on top, others appreciate the tender, flavorful experience that comes from placing it beneath the cheese.
Does It Really Matter if Pepperoni Goes On Before Cheese?
Ultimately, whether you place pepperoni on top or under the cheese depends on personal preference. Both methods offer unique advantages, and deciding between them largely comes down to taste.
1. Taste vs. Texture
If you love crispy, slightly charred pepperoni, placing it on top of the cheese is likely your best bet. For those who prefer a softer, juicier bite, placing it under the cheese helps maintain moisture and prevents overcooking.
2. Experimentation Is Key
The best way to discover your preference is through experimentation. Try making one pizza with pepperoni on top and another with it hidden beneath the cheese. You might even find a happy medium by placing some pepperoni on top and some under the cheese to balance both textures.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Perfect Pepperoni Pizza (Before or After the Cheese)
Now that you understand the benefits of each method, here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious pepperoni pizza, whether you prefer your toppings on top or under the cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 ball of pizza dough
- 1/2 cup of pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-30 slices of pepperoni
- Olive oil (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Use a pizza stone if you have one, as this will help achieve a crispy crust. - Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a thin crust, aim for 1/4 inch thick; for a thicker crust, roll it to about 1/2 inch. - Add the Sauce
Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border for the crust. Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. - Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce. If you’re placing pepperoni on top, distribute the cheese evenly. - Add the Pepperoni
- For pepperoni on top: Arrange the slices evenly across the pizza, ensuring they don’t overlap too much.
- For pepperoni under the cheese: Place the slices on the sauce, then cover them with cheese.
- Bake the Pizza
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles. If using a pizza stone, check for doneness earlier, as it speeds up cooking. - Garnish and Serve
After baking, let the pizza cool for a few minutes. Optionally, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does pepperoni go above or below cheese?
You can place pepperoni on top or under the cheese, depending on personal preference. On top, it crisps; under, it stays tender.
2. Does the order of pizza toppings matter?
Yes, the order influences how toppings cook and the texture of the pizza. Toppings on top cook faster and become crispy, while those under the cheese retain moisture.
3. What happens if I put pepperoni under cheese?
Pepperoni under the cheese remains moist and tender but won’t crisp up like it would on top.
4. What’s the best way to arrange toppings for an even cook?
Spread toppings evenly across the pizza, without crowding, to ensure even heat distribution and cooking.
5. Can I put pepperoni both under and on top of the cheese?
Yes! Some pizza lovers enjoy using both methods to get crispy pepperoni on top and tender pepperoni under the cheese.
Conclusion
The debate over whether pepperoni goes before or after cheese may never have a definitive answer. Each method offers its own advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal taste. If you love crispy, slightly charred pepperoni, you’ll likely prefer it on top of the cheese. However, if you enjoy a tender, juicy bite, placing it under the cheese might be more to your liking.
Ultimately, pizza is a personal experience, and there’s no “wrong” way to enjoy it. Whether you prefer crispy pepperoni or a softer version, experimenting with both techniques will help you find what works best for your pizza.