String cheese is a fun and tasty snack that many people love. But how does it hold up when used as a pizza topping? In this article, we will explore whether string cheese makes for an effective and delicious pizza topping.
What is String Cheese?
String cheese refers to a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar that have been shaped and processed in a way that allows them to peel into strings. The cheese is heated and stretched into long, thin strands that are then rolled up into a rope. When peeled, the strands separate to form characteristic strings.
String cheese is mild, melty, and slightly salty. It makes for a handy and portable snack, especially for kids. Beyond just eating it plain, string cheese can also be incorporated into various recipes. Using it on pizza is one creative way to enjoy string cheese.
Pros of Using String Cheese on Pizza
There are a few potential benefits to using string cheese as a pizza topping:
- Extra cheese pull – The stringy nature of string cheese means it can offer some bonus stretchy cheese pull every time you take a bite.
- More melted cheese coverage – String cheese can help ensure melty, cheesy goodness in every bite compared to grated cheese alone.
- Fun presentation – Decorating pizza with rope-like strips of string cheese makes for an visually appealing and appetizing presentation.
- Added flavor – String cheese provides another layer of cheesy, salty flavor to balance out the crust and sauce.
- Convenience – Pre-formed string cheese cuts out the step of shredding cheese yourself.
The extra melted cheese and possibility of pulling long gooey strings with each bite makes using string cheese an enticing option for pizza lovers.
Cons of Using String Cheese on Pizza
However, there are also a few drawbacks to consider when putting string cheese on pizza:
- Messy results – If not fully melted, the string cheese can create a messy eating experience as the strings of cheese hang off slices.
- Greasiness – More melted cheese means more grease, which can make the pizza overly rich.
- Changes texture – String cheese may create a rubbery texture compared to the traditional grated mozzarella.
- Slides off – Long pieces of string cheese are prone to sliding off pizza slices easily.
- Uneven coverage – It can be difficult to get an even cheese distribution when using string cheese strips.
While fun in theory, the execution of string cheese on pizza can result in sliding, rubbery cheese and greasy slices in reality.
How to Use String Cheese on Pizza
If you do want to give string cheese pizza a try, here are some tips for success:
- Use mozzarella string cheese for the mildest flavor and best melting.
- Make sure the string cheese and pizza are fully heated through to get an ideal melt.
- Cut the string cheese into small 1-inch pieces and distribute evenly over the pizza.
- Mix in some shredded cheese as well to help bind everything together.
- Add string cheese strips on top of slices just before serving for the best presentation.
With smaller pieces spread evenly instead of left in full ropes, the string cheese is more likely to melt nicely without rubbery textures or major sliding issues.
Best Style of Pizza for String Cheese
Certain pizza styles pair better with string cheese than others:
- Neapolitan – The high heat helps melt the string cheese fully.
- New York – A crisp crust can support string cheese strips without getting soggy.
- Detroit – Deep dish pizzas can incorporate string cheese into layers.
- Grilled – The char can balance out the extra grease from cheese.
Thin crust pizzas and handheld types like personal pan pizzas also make a good base for string cheese so it can get thoroughly melted.
Other Cheese Options for Pizza
While string cheese is one possibility, there are lots of other cheesy options to top pizza if you want to skip the string cheese but still want melted cheesy goodness:
- Shredded mozzarella
- Fresh mozzarella slices
- Grated Parmesan
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Shredded provolone or cheddar
- Cheese curds
These traditional pizza cheese ensures you get great coverage and melt without some of the drawbacks that can come with using string cheese.
Should You Use String Cheese on Pizza?
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of using string cheese as a pizza topping:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Based on this breakdown, string cheese brings some benefits but also has some significant drawbacks that can negatively impact the enjoyment of the pizza eating experience. Smaller pieces of string cheese thoroughly melted under heat can mitigate some of the pitfalls.
Conclusion
String cheese on pizza can add an element of fun through its novelty factor and appetizing cheese pull. But execution is important to prevent a rubbery, greasy, and slippery mess. The best results come from using small, evenly distributed pieces of mozzarella string cheese that can get fully melted. Neapolitan, New York, or Detroit-style pizzas or thin crust varieties tend to pair best with string cheese. While it can work, traditional shredded cheeses may be a safer bet for guaranteed pizza enjoyment.