When you first tried pizza, there probably was a blast of taste in your mouth. However, even if you’ve become quite a pizza expert, there’s probably one question still bothering you – is cheese pizza a pizza? Know it’s a completely legit question since there are many different takes on what is a traditional pizza and its ingredients.
A cheese pizza is a pizza. In fact, many pizza makers claim that cheese is one of the main ingredients when making this food, besides dough and sauce. Additionally, cheese pizza is one of the most popular choices, and it shouldn’t be shocking that people love eating good-tasting, creamy and fatty food.
Stick around and check out some facts about the pizza I’ve gathered. Only then you’ll be able to make pizza like a pro at home.
Is Cheese Pizza a Pizza, and Why Is It So Popular?
Consider that Americans eat about 100 acres of pizza every single day. That means about 350 slices are being eaten per second. It’s also considered an American staple. But why is this food so popular, and is a cheese pizza even a true pizza?
Let’s first eliminate the doubt – cheese pizza indeed is pizza. There’s even a National Cheese Pizza Day that is celebrated on September 5th across the country. And although people love different toppings on their slices, it doesn’t mean they can’t ask for some extra cheese on it, right? So, besides knowing whether pizza is a pie or not, you should know why this food gained popularity. The answer is quite simple – the taste of dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings go perfectly together.
Can Pizza Without Cheese Be a Healthier Option?
As you can already assume, cheese pizza isn’t the healthiest food, so you should not eat it every day. However, if you choose the vegan version (without cheese), then you surely won’t be eating that many calories. But does that make vegan pizza healthier than traditional pizza? Not exactly. Both types can be healthy to consume, as long as you eat sensibly and are not lactose intolerant.
If you’re still interested in cheese pizza nutrition, here are some facts about what you’ll get with a single slice represented in the percentage rate of an average person’s daily intake:
| Selenium | 45.8% |
| Phosphorus | 31.1% |
| Riboflavin | 39.8% |
| Folate | 24% |
| Thiamin | 29.2% |
| Niacin | 21.1% |
| Calcium | 14% |
| Vitamin B-12 | 23.8% |
| Iron | 12.2% |
| Zinc | 12.8% |
Check Some Healthier Cheese Options and Alternatives
If you just can’t stop thinking about your health while eating cheese, then you should consider substituting it with fresh mozzarella. It is made from milk and enzymes, so there are no additional ingredients and sodium, making it far less processed than traditional American cheese.
So, if you’re not vegan and can eat dairy, mozzarella is the best choice of cheese for pizza. Take a look at why Galbani mozzarella is one of the best in the market nowadays, and you’ll be ready to make your healthy pizza right away.
And don’t worry if you’re looking for a substitute that is not another cheese, as there are many other delicious choices for you. In fact, I personally prefer these ingredients instead classic cheese toppings, so let’s check them out:
- Seasoned olive oil,
- Mashed potatoes,
- Zucchini cheese,
- Soy cheese,
- Pesto,
- Sliced roasted potatoes,
- Dolloped nut,
- Chutney.
What Is the Main Difference Between Cheese Pizza and Pizza Margherita
No, cheese pizza and Margherita aren’t the same as many people think. However, both are covered in cheese, but with noticeable differences in aesthetics and ingredients, too. I took these two types of pizza because they both have a lot of cheese, and I wanted to show you what their main dissimilarities are.
| Margherita | Cheese pizza | |
| Sauce | Plenty and visible | Regular amount and non-visible |
| Cheese | Mozzarella | Mozzarella mixed with Parmesan and fontina |
| Fresh ingredients | Basil | None |
What Is a Classic Version of Pizza
If you’re wondering what a traditional pizza is, you should know that cheese isn’t included in the original receipt that originated in Naples, Italy. In fact, the ingredients are quite simple – crust, marinara sauce, and fresh basil. When it comes to American cheese pizza, there have been some changes, including obviously adding the cheese part. They can also include sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables. And that’s how you get classic cheese pizza.
Pizza Without Cheese – Can You Call It a Pizza at All?
Outside of Italian borders, the term pizza gets a lot of different standards that surely are less regulated than its birthplace. But what is that one ingredient that makes a pizza, pizza? Well, one thing is sure, it’s not cheese.
In fact, the oldest Neapolitan pizza is made without cheese, so how can a pizza not be a pizza without cheese? This topic is rather subjective, and everyone has the right to an opinion.
Debating whether a pizza without cheese is or not a real pizza is, in my opinion, pointless. Every person has their own preferences, and not everyone shouldn’t agree on the same thing. So, eat what you prefer most and enjoy every bite.
Taste One of the Most Popular Italian Dish Like a Pro
I’m a big pizza lover, and I can say that I have tried many types of this food in different parts of the world. Personally, I have to admit that there’s nothing better than an authentic cheeseless pizza. However, this doesn’t mean that cheese pizza isn’t pizza. Quite the contrary, this type is one of the most popular worldwide, so don’t wait for even a second to make your favorite food.