These Are The Best Types Of Cheese To Put On Your Pizza

Pizza without cheese is like a day without sunshine, technically possible, but why would you want that? The right cheese can transform an ordinary pizza into a masterpiece of melty goodness.

While you might default to whatever’s in your fridge, choosing the perfect cheese for your pie can make all the difference between a good pizza and a great one.

Let’s explore the ten best cheeses that deserve a spot on your next homemade pizza.

1. Provolone – The Flavorful Sidekick

Provolone - The Flavorful Sidekick
© Josie + Nina

Provolone brings smoky depth and tanginess that mozzarella lacks. This semi-hard Italian cheese melts beautifully while adding complexity to your pie.

Many pizzerias use a mozzarella-provolone blend to achieve the perfect balance of stretch and flavor. Aged provolone packs more punch, while younger versions offer milder notes.

Either way, this cheese creates a more sophisticated flavor profile that’ll make your taste buds dance.

2. Mozzarella – The Undisputed Champion

Mozzarella - The Undisputed Champion
© Glowen Oven

Nothing stretches quite like fresh mozzarella when it melts! The quintessential pizza cheese creates those picture-perfect cheese pulls that make your mouth water before the first bite.

I remember making my first homemade pizza and watching in awe as the mozzarella transformed into strings of deliciousness.

Low-moisture varieties offer better browning and less wateriness, while fresh mozzarella brings a milky, delicate flavor that’s unbeatable on Neapolitan-style pies.

3. Fontina – The Creamy Delight

Fontina - The Creamy Delight
© Gotham Bagels

Buttery, nutty, and impossibly creamy – fontina transforms pizza into a gourmet experience! This Alpine cheese melts into velvety pools that complement earthier toppings. When I tried fontina on pizza with wild mushrooms last fall, the combination was mind-blowing.

The cheese’s subtle sweetness balanced the mushrooms perfectly. Though pricier than some options, Fontina’s rich flavor means you can use less while still getting maximum impact on specialty pizzas.

4. Parmesan – The Finishing Touch

Parmesan - The Finishing Touch
© New England Cheesemaking Supply

Parmesan isn’t just for sprinkling! This aged Italian treasure adds savory umami punch that elevates every bite. Its nutty intensity works magic as both a base layer and finishing accent. Finely grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, infusing flavor throughout.

Larger shavings added after baking provide texture contrast and concentrated flavor bombs. For best results, spring for real Parmigiano-Reggiano – the authentic stuff makes a noticeable difference.

5. Cheddar – The Bold Statement

Cheddar - The Bold Statement
© Taste of Home

Cheddar breaks pizza traditions with its sharp, distinctive personality. Though it doesn’t stretch like mozzarella, it brings incredible flavor and beautiful browning to specialty pies. Sharp cheddar pairs brilliantly with toppings like caramelized onions, bacon, or barbecue chicken.

My barbecue chicken pizza with smoked cheddar remains a requested favorite at family gatherings. For best results, mix cheddar with a more meltable cheese like mozzarella to balance flavor with texture.

6. Gouda – The Smoky Sensation

Gouda - The Smoky Sensation
© Half Baked Harvest

Gouda’s secret weapon is its incredible meltability combined with complex flavor. Young gouda offers buttery sweetness, while smoked varieties bring campfire essence to your pizza. The slight sweetness works wonders with salty toppings like ham or prosciutto.

Aged gouda develops protein crystals that create pockets of intense flavor throughout your pie. For an unforgettable experience, try smoked gouda with caramelized onions and bacon – pure pizza magic!

7. Ricotta – The Creamy Dollops

Ricotta - The Creamy Dollops
© Ooni Pizza Ovens

Ricotta isn’t melty, but that’s exactly its charm! Dolloped in creamy clouds across your pizza, it creates pockets of mild, milky goodness that contrast beautifully with other ingredients. I discovered ricotta’s pizza potential at a tiny Brooklyn pizzeria years ago.

Their signature pie featured ricotta dollops that cooled and complemented spicy soppressata. Fresh ricotta works better than mass-produced versions, bringing a delicate dairy sweetness that balances acidic tomato sauce perfectly.

8. Gorgonzola – The Bold Blue

Gorgonzola - The Bold Blue
© USA Pears

Gorgonzola brings daring flavor that transforms pizza into something extraordinary! This Italian blue cheese melts into creamy pockets with distinctive tangy punch. Small amounts go a long way – scatter it sparingly for maximum impact.

The funky complexity pairs magnificently with sweet elements like pears, figs, or honey drizzles. For an approachable introduction to blue cheese pizza, combine gorgonzola with milder cheeses like mozzarella to balance its boldness.

9. Gruyère – The Alpine Wonder

Gruyère - The Alpine Wonder
© Allrecipes

Gruyère might be Swiss, but it deserves Italian citizenship for its pizza performance! This nutty, slightly sweet cheese melts impeccably into gooey perfection with complex flavor. The earthy notes develop during its aging process, creating depth that basic cheeses lack.

My white pizza with gruyère, caramelized onions and thyme converts even the most devoted tomato sauce fans. Though traditionally used in French onion soup, gruyère’s melting properties make it a sophisticated pizza cheese choice.

10. Pecorino Romano – The Salty Kick

Pecorino Romano - The Salty Kick
© Tasting Table

Sharper and saltier than Parmesan, Pecorino Romano adds instant flavor intensity to any pizza! Made from sheep’s milk, it brings distinctive tangy punch that stands up to bold toppings. Grate it finely into your cheese blend for depth, or shave it over finished pizza for flavor bursts.

Pecorino particularly shines on pizzas with spicy components like chili flakes or sopressata, as its saltiness balances heat beautifully. A little goes a long way – its robust flavor means you need less to make a big impact.