What's Inside the Go Pizza Cheese Block?
A Purpose-Built Blend, Not Pure Mozzarella
When a consumer purchases a product labeled "pizza cheese," they often expect it to perform a specific function: melt evenly, stretch beautifully, and deliver a classic savory flavor. Go Cheese achieves this by combining the best characteristics of two cheese types. The Go Pizza Cheese Block contains a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, along with other ingredients like emulsifiers and preservatives to enhance its performance and shelf life.
- Mozzarella: Contributes the classic, desirable stringiness and excellent stretch when melted. It is also responsible for the creamy, mild flavor profile.
- Cheddar: Adds a tangier, richer, and more pronounced cheesy flavor that pure mozzarella lacks.
- Stabilizers: Emulsifiers and preservatives ensure the cheese melts uniformly without separating into a greasy pool and prevent premature molding.
This deliberate combination ensures a superior pizza result compared to using either cheese alone. The mozzarella provides the signature texture, while the cheddar boosts the overall flavor complexity, creating a more memorable culinary experience.
Why Blending Cheeses is Better for Pizza
The science behind a great pizza cheese relies on balancing moisture, fat, and flavor. Pure fresh mozzarella, for example, is high in moisture and can make a pizza soggy as it cooks. Conversely, very sharp, aged cheddars may melt unevenly. A blend like the one used in the Go Pizza Block is engineered to overcome these challenges, resulting in a product that delivers the following benefits:
- Controlled Melting: The blend is formulated to melt at a specific rate, ensuring all toppings are perfectly covered without the cheese burning or browning too quickly.
- Optimal Stretch: By controlling the cheese's composition, manufacturers can maximize the elasticity, creating that sought-after, stretchy "cheese pull" when a slice is lifted.
- Enhanced Flavor: A mix of cheeses provides a more complex and appealing taste. The mildness of mozzarella is balanced by the sharpness of cheddar, appealing to a wider range of palates.
- Even Browning: Ingredients are added to help the cheese achieve a desirable golden-brown color without excessive oiling, improving the pizza's visual appeal.
Understanding Different Types of Mozzarella
To appreciate the Go Pizza Block, it's helpful to understand what pure mozzarella is and its different forms. This is key to understanding why a "pizza cheese" block is often different from a pure mozzarella product.
- Fresh Mozzarella (Fior di Latte or Buffalo Mozzarella): Packaged in brine or whey, this cheese has a high moisture content and a very soft texture. It is prized for its fresh, milky flavor and is a staple on Neapolitan pizzas. However, it can release excess water during baking, making the crust soggy if not patted dry.
- Low-Moisture Mozzarella: This is a firmer, drier version of mozzarella commonly sold in blocks or pre-shredded bags. It is aged for a short period and has a lower moisture content, making it ideal for grating and melting on a wide variety of pizzas without adding excess water.
Comparison: Go Pizza Block vs. Pure Mozzarella
Here is a quick comparison to highlight the key differences between the Go Pizza Block and its purer mozzarella counterparts.
| Feature | Go Pizza Cheese Block | Pure Low-Moisture Mozzarella | Fresh Mozzarella |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Blend of mozzarella and cheddar | Pure mozzarella cheese | Pure mozzarella (cow's or buffalo milk) |
| Flavor | Richer, tangier, more complex | Mild, creamy, slightly salty | Mild, milky, and slightly sweet |
| Melt | Uniform, with additives to control oil separation | Excellent, smooth melt | Creamy, but can become watery |
| Stretch | Excellent, optimized for a perfect cheese pull | Excellent, especially when freshly grated | Good, but can be less pronounced |
| Browning | Formulated for golden browning | Browns well, especially the low-moisture part-skim version | Poor browning, often stays white |
| Moisture | Balanced, low moisture | Low moisture | High moisture |
How to Use Go Pizza Block for the Best Results
Achieving the best result with your Go Pizza Block involves more than just tossing it on your pie. For a professional-quality finish, consider these tips:
- Shred it yourself: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that hinder a perfect melt. Shredding your own block ensures the best performance.
- Freeze for convenience: If you don't use the entire block, you can shred the remainder and freeze it for later use. This is a great way to always have pizza-ready cheese on hand.
- Layer your cheese: For a richer flavor profile, consider using the Go Pizza Block as a base layer and finishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano after baking.
- Control the temperature: Baking your pizza at the correct temperature is crucial. A very hot oven is needed to melt the cheese perfectly and give it a golden hue without overcooking the crust.
Conclusion
So, is Go Cheese Pizza Block mozzarella cheese? The simple answer is no, but that's a good thing. Instead, it is a thoughtfully formulated blend of mozzarella and cheddar, expertly combined to deliver a superior pizza experience. While pure mozzarella is available and works for traditional recipes, the Go Pizza Block provides a reliable and balanced option for the perfect homemade pizza. Its engineered melting, stretch, and flavor properties make it a smart choice for any home cook looking for a consistent and delicious result. For those passionate about pizza and its components, understanding these subtle differences is the key to elevating your culinary creations. For further exploration of pizza cheese options, refer to this comprehensive guide from King Arthur Baking.
