What To Know
- The cornerstone of Costco’s pizza cheese blend is mozzarella, a classic Italian cheese known for its mild, milky flavor and gooey texture.
- The mildness of the mozzarella and provolone provides a solid foundation, while the tanginess of cheddar, the savoriness of Parmesan, the smoothness of Monterey Jack, the spiciness of Romano, and the sophistication of Asiago add layers of complexity and depth.
- The pizza is then baked at a precise temperature to create a crispy crust and a gooey, irresistible cheese pull.
Costco’s pizza is renowned for its generous portions, affordable price, and mouthwatering flavors. But what truly sets it apart is the delectable cheese that adorns each slice. Many pizza enthusiasts have pondered the question: what cheese does Costco pizza use? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the cheesy depths to uncover the secrets behind Costco’s pizza cheese.
Mozzarella: The Foundation of Costco’s Cheesy Kingdom
The cornerstone of Costco’s pizza cheese blend is mozzarella, a classic Italian cheese known for its mild, milky flavor and gooey texture. Costco uses a blend of whole-milk and part-skim mozzarella, ensuring a rich and creamy taste while maintaining a slight chewiness.
Provolone: A Tangy Twist
To add a tangy kick to the cheese blend, Costco incorporates provolone cheese. This semi-hard Italian cheese boasts a slightly salty and nutty flavor that complements the mildness of the mozzarella. Provolone’s firm texture also lends a satisfying bite to each slice of pizza.
Cheddar: A Touch of American Classic
For a touch of American flair, Costco’s pizza cheese blend includes cheddar cheese. This popular cheese adds a sharp, tangy note to the mix, providing a delightful contrast to the milder mozzarella and provolone. Cheddar’s vibrant orange hue also enhances the pizza’s visual appeal.
Parmesan: A Sprinkle of Umami
No cheese blend is complete without a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. This aged Italian cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that elevates the overall taste of the pizza. Parmesan’s hard texture creates a pleasant grating sensation, adding an extra layer of complexity to each bite.
Monterey Jack: A Smooth Addition
Monterey Jack cheese provides a smooth, buttery texture to Costco’s pizza cheese blend. This semi-soft American cheese melts evenly, creating a creamy and velvety foundation for the other cheeses. Monterey Jack’s mild flavor allows the other cheeses to shine through while adding a subtle layer of richness.
Romano: A Hint of Spice
Romano cheese, a hard Italian cheese, adds a subtle spicy note to Costco’s pizza cheese blend. This cheese is aged for several months, developing a slightly sharp and nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses. Romano’s grainy texture also adds a touch of interest to the overall cheese experience.
Asiago: A Touch of Sophistication
Asiago cheese, a semi-hard Italian cheese, rounds out Costco’s pizza cheese blend. This cheese boasts a complex flavor profile, ranging from nutty to slightly fruity. Asiago’s firm texture adds a satisfying crunch to each slice, balancing the creaminess of the other cheeses.
The Perfect Balance: A Symphony of Flavors
Costco’s pizza cheese blend is a carefully crafted symphony of flavors, each cheese contributing its unique character to the overall taste experience. The mildness of the mozzarella and provolone provides a solid foundation, while the tanginess of cheddar, the savoriness of Parmesan, the smoothness of Monterey Jack, the spiciness of Romano, and the sophistication of Asiago add layers of complexity and depth.
How Costco Achieves Its Signature Cheese Pull
One of the most beloved aspects of Costco’s pizza is its signature cheese pull. When you take a bite, the melted cheese stretches and oozes, creating a satisfying and visually appealing experience. Costco achieves this by using a combination of high-quality cheese and a carefully controlled baking process. The cheese is shredded fresh daily and mixed with just the right amount of moisture to ensure a perfect melt. The pizza is then baked at a precise temperature to create a crispy crust and a gooey, irresistible cheese pull.
The Secret to Costco’s Affordable Pizza
Despite using a blend of high-quality cheeses, Costco manages to keep its pizza prices remarkably affordable. This is due in part to the company’s efficient supply chain and bulk purchasing power. Costco also benefits from its membership model, which allows it to pass on savings to its members.
What You Need to Know
1. What is the percentage of each cheese in Costco’s pizza blend?
Costco does not publicly disclose the exact percentages of each cheese in its pizza blend. However, it is estimated that mozzarella makes up the largest portion, followed by provolone, cheddar, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Romano, and Asiago.
2. Is Costco’s pizza cheese vegetarian?
Yes, Costco’s pizza cheese is vegetarian. All of the cheeses used in the blend are made with microbial rennet, which is a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet.
3. Can I buy Costco‘s pizza cheese separately?
Currently, Costco does not sell its pizza cheese blend separately. However, you can find similar cheese blends at most grocery stores.
4. Why does Costco’s pizza cheese sometimes have a slightly bitter taste?
A slightly bitter taste in Costco’s pizza cheese can be caused by the presence of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats in the cheese. Lipase can occur naturally in milk and can be more pronounced in certain types of cheese, such as Parmesan.
5. Can I request extra cheese on my Costco pizza?
Yes, you can request extra cheese on your Costco pizza for an additional charge.
