What Cheese is Best to Put on Pizza?

Cheese is the foundation of a great pizza. It’s what gives each slice its perfect stretch, that golden top, and creamy flavor. The right cheese melts evenly while giving texture, and a bit of saltiness that turns sauce, toppings and crust into something that satisfies your hunger.

What Cheese Goes on Pizza?

When it comes to the best cheese for pizza, a few qualities make all the difference: how well it melts, how it tastes, and how it complements the crust and toppings. The goal is balance, stretch without grease, flavor without overpowering the sauce.

That’s why mozzarella leads the way. Known for its smooth melt and mild flavor, mozzarella is the go-to choice for nearly every style of pizza. It hits all the right notes in texture and taste, which is why you’ll find it on every Hungry Howie’s® pie.

Most Popular Pizza Cheeses

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of cheese goes on pizza, there’s more variety than you might think. While mozzarella may be the base for most pies, other cheeses bring depth, bite, or a hint of sweetness. From creamy ricotta to sharp cheddar, each one adds its own spin to a slice. At Hungry Howie’s®, our menu also features feta cheese for a tangy twist to your pizza toppings.  Let’s look at the top popular pizza cheeses below!

1. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is by far the most popular type of cheese on pizza, it’s the classic for a reason. Whether you prefer shredded mozzarella on a traditional cheese pizza or fresh mozzarella on a Margherita, it always delivers that signature smooth melt and light, clean flavor.

Here at Hungry Howie’s®, we use only 100% real mozzarella cheese when baking our pizzas. Not every restaurant can say the same. In fact, estimates suggest that less than a third of pizza shops nationwide use real mozzarella. While it’s often a matter of cost, we never compromise on quality.

2. Parmesan Cheese

Coming in close behind is Parmesan, a finishing touch many people sprinkle over their pizza at home. The familiar shaker version is a favorite, but grated or shredded Parmesan before baking adds an extra layer of flavor. It pairs especially well with a drizzle of garlic butter or a dusting of red pepper flakes.

Some pizza makers bake it right into the mix with mozzarella for added sharpness and a slightly nutty finish. However you use it, Parmesan always brings depth without weighing down your slice.

3. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta brings a creamy contrast to the usual cheese for pizza lineup. It’s a staple on white pizzas and pairs perfectly with toppings like meatballs, basil, or roasted veggies. When spooned onto a mozzarella base, it softens and blends into the sauce, giving the pizza a rich, smooth texture.

Add a touch of basil and tomato for balance, and you’ve got a simple but satisfying combination.

4. Pecorino Romano Cheese

Pecorino Romano is a hard Italian cheese known for its bold, salty edge. Made from sheep’s milk, it has a distinctive tang that sets it apart from Parmesan. Many pizza chefs mix the two for a more layered flavor.

Aged for about five to eight months, Pecorino Romano grates easily over any pizza, especially those loaded with tomato sauce or cured meats. It’s sharp, savory, and a little unexpected in the best way.

5. Provolone Cheese

Another under-the-radar choice, provolone often appears alongside mozzarella in blends. Its mild flavor and smooth melt make it one of the best cheeses to use for pizza, especially in classic Italian-American styles.

Originating in northern Italy, provolone is a semi-hard cheese aged for about four months and made from whole cow’s milk. When baked, it adds a light golden finish and a subtle buttery taste that enhances every bite.

6. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of what cheeses go on pizza, but it’s more common than you’d expect. When blended with mozzarella or provolone, it helps pizzas brown beautifully and adds a mild tang that balances rich toppings.

It’s also a star in specialty pies like our Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger Pizza. The mix of mozzarella, cheddar, ground beef, and bacon delivers big flavor that keeps fans coming back for more.

What Kind of Cheese Do Pizza Stores Use?

Most pizzerias use low-moisture mozzarella for its consistent melt, mild flavor, and ability to hold up under high heat. Some places blend it with provolone or cheddar for color and extra flavor.

At Hungry Howie’s®, every pizza starts with 100% real mozzarella. It’s part of what makes our pies stand out, fresh flavor, perfect texture, and no shortcuts.

Order Hungry Howie’s Cheesy Favorites

Every Hungry Howie’s pizza features 100% real mozzarella cheese and is baked to perfection with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re picking up or ordering pizza delivery, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

Pair your favorite pie with one of our Flavored Crust® options, from Butter Cheese to Garlic Herb, for the ultimate cheese companion. Explore our full pizza menu or find your nearest Hungry Howie’s location to order your next pie tonight!