Your Pizza Crust Is In Need Of A Mozzarella Stick Makeover

It's not without reason that pizza is such a popular, beloved food. Covered in melted cheese, hearty sauces, and a variety of toppings, every bite of this classic, ubiquitous Italian dish is a decadent, indulgent taste of heaven. And while there may be some debate about whether or not the crust is delicious, there's no denying that it plays a crucial role in the making of a good pizza.

A crispy texture and slightly charred, caramelized flavor are the general hallmarks of a good pizza crust. However, you can easily take it to the next level with the addition of one simple ingredient: mozzarella cheese. With soft, milky notes and a light tangy undertone, it adds a subtle but delightful taste to the crust. 

During the baking process, the cheese melts and infuses the dough with an irresistible, enticing scent. Moreover, it lends a desirable chewiness and stringy texture that perfectly contrasts with the crust's typical hardness. There's nothing quite like the experience of biting into the solid crust and feeling the cheese melting straight onto your taste buds. Couple that with the fresh-off-the-oven warmth and your senses are in for a real treat.

For starters, opt for good-quality cheese that's suitable for making this type of pizza. There are two main varieties of mozzarella: fresh and low-moisture (also known as processed). Low-moisture mozzarella is a great choice, mainly due to its meltability. As the name suggests, it has a low water content, so when melted, it can stretch without exuding too much moisture. This helps to preserve the crust's natural crisp and not make it overly soggy.

For the best result, use string cheese or cut the piece you bought into thick tubes. When stuffing the cheese into the crust, make sure to firmly pinch the edges and tuck them snuggly to keep the cheese from melting onto the actual pizza. The toppings and sauces are entirely customizable, so feel free to use whichever ingredient combination you prefer.

As for the actual baking process, bake your pizza at a high temperature, typically around 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to achieve a coveted golden-brown crust while ensuring that the cheese inside melts perfectly. Depending on the temperature as well as your oven, it might take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Remember, practice makes perfect, and pizza often requires a few tries to get right. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't come out flawless the first time. Enjoy the process and keep experimenting until you've cooked up your ideal mozzarella-stuffed pizza crust.