When it comes to creating the perfect Detroit-style pizza, cheese is a crucial component that can elevate your dish to new heights. While we feel a 50/50 mix of brick cheese and mozzarella is the classic choice, it may be difficult for you to source the brick cheese. Fortunately, there are a few excellent alternatives that can bring their unique qualities to your favorite pizza. In this post, we’ll explore two fantastic substitutes for brick cheese: Monterey Jack and Butterkäse.
What is Brick Cheese?
Before diving into the alternatives, let’s briefly discuss brick cheese. Originating from the American Midwest, brick cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It melts beautifully, making it the go-to choice for Detroit-style pizzas. Its creamy texture and ability to stretch when heated make it a favorite among cheese lovers.
Monterey Jack: A Versatile Choice
Flavor Profile: Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese that originated in California. Known for its mild, buttery flavor, it complements a wide range of toppings and ingredients. Its creamy texture allows for excellent melting, making it a great choice for pizzas.
Why Choose Monterey Jack?
Melting Properties: Like brick cheese, Monterey Jack melts wonderfully, providing that desirable gooey texture on your pizza.
Mild Flavor: Its subtle taste makes it a versatile base cheese, allowing other flavors to shine without overwhelming them.
Blend Well: Monterey Jack pairs excellently with various cheeses, making it an ideal choice if you want to experiment with different flavor combinations. Try mixing it with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Best Uses: Monterey Jack is perfect for a variety of dishes, including:
Pizza: Create a creamy and mild cheese blend for your next pizza night.
Tacos and Quesadillas: Use it to make flavorful Mexican dishes that require melted cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Combine it with a sharper cheese for a gourmet twist on the classic.
Butterkäse: The Creamy Delight
Flavor Profile: Butterkäse, or “butter cheese,” is a semi-soft cheese that hails from Germany. True to its name, it has a rich, buttery flavor with a smooth texture that melts easily. This cheese adds a touch of elegance to any dish.
Why Choose Butterkäse?
Creamy Texture: Butterkäse's rich creaminess enhances the mouthfeel of your pizza, providing a delightful experience.
Distinctive Flavor: Its buttery, slightly sweet flavor can add depth to your pizza, setting it apart from traditional cheese options.
Melting Quality: Butterkäse melts beautifully, ensuring a luscious cheese pull and even coverage on your pizza.
Best Uses: Butterkäse can elevate a variety of dishes, including:
Gourmet Pizzas: Use it as a base cheese for specialty pizzas, such as white pizzas topped with garlic and spinach.
Pasta Dishes: Its creamy texture works wonders in pasta bakes and creamy sauces.
Cheese Boards: Butterkäse makes a fantastic addition to cheese platters, pairing well with fruits and nuts.
Whether you’re looking for a cheese that complements a wide range of flavors or one that brings a rich, buttery taste to your dishes, both Monterey Jack and Butterkäse serve as excellent alternatives to brick cheese. Experimenting with these cheeses can lead to delightful culinary discoveries and elevate your pizza-making game. So next time you’re preparing your favorite pizza, don’t hesitate to try one of these delicious substitutes!
If you can't find the Brick Cheese at your local grocery store, we recommend you replace it with either Monterey Jack of Butterkase in your cheese blend with mozzarella. And, as always, it is best to buy the brick and shred it yourself to get the best cheese pull possible!
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