What cheese is traditionally used on pizza?

The cheese traditionally used on pizza is mozzarella. Its mild flavor, soft texture, and ability to melt into a stretchy, cohesive layer make it the classic cheese associated with pizza.

Mozzarella originated in southern Italy and is made using the pasta filata, or stretched-curd, method. The curd is heated, kneaded, and stretched until it becomes smooth and elastic. Fresh mozzarella may be made from water-buffalo milk, called mozzarella di bufala, or cow’s milk, often called fior di latte.

Traditional Neapolitan pizza commonly uses mozzarella di bufala campana or fior di latte. Fresh versions contain substantial moisture and are usually added in pieces. Low-moisture mozzarella is firmer, easier to grate, and especially common on American-style and commercial pizzas because it melts consistently and stores longer.

Other cheeses can appear on pizza, including provolone, Parmesan, cheddar, ricotta, and pecorino. They may be used alone or in blends, but mozzarella remains the single canonical answer to this general trivia question.