Dean Foods Company
Dean Foods Jilbert Pizza Cheese
What it is
This is a packaged shredded cheese specifically formulated for use on pizza. It is made from pasteurized milk and contains cultures that contribute to its flavor and texture. The cheese is pre-shredded for convenience, saving time in the kitchen. It melts well, creating a desirable gooey consistency that is characteristic of a good pizza topping. The product is designed to brown slightly and develop a pleasant aroma when baked.
How people cook with it
This cheese is a staple for homemade pizzas and other baked dishes. It can be used as a primary topping or blended with other cheeses for added complexity.
- Topping for homemade pizzas
- Ingredient in baked pasta dishes
- Added to quesadillas
- Melted over nachos
When preparing a pizza, spread your sauce and toppings evenly over the dough. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the entire surface, ensuring good coverage for optimal melt. For other baked dishes like casseroles or lasagna, you can layer the cheese within the dish or sprinkle it on top before baking. It can also be added to sandwiches before grilling or to enhance the flavor of soups. The cheese melts best when exposed to direct heat in an oven or under a broiler.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to block cheeses, this product offers convenience as it is already shredded. Its specific blend is designed for superior meltability and stretch on pizza, often featuring a lower moisture content than some other cheese varieties to prevent a watery result when heated.
Who it is for
Home cooks preparing pizzas and other cheesy baked meals will find this product useful.
How to keep the rest
After opening, reseal the package tightly to prevent the cheese from drying out or absorbing odors. Store the remaining cheese in the refrigerator. It is best to use it within a few days of opening to maintain its freshness and optimal melting quality.