Which cheese is commonly used in traditional Italian pizza?

Mozzarella is the cheese most commonly associated with traditional Italian pizza, particularly Neapolitan-style pizza. Its characteristics make it ideal for this dish: it has a mild flavor that complements other ingredients without overpowering them, and it melts beautifully, creating a creamy, stretchy texture that is highly desired on pizza.

Mozzarella is typically made from water buffalo's milk, though cow's milk varieties exist as well. This cheese is integral to achieving the authentic taste and texture that characterize traditional Italian pizzas. In contrast, cheeses such as feta, blue cheese, and cheddar have distinct flavors and textures that do not align with the classic Italian pizza profile. Feta, for example, is briny and crumbly; blue cheese offers a strong, pungent taste; and cheddar tends to be sharper and is more commonly associated with other dishes, especially in American cuisine. Thus, mozzarella's unique properties solidify its place as the quintessential cheese for Italian pizza.