If you're a cheese lover and searching for an easy way to add flavor to your recipes, then you should give 1/4 cup (28 g) Finely Shredded Pizza Blend Cheese a try. This cheese blend is a combination of shredded mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, making it perfect for a variety of dishes like pizzas, pasta, sandwiches and more. Not only this blend will take your dishes to the next level in terms of flavor, but it also provides decent nutritional value, including 90 calories per 1/4 cup serving.

In addition to the calorie value, 1/4 cup (28 g) of this cheese blend contains 7 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and it's a good source of calcium as well.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional content, culinary uses, and suggest some alternatives and preparation tips for this versatile blend.

Calories per 1/4 cup serving

As mentioned earlier, 1/4 cup (28 g) of this cheese blend has 90 calories. This amount is equivalent to about 5% of your daily recommended calorie intake, based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Keep in mind that the actual calorie count may vary slightly depending on the brand and type of cheese used in the blend. That said, pizza blend cheese is generally lower in calories when compared to other kinds of cheese like cheddar or Swiss.

Fat content in shredded cheese

1/4 cup (28 g) of finely shredded pizza blend cheese contains 7 grams of fat, including 4.5 grams of saturated fat. This means that it's a high-fat food and should be consumed in moderation, especially by those who are trying to lose weight or manage their cholesterol levels. It's worth noting that this cheese blend contains different types of fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can have some health benefits in small amounts.

Protein in shredded pizza cheese blend

Protein is a vital nutrient that plays many important roles in the body, such as building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Fortunately, 1/4 cup (28 g) of this cheese blend provides 6 grams of protein, which is about 12% of your daily recommended intake. Incidentally, mozzarella and Parmesan are two of the richest sources of protein among all cheese types, with over 7 grams of protein per ounce.

Calcium in cheese blend

Calcium is an essential mineral that helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, transmit nerve impulses, and support normal heart function. Given that dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium, this cheese blend is a good way to boost your intake. In 1/4 cup (28 g) of finely shredded pizza blend cheese, you can get up to 20% of your daily calcium needs based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. That's because the cheese blend contains a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, all of which are good sources of calcium.

Sodium content in pizza cheese blend

While cheese is undoubtedly delicious, it's also one of the main sources of dietary sodium in many people's diets. As a result, it's essential to pay attention to the sodium content of your cheese intake, especially if you're someone who is sensitive to salt. 1/4 cup (28 g) of this pizza cheese blend contains about 180 milligrams of sodium. To put this in context, the American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 milligrams per day for most adults.

Recommended serving size of pizza cheese blend

As with any food, it's important to be mindful of the portion sizes when consuming pizza cheese blend. While 1/4 cup (28 g) is a standard serving size, this may vary depending on the recipe or dish you're making. Ideally, aim to use pizza blend cheese as a condiment or a topping rather than a main ingredient. That way, you can get all the flavor without consuming excessive amounts of calories, fat, or sodium.

Uses for shredded pizza cheese blend

This shredded pizza cheese blend is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Here are some popular recipes that you can try:

• Classic Margherita or pepperoni pizza
• Baked Ziti or lasagna
• Grilled cheese or veggie panini
• Tortilla or pita pizzas
• Quesadillas or nachos
• Pasta salads or baked mac and cheese

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and you can experiment with different dishes based on your preferences.

Pizza cheese blend compared to other kinds of cheese

Pizza blend cheese is relatively low in calories, cholesterol and sodium when compared to other cheese types. Here is a brief comparison:

• Pizza blend cheese (1/4 cup): 90 calories, 7 grams of fat, 180 milligrams of sodium and 6 grams of protein.
• Mozzarella cheese (1 ounce): 70 calories, 5 grams of fat, 175 milligrams of sodium and 7 grams of protein.
• Cheddar cheese (1 ounce): 115 calories, 9 grams of fat, 180 milligrams of sodium and 7 grams of protein.
• Swiss cheese (1 ounce): 110 calories, 9 grams of fat, 50 milligrams of sodium, and 8 grams of protein.

As you can see, pizza blend cheese is a good option if you're looking to cut back on calories and sodium while still enjoying the taste of cheese in your dishes.

Preparation tips for shredded pizza cheese blend

When working with shredded pizza cheese blend, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it melts properly and tastes great:

• Make sure that the cheese is at room temperature before using it. Cold cheese blends don't melt as well as warm cheese blends, which can lead to uneven melting and stringy textures.
• Don't overuse the cheese, as it can make your dishes greasy and heavy. Aim for a thin and even layer of cheese on your pizzas or sandwiches.
• Store leftover cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. And use it within a week of the date of purchase. Frozen shredded cheese can last up to six months.

Possible substitutions for shredded pizza cheese blend

While shredded pizza cheese blend is undoubtedly delicious, you may want to try some alternative options for a change of pace. Here are some options:

• Shredded Italian blend cheese
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese
• Crumbled feta or blue cheese
• Shredded vegan cheese (for a dairy-free option)

Experimenting with different cheese blends is a great way to add variety and flavor to your favorite recipes.