{"id":56616,"date":"2023-11-05T17:26:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-05T17:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/?p=56616"},"modified":"2024-01-09T10:42:32","modified_gmt":"2024-01-09T10:42:32","slug":"bacio-cheese-vs-grande","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/","title":{"rendered":"Bacio Cheese vs. Grande"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pizza is one of America\u2019s favorite foods, with billions of pizzas sold each year at restaurants across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Bacio-Cheese-vs.-Grande.jpeg\" alt=\"Bacio Cheese vs. Grande\" class=\"wp-image-56635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Bacio-Cheese-vs.-Grande.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Bacio-Cheese-vs.-Grande-768x403.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For many pizzerias, choosing the right <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/butter-vs-cheese-vs-ghee\/\">cheese<\/a> is crucial to creating the perfect pie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two popular options for high-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/american-cheese-vs-mozzarella\/\">pizza cheese<\/a> are <strong>Bacio<\/strong> and <strong>Grande<\/strong>. But which one is better suited for topping pizzas?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#An_Overview_of_Bacio_and_Grande_Cheese\" title=\"An Overview of Bacio and Grande Cheese\">An Overview of Bacio and Grande Cheese<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Taste_and_Flavor\" title=\"Taste and Flavor\">Taste and Flavor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Melting_Properties\" title=\"Melting Properties\">Melting Properties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Availability_and_Cost\" title=\"Availability and Cost\">Availability and Cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Reheating_and_Holding\" title=\"Reheating and Holding\">Reheating and Holding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Which_Cheese_Should_I_Choose_for_My_Pizzeria\" title=\"Which Cheese Should I Choose for My Pizzeria?\">Which Cheese Should I Choose for My Pizzeria?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#What_exactly_is_Bacio_cheese\" title=\"What exactly is Bacio cheese?\">What exactly is Bacio cheese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#What_is_Grande_cheese\" title=\"What is Grande cheese?\">What is Grande cheese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Is_Bacio_better_than_fresh_mozzarella\" title=\"Is Bacio better than fresh mozzarella?\">Is Bacio better than fresh mozzarella?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Why_is_Grande_more_expensive_than_other_pizza_cheese\" title=\"Why is Grande more expensive than other pizza cheese?\">Why is Grande more expensive than other pizza cheese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#What_is_the_best_cheese_for_reheated_pizza\" title=\"What is the best cheese for reheated pizza?\">What is the best cheese for reheated pizza?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bacio-cheese-vs-grande\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Overview_of_Bacio_and_Grande_Cheese\"><\/span>An Overview of Bacio and Grande Cheese<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bacio<\/strong> is a <strong>premium pizza cheese<\/strong> made by the Bacio Cheese Company, exclusively distributed through Performance Foodservice. It contains a blend of cow's milk along with a <strong>\"kiss of buffalo milk\"<\/strong>, which gives it a distinctive creamy and tangy flavor profile. Bacio aims to provide exceptional melting properties and coverage for Neapolitan-style pizzas baked at high temperatures in wood-fired or deck ovens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In comparison, <strong>Grande<\/strong> is a <strong>whole milk mozzarella<\/strong> produced by Grande Cheese Company based in Wisconsin. It has traditionally been a highly popular choice among U.S. pizzerias for its excellent melt, stretching capabilities, and full dairy flavor that browns nicely in traditional pizza ovens. Grande positions itself as <strong>\"the cheese for pizza perfection\"<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So how exactly do these two <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/fontina-cheese-vs-mozzarella\/\">pizza cheeses<\/a> stack up against each other? Here is an in-depth comparison of their key differences and similarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taste_and_Flavor\"><\/span>Taste and Flavor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important factors in choosing a pizza cheese is <strong>how it tastes<\/strong>. Bacio and Grande both offer full-fat, milky flavors, but there are some notable differences in their taste profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>buffalo milk<\/strong> in Bacio gives it a <strong>tangier, richer taste<\/strong> compared to regular <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/muenster-cheese-vs-mozzarella\/\">mozzarella<\/a>. The flavor has been described as creamy, buttery, and slightly sour - similar to authentic <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/burrata-cheese-vs-buffalo-mozzarella\/\">mozzarella di bufala<\/a>. This unique flavor profile makes it stand out from <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/american-cheese-vs-pepper-jack\/\">cow&#039;s milk cheese<\/a> like Grande.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grande is an excellent traditional <strong>pizza mozzarella<\/strong>, with a clean, milky flavor. Since it doesn't contain buffalo milk, Grande has a more familiar <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/havarti-cheese-vs-mozzarella-cheese\/\">mozzarella taste<\/a> that many customers find comforting and nostalgic. The flavor is generally described as mild, delicate, and light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, the preferred taste depends on your pizzeria's style and customer preferences. Bacio may complement more gourmet or Neapolitan-style pizzas with fresh toppings, while Grande is a safe choice for traditional New York-style pies. Taste tests are recommended to determine which better suits your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Bacio\u2019s buffalo milk content makes its flavor profile more complex, while Grande offers a classic mozzarella taste.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Melting_Properties\"><\/span>Melting Properties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A top priority for any pizza cheese is how well it <strong>melts and browns<\/strong> in the pizza oven. Excellent melt is essential for even coverage and that stretchy, gooey texture customers crave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Bacio and Grande are designed to melt smoothly at high baking temperatures. However, some pizzerias have noted differences in their melting behaviors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bacio becomes&nbsp;<strong>very soft and creamy<\/strong>&nbsp;when melted, evenly coating the pie. The buffalo milk gives it a&nbsp;<strong>characteristic oozy stretch<\/strong>&nbsp;when pulled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grande melts into an&nbsp;<strong>ideal pizza cheese<\/strong>&nbsp;consistency - slightly firm yet pliable enough for good stretching. It&nbsp;<strong>browns evenly<\/strong>&nbsp;without breaking or becoming greasy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For best results, shred the cheese rather than using pre-shredded bags, which contain anti-caking agents that can inhibit proper melting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider your particular baking style when choosing between them - Bacio excels in ultra-hot Neapolitan ovens, while Grande isoptimized for traditional pizza oven conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Bacio offers a very soft, creamy melt while Grande provides an ideal balance of stretch and browning.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Availability_and_Cost\"><\/span>Availability and Cost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Practical considerations like availability, distributors, and <strong>cost per pound<\/strong> also factor into the Bacio vs. Grande decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of <strong>availability<\/strong>, Grande has traditionally had a strong coverage network as a popular pizza cheese option. However, Bacio has expanded in recent years through exclusive distribution via Performance Foodservice, increasing its availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cost<\/strong> is another practical consideration. Grande is viewed as a <strong>premium product<\/strong> that comes at a higher cost per pound compared to Bacio. However, Bacio's promotions and incentives like its Gold Club rewards program helps offset some of the price difference for restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing a distributor, consider their pricing and availability for both cheeses. Having to switch distributors can lead to logistical challenges. Weigh costs per pound against your volume needs and any rebates or promotions offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> both have good distribution today, but Grande comes at a higher base cost per pound that restaurants should factor into budgets.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reheating_and_Holding\"><\/span>Reheating and Holding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For pizzerias selling by the slice, how the cheese tastes and performs when <strong>reheated<\/strong> is vital. Pizza cheese needs to reheat evenly without becoming rubbery or oily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this application, Grande has an advantage over Bacio. The <strong>\"kiss of buffalo milk\"<\/strong> that gives Bacio its flavor seems to make it break down faster during refrigeration and reheating. Grande's traditional mozzarella composition holds up better when portions are refrigerated and re-baked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, results can vary based on reheating methods. Experiment with different equipment like pizza ovens versus microwave ovens to determine which cheese offers the best results for your process. Proper storage conditions like temperature and duration also impact quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Grande seems to maintain its melting properties better than Bacio when pizza slices are refrigerated and reheated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Cheese_Should_I_Choose_for_My_Pizzeria\"><\/span>Which Cheese Should I Choose for My Pizzeria?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With all of their differences weighed, is Bacio or Grande definitively \"better\" for pizzerias to use on their pizzas?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer depends on your restaurant\u2019s individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Type of pizza oven and baking temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pizza styles - traditional, Neapolitan, New York, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dine-in, takeout, or delivery model<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customer preferences and demographics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budget and pricing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability from distributors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As a specialty pizza cheese containing buffalo milk, Bacio offers a unique, rich flavor profile suited to higher-end pizza restaurants focused on quality ingredients. Its ultra-creamy melting properties also make it a potential fit for wood-fired Neapolitan ovens. However, the higher cost per pound is a downside to factor in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For pizzerias specializing in traditional New York-style pies, Grande may be the ideal choice. It offers that nostalgic pizza cheese taste and can better withstand reheating. But the premium pricing is also a consideration with Grande.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There's no \"one size fits all\" answer - do side-by-side testing of Bacio and Grande on your pizzas to determine the right option for your specific restaurant. Taste, performance, and business needs all play a role in choosing the best pizza cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_exactly_is_Bacio_cheese\"><\/span>What exactly is Bacio cheese?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bacio is a specialty premium pizza cheese blended from cow's milk along with a small percentage of buffalo milk, giving it a tangy, creamy flavor. It is made by Bacio Cheese Company and distributed exclusively by Performance Foodservice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Grande_cheese\"><\/span>What is Grande cheese?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grande is a popular pizza mozzarella made from whole milk. It is produced by Grande Cheese Company in Wisconsin and prized by pizzerias for its excellent melting properties and milky flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Bacio_better_than_fresh_mozzarella\"><\/span>Is Bacio better than fresh mozzarella?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bacio offers a different taste and melt compared to fresh mozzarella. It is optimized as a pizza cheese, while fresh mozz tends to create a wetter, less browned pizza. Bacio has a firmer texture and richer flavor due to the buffalo milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_Grande_more_expensive_than_other_pizza_cheese\"><\/span>Why is Grande more expensive than other pizza cheese?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a premium mozzarella designed specifically for pizza, Grande commands a higher wholesale cost per pound compared to basic mozzarella. Its reputation for quality among pizzerias allows Grande Cheese Company to charge more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_cheese_for_reheated_pizza\"><\/span>What is the best cheese for reheated pizza?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For holding and reheating pizza slices, traditional mozzarella like Grande tends to perform better than <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/buffalo-cheese-vs-mozzarella\/\">buffalo milk cheese<\/a> like Bacio. The protein breakdown that gives buffalo mozz its signature softness can cause issues during refrigeration and reheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The choice between Bacio and Grande cheese ultimately depends on your pizzeria's priorities and preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider conducting side-by-side tests baking pizzas with each to compare their taste, melt, and how well they hold up over time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pizza is one of America\u2019s favorite foods, with billions of pizzas sold each year at restaurants across the country. For many pizzerias, choosing the right cheese is crucial to creating the perfect pie. Two popular options for high-quality pizza cheese are Bacio and Grande. But which one is better suited for topping pizzas? An Overview [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":56635,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[377,378],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56616"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56616"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":58184,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56616\/revisions\/58184"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}