Quattro Formaggi Pizza Recipe Guide
Quattro Formaggi
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Pizza stone or baking sheet, oven, mixing bowl, spoon, rolling pin
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Pizza Dough:
- 1 premade pizza dough ball or homemade if preferred
- 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing the dough
- Cheeses:
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fontina cheese cubed or shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves for serving
- Freshly ground black pepper for added flavor
- Drizzle of honey pairs nicely with gorgonzola
Instructions
- Method
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up. This ensures a crispy crust when you bake the pizza.
- Prepare the Dough:
- If you're using homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter for a thin crust. If you’re using premade dough, allow it to rest for a few minutes at room temperature, then roll it out.
- Lightly brush the top of the dough with olive oil, which helps create a golden crust and enhances flavor.
- Layer the Cheeses:
- Start by evenly sprinkling the mozzarella over the pizza base, as this cheese melts well and forms a creamy base layer.
- Next, add the gorgonzola in small crumbles to bring a touch of tanginess.
- Scatter the fontina cheese, which has a mild, nutty flavor and will add more gooey texture.
- Finally, sprinkle the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top for a sharp, salty finish.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes to set.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of black pepper, or even a drizzle of honey for added contrast to the creamy, salty cheeses.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the pizza and serve hot. From my overall experience, this pizza tastes best when eaten fresh, as the cheeses remain perfectly gooey and the crust retains its crispness.
- Variations & Tips
- Add a Twist:
- Try swapping out the gorgonzola with blue cheese for a bolder flavor, or add a touch of ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Spice It Up:
- Sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes before baking for a spicy kick.
- Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Lactose-Free: Substitute lactose-free mozzarella and fontina for a similar texture, and omit gorgonzola and Parmigiano-Reggiano if you’re lactose-intolerant.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is vegetarian by default, so no changes are needed!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>