Homemade 4 Cheese Pizza Recipe: Easy and Delicious

Discovering the perfect homemade pizza can be a delightful journey, especially when you master the art of combining different cheeses for that unbeatable flavor profile. Today, we're diving into a delicious adventure with our Homemade 4 Cheese Pizza, where simplicity meets indulgence. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also brings a gourmet touch to your kitchen table.

Ingredients

Let’s start with gathering all the ingredients you’ll need for your cheesy pizza:

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 3 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Cheese Blend:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• Additional Toppings:
• ½ cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Steps to Make Your Dough

Making pizza dough from scratch is the foundation of great pizza:

1. In a bowl, combine yeast with warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, salt, olive oil, and half the flour to the yeast mixture, and mix.
3. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

🍞 Note: Ensure your kitchen is warm to aid in the rising process of the dough.

Assembling Your Pizza

Now, let’s layer your pizza with the perfect cheese mix:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
4. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese first, then sprinkle Parmesan over it.
6. Add Gorgonzola crumbles and small dollops of ricotta cheese.
7. Sprinkle oregano over the top for that extra flavor kick.

Baking Your Pizza

Baking is where your pizza transforms into a heavenly delight:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
• Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

🍕 Note: Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust, so keep an eye on it!

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how to make the most out of your homemade 4 cheese pizza:

• Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
• Pair it with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Enjoy with your favorite Italian or local red wine.

The magic of a 4 cheese pizza lies not just in its taste but in the experience of making it from scratch. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, where the subtle sharpness of Gorgonzola meets the creamy richness of ricotta, enhanced by the classic duo of mozzarella and Parmesan. This homemade pizza isn't just food; it's a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

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Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s fresh or refrigerated, not frozen, for the best texture.

What if I don’t like Gorgonzola?

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Feel free to substitute Gorgonzola with another blue cheese or try feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

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This pizza is already vegetarian as it doesn’t contain meat. If you’re looking to add more veggies, consider topping it with mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.