Four Cheese Pizza

Pizza Quattro Formaggi – A Journey of Flavors

Today, we invite you to discover a delicious recipe that will delight your taste buds: Pizza Quattro Formaggi. This pizza is a true feast for cheese lovers, combining four types of cheese that melt beautifully, offering a rich taste and intense aroma. It is a simple recipe but with an impressive result, perfect for a family dinner or a night with friends. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 3 pizzas

A Brief History of Pizza Quattro Formaggi

Pizza Quattro Formaggi, or pizza with four cheeses, is a specialty that has gained popularity due to its unique combination of flavors. This pizza symbolizes the culinary art of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Each type of cheese adds a distinct note, and their combination creates a symphony of flavors that will stay in your memory. A fascinating aspect of this recipe is its flexibility – you can experiment with different types of cheese, making it perfect for every taste.

Ingredients

For the dough (for 3 pizzas):
- 1 kg flour type 000
- 50 ml olive oil
- 25 g salt
- 7 g dry yeast
- 600 ml water
- 10 g sugar

For Pizza Quattro Formaggi:
- 500 g pizza dough (about one-third of the prepared dough)
- 250 g mozzarella
- 120 g smoked cheese
- 160 g camembert
- 150 g gorgonzola
- Olive oil for brushing

Step by Step: Preparing the Pizza Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, add the sugar, dry yeast, and warm water. Mix well until the sugar and yeast are completely dissolved. This step is essential to activate the yeast, so make sure the water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.

2. Kneading the dough: Add the flour and mix well. Once the lumps are gone, add the salt and continue kneading the dough for 5-6 minutes until you achieve a smooth texture. The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Resting the dough: Brush the dough with olive oil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time will allow the dough to absorb the oil, contributing to a better texture.

4. Maturing the dough: Divide the dough into 3 pieces and form pizza balls. Place them in a plastic container and let them sit for 1 hour at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge for another 3 hours (or ideally until the next day). Maturing the dough is crucial as it allows the yeast to activate properly, preventing puffing.

5. Maintaining the dough: When you are ready to prepare the pizza, take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for one hour.

Preparing Pizza Quattro Formaggi

1. Stretching the dough: On a floured surface, stretch the dough with your hands or a rolling pin until you achieve the desired shape. If using a rolling pin, let the dough rest for another 10 minutes to relax and rise.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to the maximum temperature. A well-preheated oven will ensure a crispy crust.

3. Preparing the tray: Brush a baking tray with olive oil to prevent the dough from sticking and to achieve a crispy bottom.

4. Arranging the cheeses: Place the dough in the tray. Cut the cheeses (mozzarella, smoked cheese, camembert, and gorgonzola) into cubes and distribute them evenly over the pizza surface. Make sure to use equal amounts of cheese for a perfect coverage.

5. Baking the pizza: Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 8-10 minutes, turning the tray after 4 minutes for even baking. Watch closely, as every oven bakes differently!

Useful Tips

- Choose quality cheeses: The quality of the cheeses will influence the final taste of the pizza. Opt for fresh and flavorful cheeses.
- Experiment with cheeses: If you want to vary the recipe, try cheeses like fontina, pecorino, or parmesan for a different flavor and texture.
- Serving: Serve the pizza hot, with a drizzle of olive oil and, if desired, with a side of tomato sauce for a delicious contrast.

Delicious Combinations

Pizza Quattro Formaggi pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a pesto sauce, which will add a touch of freshness. For drinks, a craft beer or a dry white wine will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why should I leave the dough in the fridge overnight?: Maturing the dough in the fridge helps develop flavors and achieve a better texture, reducing the risk of puffing.
- Can I use regular flour?: Type 000 flour is ideal for pizza as it has a high protein content, which helps develop gluten. However, you can use regular flour, but the final result may differ.
- How do I know when the pizza is ready?: The crust should be golden and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and slightly browned.

Now that you have discovered the recipe for Pizza Quattro Formaggi, you are ready to delight your family and friends with a delicious dish. Don’t forget to experiment and add your personal touches. Enjoy!