Pizza with cheese crust

Cheese-Crust Pizza: A Unique Culinary Experience

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a delicious pizza? Imagine a perfectly crispy crust, filled with cheese and topped with your favorite ingredients. This cheese-crust pizza recipe is not just a simple meal, but a true culinary experience. With a soft dough, a cheesy edge, and a rich filling, this pizza will surely become your favorite.

A bit of history

Pizza, in its modern form, appeared hundreds of years ago, but its origins can be traced back to ancient times. Over the years, pizza has evolved, becoming a symbol of gastronomy and socializing. This cheese-crust pizza is an innovative variant that blends tradition with creativity, offering a unique texture and flavor.

Ingredients needed

*For the dough:*
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100 ml warm milk (or water)
- 200-250 g flour

*For the cheese crust:*
- 150 g grated cheese
- 100 g crumbled feta cheese

*For the filling:*
- 200 g mushrooms (fresh or canned), sliced
- 150 g chicken ham, diced
- 200 g chicken breast, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste
- 150 g cheese, grated (for filling)
- 100 g olives, sliced (optional)

*For the sauce:*
- 100 ml tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- dried oregano and basil, to preference

Step by step for an unforgettable pizza

1. Preparing the dough
Start by adding all the dough ingredients into the bread machine bowl. Activate the kneading and rising program. If you don’t have a bread machine, you can mix the ingredients in a large bowl, kneading them by hand until you achieve a smooth dough. It should be elastic and slightly sticky. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the cheese crust
In a bowl, combine the grated cheese with the crumbled feta. Mix well to obtain a uniform composition. This will be the delicious edge of your pizza.

3. Preparing the filling
In a pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the diced chicken breast until golden and well cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Forming the pizza
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a round sheet about 0.5 cm thick. On the edge of the sheet, sprinkle the cheese and feta mixture, then roll the edges of the dough inward, forming a delicious crust. This will hold the melted cheese during baking.

5. Assembling the pizza
Carefully transfer the dough to a greased baking tray. Spread the tomato sauce over the surface of the dough, adding the minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Then, fill the center of the pizza with the chicken ham, chicken and mushroom mixture, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. You can add olives for extra flavor.

6. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will be irresistible!

7. Serving
Once the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Useful tips

- Choose the best ingredients: Use fresh, quality ingredients for an exceptional taste. For example, choose fresh mushrooms instead of canned ones, if possible.
- Vary the filling: You can replace the chicken breast with beef or add vegetables like peppers or onions for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with cheese: You can use mozzarella for a creamier taste or goat cheese for a stronger note.

Frequently asked questions

1. *Can I use whole wheat flour?*
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water or milk.

2. *How can I make the pizza spicier?*
Add chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

3. *What type of olives should I use?*
Both green and black olives are excellent. Choose according to your preferences.

Nutritional benefits

This cheese-crust pizza offers not only a delicious taste but also essential nutrients. Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, mushrooms provide fiber and vitamins, and cheese offers calcium. This combination will give you the energy needed for an active day.

Calories

A serving of cheese-crust pizza contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. To reduce calories, you can opt for low-fat cheeses or use less cheese.

Conclusion

Cheese-crust pizza is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With every bite, you will discover a savory combination of melted cheese and fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to experiment and personalize your recipe! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the final result. Bon appétit!