Quattro Formaggi Pizza

Quattro Formaggi Pizza 

Quattro Formaggi, meaning "four cheeses" in Italian, is a classic Italian food recipe that showcases the richness and variety of Italy’s cheese-making tradition. Originating from central or northern Italy, this pizza food recipe forgoes the traditional tomato sauce in favor of a creamy cheese base, allowing the flavors of the cheeses to shine through. Each cheese is carefully selected to bring a unique texture and taste—typically a mix of mild, creamy, sharp, and pungent varieties. The result is a luxurious, deeply flavorful food recipe that especially appeals to cheese lovers.

A standard Quattro Formaggi pizza includes mozzarella for meltability, gorgonzola for a tangy punch, fontina or taleggio for a rich creaminess, and Parmigiano-Reggiano for a sharp, aged flavor. Some versions add goat cheese or provolone, depending on regional preference or availability. The cheeses melt into a bubbling, golden topping, often on a thin, crisp crust, creating a balanced yet indulgent dish. Quattro Formaggi is often served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper, letting the cheeses speak for themselves in this deliciously simple Italian creation.

Quattro Formaggi Pizza Recipe

Servings: 1 large pizza (12–14 inches)
Prep Time: 1.5 hours (including dough rise time)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose or bread flour
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings (Four Cheeses):

• 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella (for melting base)
• ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola (or another blue cheese)
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (or Grana Padano)
• ½ cup shredded fontina or taleggio (or substitute with provolone)
• Optional: 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or bechamel for a creamier base
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Optional: Fresh basil or arugula for garnish

Instructions

1.   Make the Dough:

o   In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

o   In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes).

o   Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2.   Preheat Oven:

o   Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes.

3.   Shape the Dough:

o   Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12–14 inch round on a floured surface.

o   Transfer to a floured pizza peel or parchment-lined baking sheet.

4.   Assemble the Pizza:

o   (Optional) Spread a very thin layer of cream or bechamel on the dough.

o   Sprinkle mozzarella evenly as the base layer.

o   Add dollops of gorgonzola, scatter the fontina or taleggio, and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

o   Season with a bit of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

5.   Bake:

o   Bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden, and the crust is crisp.

6.   Garnish and Serve:

o   Optionally garnish with fresh basil or arugula.

o   Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy warm while the cheeses are still gooey and melty.

Quattro Formaggi is a rich, indulgent pizza that puts the spotlight on cheese—a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any cheese aficionado.

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