There’s something about the creamy, gooey texture and bold flavors of cheese that makes Four Cheese Pizza an irresistible choice for any pizza lover. If you love cheese in all its forms, this pizza is the ultimate indulgence. With a combination of four distinct cheeses melted to perfection on a golden, crispy crust, this pizza delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Let’s dive into the steps of creating this cheesy masterpiece right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola
• Optional: Fresh basil or arugula for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While the dough is rising, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once done, remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter) on a floured surface.

Place the rolled dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of your homemade tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Now, it’s time to add the cheeses! Start by spooning small dollops of ricotta cheese across the pizza. Then, sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and crumbled blue cheese (or gorgonzola) over the sauce.

4. Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are bubbly and slightly browned. The combination of cheeses will create a beautifully melty and gooey top that’s irresistible!

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. For an added touch, you can garnish the pizza with fresh basil or arugula for some freshness and a pop of color.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your decadent Four Cheese Pizza!

Tips for the Best Four Cheese Pizza

• Cheese Variety: The beauty of Four Cheese Pizza is in the variety of cheeses. Use a blend of mild and bold cheeses to create a complex and flavorful pizza. You can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or parmesan.
• Crust: A thinner crust will allow the cheese to shine, while a thicker crust will give you a more substantial bite. Make it your own based on your preference!
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes. Cheese can brown quickly, so make sure you remove it from the oven once it’s bubbly and golden, but not too dark.
• Freshness: Fresh mozzarella will create an extra creamy texture, while aged cheddar adds a sharp, tangy contrast. Feel free to play around with different cheese combinations!

Conclusion

Four Cheese Pizza is a dream come true for cheese lovers. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta, and blue cheese (or gorgonzola) creates a rich, flavorful pizza that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe will not disappoint. So get your ingredients ready, and enjoy a slice of pizza perfection right at home.

Happy cooking!