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Pizza QUATTRO FORMAGGI

Pizza-QUATTRO-FORMAGGI-Italian-National-Food-By-Travel-S-Helper

Translating into “Four Cheese Pizza” in English, Pizza Quattro Formaggi is a classic Italian meal. This pizza variant pays tribute to the simplicity yet impactfulness of Italy and emphasizes the wide spectrum of Italian cheeses in the nation.

Quattro Formaggi appeals because of its combination of four different cheeses, each adding a different taste sensation to the pizza.

  • Mozzarella: The basic cheese is mozzarella, which has great melting power and a subdued taste sensation.

  • Gorgonzola: Blue cheese with a strong tangy taste and sharpness, gorgonzola adds something special to many recipes.

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano: A hard, aged cheese that contributes a nutty, savory depth.

  • Fontina or Provolone: Regional tastes or particular recipes affect the choice between these semi-soft cheeses; each adds a unique flavor profile that could be described as either somewhat sweet or sharp.

Making a great Quattro Formaggi pizza calls for careful study of the harmony among the several cheeses used. Any one cheese can dominate the flavor profile; too little of any one cheese can produce a poor pizza experience. Over decades, Italian pizzaiolos have developed their art and reached a sophisticated balance in their methods.

  • The pizza starts with a thin, crispy crust made from high-quality flour, yeast, water, and a touch of olive oil.

  • A light spread of tomato sauce is optional; many prefer it “bianca” (white) to let the cheeses shine.

  • The four cheeses are carefully distributed over the crust.

  • It’s then baked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures for a short time, allowing the cheeses to melt and slightly brown.

Quattro Formaggi represents a rich celebration of Italy’s great cheese-making legacy, not only a pizza. Every part of Italy stresses their own local cheeses, thus this pizza provides a stage to highlight their best choices in one meal.

Italians often pair Quattro Formaggi’s delicate flavors with a strong red wine like Chianti or a cool white wine like Pinot Grigio. For those looking for non-alcoholic substitutes, a sparkling water with lemon is a great palate cleanser between bites.

Pizza Quattro Formaggi epitribes the basic ideas and high standards of Italian cooking. This shows how carefully prepared with premium ingredients even the most basic ideas can become gourmet experiences. Whether created at home with care or visited in a vibrant pizzeria in Naples, Quattro Formaggi always appeals to cheese enthusiasts and pizza lovers worldwide.

Pizza QUATTRO FORMAGGI
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Pizza QUATTRO FORMAGGI

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

Pizza Quattro Formaggi is a traditional Italian pizza distinguished by its rich texture and robust flavor. The "Four Cheese" pizza is a quintessential element of Italian cuisine, featuring an opulent combination of cheeses atop a crispy yet chewy crust. The recipe necessitates 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 packet (7 grams) of active dry yeast, ¾ cup of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

The topping consists of ½ cup of tomato sauce (optional for traditionalists; frequently omitted in Quattro Formaggi), followed by shredded mozzarella, crumbled Gorgonzola, grated Parmesan, diced Fontina, and fresh basil leaves for garnish. To prepare the dough, combine warm water and sugar, add yeast, and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Manipulate the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it attains a smooth and elastic consistency. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour.

To prepare the topping, preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C), position a pizza stone or baking sheet inside, and evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the dough. Prepare and bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust attains a golden hue and the cheeses are effervescent. Permit the pizza to cool briefly prior to slicing and adorn with fresh basil if preferred.

Ingredients

  • For the Dough

  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • For the Topping

  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce (optional for traditionalists; often skipped in Quattro Formaggi)

  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup (50 g) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup (50 g) Fontina cheese, diced

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Prepare the Dough
  • In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Topping
  • Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat.
  • If using tomato sauce, spread a thin layer over the rolled-out pizza dough. Otherwise, proceed directly to the cheese toppings.
  • Distribute the mozzarella evenly over the dough, followed by Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Fontina.
  • Assemble and Bake
  • Transfer the dough to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheeses are bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection: The blend of cheeses can be adapted based on availability, but the combination of mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Fontina creates the authentic taste of Quattro Formaggi.
  • No Tomato Sauce?: Traditional Quattro Formaggi often skips the tomato sauce to highlight the flavors of the cheese.
  • Pairings: Serve with a glass of Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti.
  • Vegetarian Option: Ensure the cheeses used are made with vegetarian rennet.
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