Pizza is a dish loved by many people around the world. It has a multitude of flavors and combinations, but one of the most traditional and beloved is the 4-cheese pizza. With its crispy dough and creamy filling, this delight conquers everyone's taste buds.
Origin of the 4-cheese pizza
The history of pizza dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, but it was in Italy that it became popular and gained different versions. It is believed that the 4-cheese pizza originated in the city of Naples, in southern Italy, in the 19th century.
At the time, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples and asked to try the local pizza. Pizza chef Raffaele Esposito was responsible for preparing the pizzas for the royal couple. He decided to create a pizza with ingredients representative of the Italian flag: tomato (red), mozzarella (white) and basil (green).
The recipe was so successful that Raffaele decided to innovate even further and added other types of cheese to his creation. This is how the famous 4-cheese pizza was born, with mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan and provolone.
The ingredients of the 4-cheese pizza
The 4-cheese pizza is a perfect combination of different types of cheese, each with its own characteristic flavor and texture. The main ingredients of this delight are:
- Mozzarella: one of the most popular cheeses used on pizzas, mozzarella is known for its soft texture and mild flavor.
- Gorgonzola: an Italian blue cheese, gorgonzola has a strong, spicy flavor. It adds a special touch to the 4-cheese pizza.
- Parmesan: a hard, grainy cheese, Parmesan is famous for its intense, salty flavor. It complements the other cheeses on the pizza.
- Provolone: a semi-hard Italian cheese, provolone has a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. It melts easily and adds creaminess to the pizza.
In addition to cheese, the 4-cheese pizza can also be accompanied by other ingredients such as tomato, basil and olive oil, to further enhance its flavor.
Preparing the 4-cheese pizza
To prepare a delicious 4-cheese pizza at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pizza dough (ready-made or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella
- Crumbled Gorgonzola
- Grated Parmesan
- Grated Provolone
- Tomato sauce
- Sliced tomato (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Olive oil (optional)
To prepare the dough, follow the instructions on the package or use your own recipe. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a pizza pan.
Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a free edge. Then, distribute the cheeses over the sauce, ensuring that they are evenly spread over the pizza.
If desired, add tomato slices and basil leaves on top of the cheeses. Drizzle with a drizzle of olive oil to finish.
Place the pizza in the preheated oven at 200°C for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Remove from the oven, cut into slices and serve while still hot. The 4-cheese pizza is perfect to enjoy with friends or family, accompanied by a good wine or beer.
Variations of the 4-cheese pizza
The 4-cheese pizza is a classic recipe, but it can also be adapted according to each person's personal taste. Some additional ingredients can be added to give the pizza a different touch, such as:
- Carmelized onion: add thin slices of caramelized onion on top of the cheeses for a sweet flavor.
- Bacon: if you like a smoky touch, add cubes of bacon on top of the cheese.
- Dried tomatoes: replace fresh tomatoes with dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- Arugula: add fresh arugula leaves on top of the already baked pizza, for a contrast between the bitter flavor of the arugula and the creamy flavor of the cheeses.
These are just a few suggestions, but you can get creative and come up with your own version of the 4-cheese pizza.
Summary of the 4 cheese pizza recipe
