Four-Cheese Pizza Recipe: A Cheesy Delight for Cheese Day

Celebrate Cheese Day with a Four-Cheese Pizza that’s a symphony of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, all nestled on a perfectly crisp homemade crust. This Four-Cheese Pizza Recipe recipe is a cheese lover’s dream, blending mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and fontina for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in. With a simple yet authentic dough and a rich, cheesy topping, this pizza brings Italian flair to your table. This guide will walk you through crafting a pizza that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make. Let’s dive into this cheesy masterpiece that’s sure to steal the show on Cheese Day!

Why This Four-Cheese Pizza Shines

A four-cheese pizza, or quattro formaggi, is a classic Italian dish that showcases the power of cheese in perfect harmony. Each cheese in this recipe—mozzarella for stretchy melt, Gorgonzola for bold tang, Parmesan for nutty depth, and fontina for creamy richness—brings a unique flavor to the table. The crust is crafted to be crisp yet airy, providing a sturdy base that holds up to the generous cheese topping without getting soggy. A light, herbaceous white base (no tomato sauce) lets the cheeses take center stage, making this pizza a true celebration of Cheese Day.

This recipe is approachable, requiring about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus rising and baking, and yields two 12-inch pizzas. It’s versatile enough for simple cheese-only versions or customized with subtle toppings like herbs or arugula. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this pizza delivers pizzeria-quality results at home. Let’s explore the ingredients that make this four-cheese delight unforgettable.

Ingredients for a Cheesy Masterpiece

To create two 12-inch four-cheese pizzas, gather these high-quality ingredients:

For the Crust:

• Flour: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour (bread flour for a chewier texture).
• Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet).
• Water: 1 ⅓ cups warm water (110°F–115°F for yeast activation).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for a crisp, flavorful crust.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon to feed the yeast and aid browning.
• Salt: 2 teaspoons to enhance flavor.
• Cornmeal: For dusting the baking surface to prevent sticking.

For the Toppings:

• Mozzarella: 1 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella for stretchy melt.
• Gorgonzola: ¾ cup crumbled for bold, tangy flavor.
• Parmesan: ½ cup grated for a nutty, savory kick.
• Fontina: ¾ cup shredded for creamy, buttery richness.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for drizzling and brushing the crust.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
• Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon chopped thyme or rosemary (optional, for extra flavor).
• Optional Toppings: Arugula, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.

Choose high-quality cheeses and grate or crumble them yourself for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded varieties often contain additives that affect texture. With your ingredients ready, let’s move on to crafting the perfect dough.

Crafting the Perfect Pizza Dough

The crust is the foundation of this four-cheese pizza, offering a crisp exterior and tender interior that complements the rich toppings. Follow these steps for a foolproof dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, confirming the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time, but keep the dough soft to avoid toughness.
4. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot (75°F–80°F) for 1–2 hours until doubled in size. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for a slow rise (up to 24 hours).
5. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions. Roll or stretch each into a 12-inch circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker for a rustic crust. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside for at least 45 minutes. Dust the surface with cornmeal for a crisp base and easy release. Now, let’s assemble and bake this cheesy delight.

Assembling and Baking Your Four-Cheese Pizza

The magic of this pizza lies in the cheese blend and simple assembly, letting the flavors shine. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Prepare the Base: Brush each shaped dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil mixed with minced garlic, creating a white pizza base that enhances the cheese flavors. Avoid tomato sauce to keep the focus on the cheeses.
2. Layer the Cheeses: Evenly distribute ¾ cup mozzarella, ⅓ cup Gorgonzola, ¼ cup Parmesan, and ⅓ cup fontina over each pizza. Spread the cheeses in small dollops or sprinkles for even melting, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
3. Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary, if using, and a pinch of black pepper. Brush the crust edges with olive oil for a golden finish. Add optional toppings like arugula or caramelized onions sparingly after baking to avoid overpowering the cheese.
4. Bake: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet (use parchment paper for easy transfer). Bake at 475°F for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden, the cheeses are bubbly and slightly caramelized, and the Gorgonzola is melted into creamy pockets.
5. Finish and Serve: Let the pizza cool for 2–3 minutes to set the cheese. Garnish with a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast or fresh arugula for a peppery bite. Slice and serve immediately to celebrate Cheese Day in style.

For a thinner crust, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness; for a thicker, chewier crust, keep it at ½-inch. If you don’t have a pizza stone, a heavy baking sheet works well, though a stone or steel maximizes crispness. The result is a pizza with a perfectly crisp crust, a luscious four-cheese blend, and a flavor profile that’s pure indulgence.

This Four-Cheese Pizza Recipe is the ultimate way to honor Cheese Day, delivering a rich, satisfying pizza that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With a homemade crust and a decadent cheese medley, it’s a dish that brings Italian tradition to your table. Customize it with subtle toppings, share it with friends, or savor it solo—every bite is a cheesy celebration. Buon appetito!