Description
Experience the rich and creamy Four Cheese Margherita Pizza, a delicious fusion of mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, and gorgonzola cheeses on a crispy crust topped with fresh tomato sauce and basil. Perfectly balanced between vibrant freshness and indulgent cheesiness, this homemade pizza is simple to make and delightfully satisfying for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (fresh or canned)
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (spoonfuls)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
Finishing Touches
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into your preferred shape and thickness, aiming for an even layer that will cook crisp yet stay light inside.
- Spread the tomato sauce: Using the back of a spoon, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the cheese layers: Start by evenly sprinkling shredded mozzarella, then dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the surface. Follow with grated Parmesan and crumble the gorgonzola, distributing the cheeses for consistent coverage.
- Bake the pizza: Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually around 475°F to 500°F) and bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melting and bubbly.
- Add fresh basil and finish: Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza, drizzle with olive oil, and season with a pinch of sea salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheeses for better flavor and meltability.
- Don’t overload with tomato sauce to prevent sogginess.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
- If making dough from scratch, allow it to rest and proof properly to develop flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg