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Easy Homemade Four Cheese Margherita Pizza
Let me share this simple homemade pizza that takes the classic margherita to new heights. By combining four amazing cheeses with marinated tomatoes and fresh basil, this easy recipe creates pizza perfection. Every time I make this homemade version, the aroma of melting cheese and fresh basil fills my kitchen and brings everyone running to the table.
Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe
This simple homemade pizza is special because:
- Four delicious cheeses create incredible flavor depth
- Marinated tomatoes add an extra burst of flavor
- The crust gets perfectly crispy every time
- You can adjust the cheeses to match your favorites
Easy Ingredients for Four Cheese Pizza
- Thin Crust: Make it simple with baker's flour and just a few ingredients.
- Olive Oil: Helps create those amazing marinated tomatoes.
- Roma Tomatoes: Slice them thin for perfect coverage.
- Cheeses: Our star lineup of mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and feta.
- Basil: Fresh leaves make this pizza extra special.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- Perfect Pizza Dough Prep
- Start by rolling your dough on a lightly floured surface, working from the center outward until it's wonderfully thin - about 1/4 inch thick. This is key for that perfect crispy crust we're after. While you're working the dough, get your oven cranking as hot as it'll go, ideally 500°F. Place your pizza stone or baking sheet in there too - that extra heat creates that amazing pizzeria-style bottom crust.
- Marinate Those Tomatoes
- Slice your Roma tomatoes into thin, even rounds - about 1/8 inch thick. Place them in a bowl with a generous drizzle of good olive oil, 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Let them mingle together for 15-20 minutes, giving them a gentle toss now and then. You'll see them start to release their juices and soak up all that garlicky oil - that's pure flavor magic happening.
- Artful Pizza Assembly
- Transfer your dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Brush the entire surface with olive oil - this creates a barrier that keeps your crust crispy. Now layer on your cheeses: start with shredded mozzarella, then fontina, and a generous shower of freshly grated parmesan. Arrange those marinated tomatoes in a single layer, letting some of that flavored oil drip onto the pizza. Finish with crumbles of tangy feta and whole fresh basil leaves scattered across the top.
- Careful Baking Process
- Slide your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet - a quick, confident motion works best. Now watch it carefully through those 8-10 minutes of baking. You're looking for the crust to turn golden brown and slightly charred in spots, while the cheese should be completely melted and just starting to bubble and brown. Some of the basil will crisp up, that's perfect! Once done, let it rest for just 1-2 minutes - this helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn't all slide off with the first cut.
Tips for Easy Success
- Fresh is Best: Real fresh basil and good cheese make this simple recipe shine.
- Grate Your Own: Take a minute to grate fresh cheese it melts so much better.
- Watch Those Tomatoes: Don't let them marinate too long or your pizza might get soggy.
- Hot Oven Ready: That high heat is key to getting a perfect crispy crust.
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Simple Storage Tips
Keep your leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Want to freeze it? Freeze the slices separately then pack them together. For the best reheat use a skillet to keep that crust crispy.
The Magic of Four Cheeses
This easy homemade pizza combines creamy mozzarella rich fontina nutty parmesan and tangy feta for the perfect cheese blend. Whether you're making it for pizza night or a special occasion this simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why marinate tomatoes?
Infuses them with garlic and olive oil flavor before baking.
- → Why use baking stone?
Creates crispy crust by conducting high heat evenly.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, though these four provide classic Italian flavor blend.
- → Why preheat stone?
Ensures stone is hot enough to crisp bottom of crust.
- → Can I make dough ahead?
Yes, prepare dough up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.