Are you ready to elevate your pizza night to a whole new level? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of Broccoli and Cheddar Four Cheese Pizza, where the creamy, melty goodness of four distinct cheeses meets the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli. This Italian-inspired delight is not just a feast for the taste buds; it's a colorful addition to your dinner table that will impress family and friends alike! With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, you'll be savoring this cheesy masterpiece in no time. Get ready to unlock the secrets of creating a pizza that's as delicious as it is nutritious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C), positioning the rack in the middle for even heat distribution. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
- Prepare the broccoli by washing the florets thoroughly and cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces. Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 12-14 inches in diameter, creating a thin and even crust. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with olive oil. Brush the pizza dough surface with the garlic-infused olive oil, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly across the dough, creating a base layer. Distribute the blanched broccoli florets over the cheese.
- Add crumbled Gorgonzola and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the broccoli, ensuring even coverage. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Carefully slide the pizza into the preheated oven, either directly onto the pizza stone or on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and makes slicing easier.
- Slice the pizza into 8 wedges and serve hot. Optional: Drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil before serving for added flavor.
Tips
- Perfect Your Pizza Dough: For a crispy crust, make sure to roll out the dough evenly. If you're short on time, store-bought pizza dough works just as well!
- Blanch the Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli before adding it to the pizza not only enhances its vibrant color but also ensures it retains a slight crunch after baking.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While this recipe features cheddar, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and Parmesan, you can swap in your favorites for a personalized touch.
- Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven thoroughly to 450°F (232°C) for the best results. A hot oven helps achieve that perfect golden crust and bubbly cheese.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
- Garnish for Flavor: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving can add an extra layer of flavor that takes your pizza to the next level.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your pizza with a fresh salad or a light wine to balance the richness of the cheese and create a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
