If you love the irresistible combination of rich cheeses and aromatic herbs baked to perfection on a crisp crust, then this Four Cheese Gourmet Pizza with Blue Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. It’s a perfect balance of gooey mozzarella, nutty gruyere, creamy fontina, and the bold tang of blue cheese, all brought to life with fresh thyme and garlic-infused olive oil. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next gathering, this pizza promises an unforgettable experience bursting with flavor and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Four Cheese Gourmet Pizza with Blue Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that each play a unique role in crafting the perfect pie. From the stretchable pizza dough forming the perfect base to the vibrant fresh herbs that add a burst of freshness, every element is carefully chosen to deliver bold taste and inviting textures.
- Prepared Pizza Dough: Starting at room temperature helps make it easier to stretch and shape for that perfect crust.
- Olive Oil: Infused with garlic, it creates a fragrant base and keeps the crust moist and flavorful.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced, they bring a natural, zesty aroma that complements the cheeses beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Offers that classic melty stretchiness everyone loves on a pizza.
- Shredded Gruyere: Adds a slightly sweet and nutty depth to the cheese blend.
- Shredded Fontina: Creamy and mild, it melts smoothly to balance the sharper flavors.
- Blue Cheese, crumbled: The star of the show, lending its bold, tangy punch with just a little goes a long way.
- Fresh Thyme: Sprinkled over the top to bring a citrusy, herbal brightness that ties everything together.
- Flaky Sea Salt: For finishing, it enhances all the natural flavors while adding a delicate crunch to the crust.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity when sprinkled before serving.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): A finishing touch for those who want an extra layer of cheesy umami goodness.
How to Make Four Cheese Gourmet Pizza with Blue Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 450 degrees. A high temperature is key to achieving that golden-brown crust and perfectly bubbly cheese. While your oven heats up, mix the minced garlic into the olive oil so the flavors can meld together as you get everything ready.
Step 2: Shape Your Dough Like a Pro
Press your fingertips about half to one inch from the dough’s edge to create a divot or “moat.” This tricky little technique keeps your crust puffy and forms a perfect border to hold your cheesy masterpiece. Then flatten the center gently and continue patting and stretching until you have a 10 to 12-inch round. This step takes a little patience but trust me, the reward is in the crispy, airy crust.
Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base
Brush the dough generously with your garlic-infused olive oil. This not only keeps the pizza from drying out but also infuses every bite with subtle garlicky warmth. Make sure the oil seeps a bit into the crust to encourage golden edges that are bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Layer on the Cheeses and Herbs
Spread the shredded mozzarella, gruyere, and fontina evenly in thin layers so every slice gets a perfect portion of this cheesy trio. Then lightly scatter the fresh thyme leaves across the top, adding a fresh, herbal pop that complements the richness. Finally, dot the pizza with a modest amount of the blue cheese crumbles — you want the tang and punch without overpowering the balance.
Step 5: Slide and Bake to Perfection
Before placing your pizza in the oven, give the peel a quick left-to-right flick to make sure the dough isn’t sticking. If it is, gently lift and sprinkle some flour underneath to loosen it up. Using a pizza stone if you have one, slide your masterpiece into the hot oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles and browns temptingly.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Right as you remove your pizza from the oven, brush the crust again with the garlic olive oil to keep it moist and flavorful. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the crust to enhance texture and flavor, then finish with a few cranks of fresh black pepper and optional grated parmesan for a final hit of savory goodness.
How to Serve Four Cheese Gourmet Pizza with Blue Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be sprinkled on just before serving to brighten and freshen each slice. If you love a little zing, toss on a few chili flakes or a drizzle of honey to balance the sharpness of the blue cheese. A handful of arugula also adds a peppery bite that’s fantastic against the rich cheeses.
Side Dishes
Pair this sumptuous pizza with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and keep things balanced. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm soup like tomato basil make comforting companions that don’t overwhelm the delicate flavors in the pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the pizza into smaller square slices for sharing at parties or arrange slices on a wooden board adorned with fresh herb sprigs and a small bowl of chili oil or honey for dipping. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy contrast and elevates the presentation to restaurant-quality in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while retaining that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled pizza slices individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps slices from sticking together and allows you to reheat only what you need.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked texture, reheat slices in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. This crisps the crust beautifully and keeps the cheese melty without becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While the blend in this Four Cheese Gourmet Pizza with Blue Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe is thoughtfully balanced, feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or pecorino. Just keep in mind their melting properties and flavors to maintain harmony.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brushing the dough with olive oil and baking on a preheated pizza stone helps create a crispy base that resists sogginess. Avoid overloading the pizza with wet toppings, and be sure your cheese is well distributed.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or crust and follow the same topping and baking instructions. Just keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free dough can cook a little differently.
Is it okay to omit the blue cheese?
While blue cheese adds a signature bold flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a milder cheese pizza. Consider adding extra fontina or gruyere, or a sprinkle of feta for some tang.
What fresh herbs work best with this pizza?
Thyme is perfect here for its earthy aroma, but you can also try rosemary, oregano, or even basil to give subtle variations. Be sure to add herbs optimally (some before baking, some fresh after) to get the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try the Four Cheese Gourmet Pizza with Blue Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe — it’s a delightful mix of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Homemade pizza has never been so indulgent or approachable. Once you taste that bubbly cheese, fragrant garlic oil, and fresh herb combo, you’ll wonder how you lived without this recipe. So grab your dough, fire up the oven, and enjoy every delicious moment!
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Four Cheese Gourmet Pizza with Blue Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe
This Four Cheese Pizza recipe features a crispy, golden crust topped with a blend of mozzarella, gruyere, fontina, and blue cheese, enhanced with garlic olive oil, fresh thyme, and optional parmesan. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this pizza delivers a rich and savory flavor experience in just under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Oil
- 1 prepared Pizza Dough, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced or pressed
Cheeses
- 1/4–1/3 cup Shredded Mozzarella
- 1/4–1/3 cup Shredded Gruyere
- 1/4–1/3 cup Shredded Fontina
- ~1/4 cup Blue Cheese, crumbled
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tsp. Fresh Thyme
- Flaky Sea Salt, for sprinkling
- Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the pizza.
- Prepare Garlic Olive Oil: Combine the minced or pressed garlic with the olive oil and set it aside to infuse the flavors.
- Shape the Dough: Press your fingertips into the dough about 1/2 to 1 inch from the edge to create a moat or divot around the dough, forming the crust. Flatten the center and then pat and stretch the dough outward with the palms of your hands until the dough is about 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the dough evenly with the garlic olive oil. Spread the shredded mozzarella, gruyere, and fontina cheeses in thin, even layers over the dough. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves on top. Then, gently scatter the blue cheese crumbles, using them sparingly to balance the flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Just before transferring the pizza to the oven using a peel and stone, gently shake the peel from side to side to make sure the dough is not sticking. If it is stuck, lift the sticky edge and sprinkle some flour underneath, then shake again to loosen the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately after removing the pizza from the oven, brush the crust with more garlic olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt over it. Add fresh cracked pepper and grated parmesan if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best crust, use a preheated pizza stone in your oven.
- Be gentle with the blue cheese, as its strong flavor can easily overpower the other cheeses.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be substituted at half the quantity.
- Letting the dough come to room temperature makes it easier to stretch and shape.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven and pizza thickness for preferred crust crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian