Four Cheese Pizza with a Chinese American Twist

Ingredients

In this Chinese American adaptation of the traditional Italian dish, we incorporate Chinese American flavors and ingredients to create a unique fusion experience. The addition of soy sauce-infused ground pork, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds adds a distinct umami and nutty flavor profile to the pizza. The use of cream cheese in the cheese blend adds a creamy and tangy element, enhancing the overall richness of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza quattro formaggi, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (240ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup (240ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup (240ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120g) ground pork 1/2 cup (120g) ground pork
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the ground pork over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix the cooked ground pork with soy sauce until well coated.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese.
6. 6.
   Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough.
7. 7.
   Top the cheese with the soy sauce-infused ground pork, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds.
8. 8.
   Transfer the pizza to a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to cook the ground pork thoroughly until browned to ensure it is safe to consume.
• Cream cheese — Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the shredded cheeses for easier blending and a smoother texture.
• Pizza dough — If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for rolling and baking. If making homemade dough, allow it to rise according to the recipe instructions before rolling it out.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the pizza before baking.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences.
• To achieve a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven and bake the pizza directly on the stone.
• Customize the toppings by adding other Chinese American ingredients such as water chestnuts or bamboo shoots.
• Leftover pizza can be reheated in a preheated oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese American Four Cheese Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or as part of a pizza party. Pair it with a side salad or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top of the pizza just before serving. The vibrant green of the scallions and the golden sesame seeds will add visual appeal to the dish.