Two-cheese Pizza

Two-Cheese Pizza Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Two-cheese pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun weekend dinner with friends and family.

History

Pizza has been a popular dish for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times in the Mediterranean region. The modern pizza that we know and love today, with its tomato sauce and cheese toppings, originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. The addition of ricotta cheese to pizza is a twist on the classic recipe that adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

whole wheat flour
1 can (10 oz (283 g)) refrigerated pizza crust
2 tbsp olive oil
0.5 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
0.5 tsp dried basil
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 tsp salt (optional)
4 oz (113 g) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 cup chopped mushrooms
1 large red pepper, cut into strips

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Spread whole-wheat flour over a working surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin to the desired crust thickness.
Coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray and transfer the pizza crust to the cookie sheet. Brush olive oil over the crust.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the dried basil, onion, garlic, and salt. Spread this mixture over the crust.
Sprinkle the crust with mozzarella cheese and top it with mushrooms and red pepper.
Bake in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for 13–15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the crust is deep golden brown.
Cut the pizza into 8 slices.

Variations

Add cooked crumbled sausage or pepperoni for a meaty twist.
Swap out the red pepper for sliced black olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair.
Use a store-bought whole wheat pizza crust for a shortcut version of this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the pizza to ensure that the crust cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

- Rolling out the pizza dough on a floured surface will prevent it from sticking and make it easier to transfer to the baking sheet.

- Feel free to customize the toppings on your pizza to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional vegetables, meats, or herbs to make the dish your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the two-cheese pizza hot and fresh out of the oven, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and the cheese melts to perfection.

- Use a rolling pin to roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness for a crispy crust.

- Bake the pizza on a preheated cookie sheet to ensure that the crust cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour if desired.

- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese if you prefer a different texture.

- Use any combination of your favorite vegetables or meats as toppings for the pizza.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking. Store the prepared ingredients in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the two-cheese pizza on a large cutting board or pizza stone for a rustic and inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this two-cheese pizza with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing would also complement the flavors of the pizza nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

310

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 40%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains wheat and dairy

Summary

This two-cheese pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.

Summary

Two-cheese pizza is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy whole wheat crust, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella, this pizza is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this tasty recipe as is or customize it with your favorite toppings for a meal that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my old recipe box. As I sifted through the tattered index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, my eyes fell upon a faded piece of paper with the words "Two-Cheese Pizza" scrawled across the top in my mother's elegant handwriting.

I smiled as memories of my childhood flooded back to me. I remembered the countless times my mother would make this delicious pizza for our family dinners, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked dough and melted cheese filling the air. I could almost taste the savory combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, perfectly blended with a hint of herbs and spices.

I had always been in awe of my mother's culinary skills, her ability to transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that brought our family together around the dinner table. As a young girl, I would watch her in the kitchen, marveling at the way she effortlessly whipped up meals that were both delicious and comforting.

I decided then and there that I would carry on my mother's legacy and master the art of making Two-Cheese Pizza. I set to work gathering the ingredients - flour, yeast, olive oil, tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar, and an assortment of herbs and spices. As I measured out each ingredient with care, I felt a sense of connection to my mother, as if she were guiding my hands and whispering her secrets in my ear.

The process of making the pizza dough was a labor of love, requiring patience and precision. I kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic, watching in awe as it rose and doubled in size before my eyes. As I rolled out the dough and spread a generous layer of tomato sauce on top, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Next came the cheeses - the creamy mozzarella and sharp cheddar, grated and sprinkled over the sauce in a blanket of melted goodness. I added a sprinkle of oregano, basil, and garlic powder for a burst of flavor, then popped the pizza into the oven to bake to golden perfection.

The scent of baking bread and melting cheese filled the kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood and the comforting embrace of my mother's cooking. As I pulled the pizza out of the oven, the cheese bubbling and the crust golden brown, I knew that I had succeeded in capturing the essence of my mother's recipe.

I set the pizza on the table, the tantalizing aroma drawing my family to gather around. As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the Two-Cheese Pizza danced on our tongues, filling us with a sense of warmth and contentment.

As I savored each bite, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my mother and the gift she had passed down to me. Through her recipe, I had not only learned how to make a delicious pizza, but I had also learned the importance of tradition, family, and the power of a homemade meal to bring loved ones together.

And so, as I sit here now, writing this story and sharing my mother's recipe with you, I hope that you too will feel the connection to the past and the joy of creating something delicious with your own hands. For in the act of cooking and sharing a meal, we honor those who came before us and create memories that will last a lifetime.