🍕 Pizza Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons Pizza) + Bonus Beef & Cheddar Variation

Posted by Divna on

There’s something magical about a well-made pizza—crisp crust, melty cheese, and a variety of toppings that tell a story. Pizza Quattro Stagioni, or “Four Seasons Pizza,” is a classic Italian favorite that divides the pie into four sections, each representing a different season. This recipe includes the traditional layout with a homemade dough and quick sauce, plus a delicious second version featuring ground beef, cheddar, and caramelized onions for an extra indulgent twist.

🧑‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy homemade dough
  • Quick, flavorful sauce
  • Beautifully arranged toppings
  • Customizable for any season or taste
  • Perfect for sharing!

đź“ť Ingredients

Dough

  • 250 ml warm water
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 350 g bread flour
  • 8 g salt

Quick Pizza Sauce

  • 200 ml strained tomatoes (store-bought is fine)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste

Classic Quattro Stagioni Toppings

  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Prosciutto and caramelized onions
  • SautĂ©ed sliced Mushrooms and caramelized onions
  • Black olives & cherry tomatoes
  • Asparagus & green onions

Bonus Toppings for Pizza #2

  • Mozzarella & cheddar cheese
  • Caramelized Onions, thinly sliced
  • Ground beef, cooked and seasoned
  • SautĂ©ed Mushrooms
  • Olives & cherry tomatoes

🍽️ Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a medium bowl, add strained tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  2. Mix until combined and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Toppings

  • Slice all vegetables and toppings ahead of time.
  • SautĂ© mushrooms, asparagus and onions ( by sautĂ©ing the vegetables, you will extract and amplify the natural flavours of the ingredients). Use high heat and quick cooking. Add salt and pepper when you sautĂ© veggies.
  • Cook and season the ground beef for the second variation.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Preheat oven to 250°C (500°F). 
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer to an oiled pan.
  3. Oil the dough and spread a thin layer of sauce over the base. The oil creates a barrier between the crust and the sauce, making it crispy and golden brown.
  4. Add mozzarella cheese.
  5. For Quattro Stagioni:
    • Divide pizza into four sections with the help of spring onion leaves.
    • Add onion and prosciutto to one, onion and mushrooms to another, olives & cherry tomatoes to the third, and asparagus & green onions to the fourth. onions are optional, however, they gave extra flavor to prosciutto.
  6. For Pizza #2:
    • Top with mozzarella and cheddar.
    • Add ground beef, onions, mushrooms, olives, cherry tomatoes, and a pinch of oregano.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  2. Let rest 2–3 minutes before slicing.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes.
  • Pair with a light salad like arugula and balsamic.
  • Enjoy with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8–10 minutes or in a hot skillet for a crispier crust.
  • Freeze: Wrap baked slices and freeze for up to 1 month.

đź’ˇ Variations & Substitutions

  • Vegetarian: Omit prosciutto or ground beef, add roasted zucchini or artichokes.
  • Cheese Swap: Try provolone, gouda, or vegan mozzarella.
  • Herbs: Add fresh basil, thyme, or chili oil for a gourmet finish.
  • Base Options: Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free mix for the dough.

âť“ FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
 Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it sit at room temperature for 60 minutes before rolling.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough or sauce?
 Absolutely—shortcut options work well when you’re short on time.

What’s the meaning behind “Quattro Stagioni”?
 It means “Four Seasons,” with each quarter of the pizza symbolizing a season through different toppings.

🍕 Conclusion

Pizza Quattro Stagioni is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re sticking with the traditional sections or going bold with the beef & cheddar combo, this recipe brings everyone to the table. Simple ingredients, delicious results!

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