Pizza has always been my go-to comfort food, but this Four Cheese Pizza with Tomato, Basil, and Arugula Salad is in a league of its own. There’s something about the combination of rich, gooey cheese with the light, peppery freshness of the salad that keeps me coming back for more. I first tried a version of this at a cozy spot in Singapore’s Kampong Glam, and it quickly became one of my favorites. It’s not just delicious—it brings a bit of gourmet flair to my kitchen while staying incredibly easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this pizza so irresistible is how everything comes together. The four-cheese blend—mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, and fontina—adds depth, texture, and flavor. When baked, they melt into a beautiful, golden cheese pool that’s hard to resist. And the salad completes the meal, balancing the richness with the fresh burst of tomatoes, basil, and peppery arugula.
- The Ultimate Cheese Mix: Each cheese contributes something unique. Mozzarella provides that signature stretch, gouda adds a hint of smokiness, parmesan brings a salty kick, and fontina melts to a luxurious creaminess that doesn’t overwhelm. Together, they elevate an ordinary pizza into a restaurant-quality delight.
- Fresh Salad That Pops: The salad’s freshness really shines here. I always look for the ripest tomatoes—they add a bit of sweetness that balances the savory cheese. The basil gives a fragrant kick, and the arugula brings a peppery edge. Tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it’s the perfect counterpoint to the rich pizza.
- Made With Love: There’s something truly gratifying in making this pizza from scratch. Kneading the dough, letting it rise, and hearing it crackle in the oven—all of it fills the kitchen with warmth. The aroma of fresh-baked pizza, paired with the salad’s vibrant scent, feels like a fancier take on comfort food.
- Versatile and Always a Hit: Whether I’m hosting friends or savoring it solo, this pizza always impresses. It’s endlessly adaptable—swap cheeses, add caramelized onions, or toss on roasted veggies. For a simple night or a special gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of Kampong Glam-inspired flair home.
Four Cheese Pizza with a Fresh Tomato, Basil, and Arugula Twist
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- Two-and-a-half cups of all-purpose flour
- One teaspoon of salt
- One teaspoon of sugar
- One packet of active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- One cup of warm water
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- For the Pizza:
- One cup of shredded mozzarella
- Half a cup of shredded gouda
- Half a cup of torn parmesan cheese
- Half a cup of shredded fontina cheese
- Olive oil for brushing the dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Salad:
- One cup of fresh cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Handful of fresh arugula
- One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Start by preparing the dough. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for about 5 minutes or until it begins bubbling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then stir in the yeast mixture and oil. Work the dough with your hands for 5-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven and Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a pizza shape. Brush the surface with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Spread the Cheese: Scatter the mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, and fontina cheese evenly over the dough, ensuring the pizza is fully covered for a cheesy bite in every slice.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust edges are golden and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Salad: While the pizza is baking, prepare the salad. In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, basil, and arugula. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve with the fresh salad on the side or on top of the pizza for a fresh, flavorful bite.
