Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features a medley of mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and fontina cheeses blended over a thin crust, topped with vibrant fresh tomato slices, creating a deliciously gooey and refreshing flavor combination.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pizza cutter
- Oven
- Spoon or ladle (for spreading sauce, if using)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1-2 medium fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Ensure all five cheeses--mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and fontina--are shredded evenly to promote uniform melting and flavor distribution on your pizza. Fresh tomatoes should be sliced thinly to maintain their vibrant color and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese blend. Use high-quality pizza dough, ideally around 14 oz (400g), to achieve a thin, crisp crust that holds the toppings well. Lightly season with olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the medley without overpowering the natural flavors. Your homemade Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu will deliver a gooey, cheesy taste with a fresh tomato kick, replicating the original's signature balance.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C), with pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
- Place rolled dough onto a parchment sheet or pizza peel.
- Brush olive oil evenly over the dough.
- Slice fresh tomatoes thinly using a chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Arrange tomato slices evenly on the dough.
- Evenly sprinkle all five cheeses over the tomatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using.
- Carefully transfer pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove pizza from the oven and let cool briefly on a cooling rack.
- Slice with a pizza cutter and serve.
Substitution
Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu combines five distinct cheeses and fresh tomato slices on a thin crust for a rich, flavorful experience. If you cannot find Asiago or Romano cheese, substituting with a sharp cheddar or aged gouda can still provide a robust, savory profile. Using pre-shredded cheeses saves time but freshly grated cheese melts more evenly for ideal texture. When fresh tomatoes are out of season, consider using sun-dried tomatoes to deliver concentrated flavor without excess moisture. Your homemade pizza tastes best when baked on a pizza stone to ensure a crispy crust, but a baking sheet works well as an alternative.
Tips
Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 500degF before baking to ensure a crispy crust and properly melted cheese. Use a pizza stone if possible, as it helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sogginess in the crust. When slicing fresh tomatoes, aim for thin, uniform pieces to avoid excess moisture that can make the pizza soggy. Remember to cool your pizza briefly on a rack to prevent the crust from becoming soggy from steam trapped underneath.
Nutritions
The Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato Pizza provides a rich source of protein and calcium from the blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and fontina cheeses. Fresh tomatoes add vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that support immune health and skin vitality. The thin crust delivers carbohydrates for energy, while olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. You can enjoy a balanced combination of nutrients that satisfy both flavor and dietary needs.
Storage
Store your leftover Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato Pizza in an airtight container to maintain the blend of cheeses and fresh tomato flavors. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 2-3 days to ensure optimal taste and prevent spoilage. Reheat in a preheated oven or on a pizza stone to retain the crust's crispness and gooey cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute fresh tomato slices with sun-dried tomatoes to add a deeper, tangier flavor that complements the five-cheese blend. For a crispier crust, try par-baking the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. Incorporate fresh basil leaves or arugula after baking for a fresh, peppery contrast. Using a blend of part-skim mozzarella can reduce fat content while maintaining gooey texture.
Allergies
Your Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato Pizza contains multiple dairy ingredients, including mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and fontina cheeses, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk protein or lactose intolerance. The pizza dough may contain gluten, posing a risk for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease. Fresh tomatoes can sometimes cause oral allergy syndrome in sensitive individuals, so be cautious if you have known allergies to nightshade vegetables.
Why this recipe?
The Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen is loved for its perfect blend of creamy mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, romano, and fontina cheeses paired with vibrant fresh tomato slices. The combination offers a rich, savory flavor with a balanced freshness that appeals to cheese enthusiasts and tomato lovers alike. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this gourmet taste at home while experimenting with fresh, high-quality ingredients for a custom experience. Your homemade pizza can replicate the irresistible harmony of cheeses and fresh tomatoes, providing a satisfying and memorable meal.