Creamy Taleggio Cheese Pizza
Experience the magic of Taleggio cheese. This thin-crust pizza features a thick, airy rim and a decadent, creamy melt that transforms from pungent to sweet and milky.
Taleggio is a truly remarkable Italian cheese that might seem intimidating due to its pungent aroma when raw. However, once baked, that intensity mellows completely, leaving behind a luxurious, sweet, and milky flavor profile. Pairing this creamy delight with the savory saltiness of salami creates a perfectly balanced pizza that is surprisingly easy to master in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 500 g bread flour
- 350 ml water
- 3 g yeast
- 10 g salt
- 100 ml marinara sauce
- 100 g salami
- 150 g Taleggio cheese
- 100 g shredded mozzarella
- to taste fresh basil leaves
- to taste flour for dusting
Instructions
- 1Mix the dough ingredients
In a glass bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and water. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a spatula until no dry flour remains, forming a shaggy dough.
Tip: Ensure the water is at room temperature to help activate the yeast properly. - 2Fold and shape the dough
After resting the dough for 10 minutes, keep your hands wet with water to prevent sticking. Perform a series of folds by stretching the dough from each of the four directions and folding it over toward the center. Repeat this proofing and folding process three times before the final overnight cold-proof.
Tip: Keep your hands consistently wet; the dough is high-hydration and will be very sticky. - 3Shape the pizza base
After cold-proofing the dough overnight and bringing it to room temperature, dust your wooden board with flour. Gently stretch the dough into a pizza shape, pushing from the center toward the edges to maintain a thicker rim while thinning out the middle.
Tip: Handle the dough gently to keep the air inside, which helps the crust rise beautifully. - 4Apply the sauce
Spread an even layer of jarred marinara sauce over the center of the prepared pizza dough base, being careful to leave the thick outer rim clear of sauce.
Tip: Use the back of a spoon to create an even, thin layer of sauce across the center. - 5Add salami
Distribute slices of salami across the marinara-coated section of the pizza dough base.
Tip: Arrange the salami slices in a single layer so they crisp up nicely during the bake. - 6Add Taleggio cheese
Place thick slices of creamy Taleggio cheese on top of the salami layer. Although the cheese may have a fermented scent when thawed, it will transform into a sweet, milky flavor once baked.
Tip: Be generous with the cheese, as Taleggio melts beautifully and provides a rich, creamy texture. - 7Add mozzarella cheese
After topping the pizza with marinara, salami, and Taleggio cheese, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the entire surface. This ensures a perfect melt and consistent coverage for the final bake.
Tip: Be sure to cover the edges well so the mozzarella helps hold the toppings in place as they melt.
