Fontana
First created in Italy, this Fontana pizza is a delightful vegetarian pizza you’ll want to try.
Pizza in Italy
A Naples invention, Pizza originated in Italy in the 1700’s, and they know how to craft the perfect pizza. Naples is the most famous location for pizza in the entire world, and you can still visit the world’s oldest pizzeria, the stunning Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba.
Take a look at some of the other pizzas from Italy here.
| Origin | Italy |
| Type | Vegetarian |
| Sauce | Tomato Sauce |
Fontana Pizza Recipe
Below we’ve created a recipe for you to make a delicious homemade Fontana Pizza from either a backyard pizza oven or your typical kitchen oven.
| Dough | 2 hours |
| Assembly | 10 minutes |
| Baking | 12-20 minutes |
Fontana Pizza Ingredients
Choose enough of the pizza toppings for the amount of pizzas you plan to make. The pizza sauce and dough ingredients below are designed for 3-4 pizzas, so add more or less, if required.
Simple Pizza dough
- 400 g (2 2/3 cups) plain flour, plus extra to dust
- 250 ml (1 cup) lukewarm water
- 7 grams (2 tsps) dried yeast
- 2 teaspoons table salt
- 1/4 cup (3 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
Fontana Pizza Toppings
Toppings used in this pizza recipe, are;
- Gorgonzola
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Radicchio
Tomato Pizza Sauce
- 1 can (6oz/170g) tomato paste
- 1 can (15oz/420g) tomatoes, whole or crushed
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1/4 a small onion
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
- 1 tsp salt
Want to try a different sauce? See our article on the different types of pizza sauces.
TIP
You can click on any of the tags at the bottom of this page, to find other pizzas besides Fontana Pizza, that use that topping.
Pizza Dough Method
Purchase a premade pizza base at your local store, or if you have time, make your own homemade dough following the simple steps below. Some shops even carry pizza dough balls.
- Whisk yeast and lukewarm water in a jug. Stand for around five minutes.
- Add the salt and flour in a large bowl. Create a hollow centre in the flour. Slowly pour the liquid yeast mixture and oil.
- Using your hands or spatula, gently combine the flour mixture until smooth. Then turn out dough onto lightly floured surface and hand knead for roughly five minutes.
- Place the dough mixture in to an oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Leave in a warm place until the dough has at least risen to double in size.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Hand knead gently for five minutes until reasonably smooth.
- Sprinkle some flour on work surface before rolling out dough to prevent any sticking.
- Divide dough mix into equal amounts, now roll out the bases to the desired size.
TIP: We have other dough recipes if you would like to try your hand at sourdough, poolish or more.
Tomato Pizza Sauce Method
It takes around five minutes to make this tasty pizza sauce following the simple steps below, or you can purchase a bottle of pizza sauce at your local supermarket.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Using either a whisk, or blender, mix well.
- Let sit for five minutes.
- Your sauce is now ready to use or keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze leftover sauce.
By not heating these sauce ingredients, you give this simple pizza sauce a very fresh taste.
Preparing Fontana Pizza
Preheat your oven to at least 450 degrees for 30 minutes or longer.
Spread out pizza dough on floured surface.
If you have a pizza peel, you can create your pizza on it (after flouring).
Start by spreading the sauce all over the base. This pizza uses Tomato Sauce. Spread the Tomato Sauce Thinly yet evenly, leaving a margin for the crust.
Add the largest toppings first – typically meat or seafood, then the smaller toppings.
Add cheese last, and sprinkle it all over to help keep the toppings in place when it melts.
This pizza has the following toppings:
- Gorgonzola
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Radicchio
This pizza is delicious on its own, or why not enjoy it with a simple side dish?
Cooking
Put the Fontana pizza on the middle shelf in oven, and wait ten minutes.
After 10 minutes, open the door and check the pizza.
This pizza should take approximately 15 minutes, however allow it to cook to personal taste.
About Gorgonzola
Often referred to as blue cheese, Gorgonzola is made from cow’s milk, boasting milder flavours than those of other blue cheeses. What sets it apart from other blue cheeses is its deep roots in Italian artisanship, still influencing production today.
Gorgonzola shares many of the traits seen in similar cheeses from other culinary cultures, with the level of intensity and sharpness often being the strongest difference.
Pizza Tools
When making Fontana Pizza, we always recommend that you use whatever tools you are able to get your hands on. Our basic pizza tools are…
Pizza Steel
Very similar to a pizza stone, a pizza steel is made of, you guessed it, steel. It’s a great modern method to heat pizza well in a normal oven.
Glass Measuring Jug
A good quality, heavy glass measuring jug with clear marking for various measures to me is a must. I hate taking chances with portions, so it’s an important tool for me.
Pizza Stone
A pizza stone is a great way to up your pizza game at home. Read more about cooking with a Pizza Stone.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a translation of the Italian words, Parmigiano-Reggiano. The two terms refer to the same cheese. Often referred to as the “King of Cheeses”, Parmesan is an Italian hard, granular cheese produced from cows’ milk, which is then Aged for at least 12 months.
Parmesan was praised as far back as 1348 in the writings of famous Italian writer, Boccaccio, in his works, the Decameron. October 27 is designated the International “Parmigiano Reggiano Day” by The Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Pizza Trivia
Here are some interesting facts about pizza.
The most popular pizza cheese
You guessed it! Mozzarella is one of the most popular pizza toppings around the world, no matter what country you are in.
Chill out
In 2020, over 377,000 tons of frozen pizza were sold in Germany.
Largest pizza delivery
The largest pizza delivery was organised by Pizzas 4 Patriots (USA), who sent 30,000 pizzas with DHL Express to the United States Armed Forces, in Kandahar Airfield, Bagram Airbase and Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, on 4 July 2012. The 12 inch pizzas were made by Great Kitchens, Inc. in Illinois in June 2012.
Pizza making FAQ
Want to know how to make fantastic pizza at home? Here are some helpful answers to the most frequently asked questions.
When making pizza dough should I spray the pan?
It is important that you ensure your dough doesn’t stick to any bowls or pans that you use. I prefer to gently wipe olive oil across the surface using a paper towel, however spray olive oil used in moderation works just as well for this purpose.
Can I substitute parmesan for mozzarella in making pizza?
Of course! Actually I like to add a little parmesan to all my mozzarella, to give it a tangier taste. It is absolutely a personal choice how much of each cheese or what cheeses to use at all. That’s the fun of homemade pizza making – not having to eat whatever the pizza shop uses.
How hot are pizza ovens?
Pizza ovens can easily reach 700-850 degrees farenheit, and can get to 1000 degrees without too much trouble. This is far hotter than your typical electric or gas kitchen oven.
Have you made Fontana Pizza?
Let us know what you think of Fontana Pizza! Tag us on our Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter and let us know what you thought of it! I’d love to know.
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