Cold Cheese Pizza:

A Cold Cheese Pizza is a no-bake, refreshing twist on traditional pizza, perfect for hot days or when you’re craving something light and easy to prepare. It’s essentially a pizza without the need for an oven, featuring a fresh crust, cool cheese, and delicious toppings. Here’s a simple recipe for a cold cheese pizza:

Cold Cheese Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 package (about 10 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or use store-bought flatbread, tortilla, or a pre-baked pizza crust for convenience)
• Olive oil (for brushing)

For the Toppings:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 8 oz ricotta cheese (or mascarpone for a richer texture)
• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh or pre-shredded)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped)
• 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder or garlic paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: arugula, olives, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, or other fresh veggies

For the Sauce (Optional):

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or more for drizzling)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a sweet contrast)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • If you’re using refrigerated pizza dough, roll it out to your desired thickness. Brush it lightly with olive oil and place it on a serving platter or cutting board. You can either refrigerate the dough or let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with.
   • Alternatively, if you’re using pre-baked crust, flatbread, or tortillas, just arrange them on a plate.
2. Prepare the Cheese Spread:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ricotta (or mascarpone) until smooth. You can also add a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan for added texture and flavor. Stir in the fresh chopped basil and oregano.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust, making sure to cover it fully but leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
4. Add Fresh Toppings:
   • Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese mixture. You can also add any additional toppings you like—arugula, olives, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
5. Chill and Serve:
   • Place the cold cheese pizza in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and chill.
   • Right before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor and presentation.

Enjoy!

This Cold Cheese Pizza is a perfect no-cook option for a light meal or snack. The combination of creamy cheese and fresh toppings on a chilled crust is incredibly refreshing and delicious. You can customize it with your favorite cheeses, veggies, and seasonings!