The Ultimate 3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe For Dinner Magic

My weekend pizza experiments led me to discover this incredible three-cheese lemon basil pizza that changes everything about traditional homemade pies.

Fresh herbs and zesty citrus create an unexpected flavor profile guaranteed to surprise your taste buds.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in a delightful culinary harmony that feels simultaneously elegant and comforting.

Sharp pecorino, creamy mozzarella, and tangy goat cheese form a luxurious foundation for bright basil notes.

Crisp dough provides the perfect canvas for these vibrant ingredients to shine.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through complex yet balanced flavors.

Why Lemon Basil Pizza With Cheese Tastes So Fresh

• Burst with Flavor: Savor the delightful combination of three cheeses, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil that creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Prepare this gourmet pizza in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious meal without extensive cooking skills.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or unexpected gatherings – this pizza impresses with its unique blend of ingredients that appeal to both adults and kids.
• Gourmet Made Simple: Transform ordinary pizza night into a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort, using accessible ingredients that elevate the classic pizza to a new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients for 3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy base that provides the foundation for the pizza.
• Flour: Helps prevent the dough from sticking during preparation.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the pizza's taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a classic, melty texture that stretches when baked.
• Provolone Cheese: Provides a rich, smooth complement to the other cheeses.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy crust and adds richness.
• Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory cheese.
• Sesame Seeds, Thyme, Garlic, Shallots, Chili Flakes: Provide layers of aromatic and spicy notes.
• Lemon Slices: Offer a bright, citrusy freshness to the pizza.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a final burst of herbal flavor and vibrant green color.

How to Make Lemon Basil Cheese Pizza Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a scorching 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) to create the perfect pizza-baking environment.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Sprinkle a light dusting of flour on your work surface.

Gently stretch and pull the pizza dough into a circular shape, aiming for a thin 10-12 inch round. Carefully transfer the stretched dough onto a baking sheet.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Parmesan cheese
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh thyme
• Minced garlic
• Chopped shallots
• Chili flakes

Drizzle a touch of honey for a sweet contrast.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese

Artfully arrange lemon slices across the cheesy landscape.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pizza into the hot oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, melted cheese.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Pull the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.

Slice into wedges and serve while hot and crispy.

Tips to Bake 3-Cheese Pizza With Basil

• Use light hands when stretching dough to maintain its airy texture and prevent tearing.
• Layer cheeses evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
• Arrange lemon slices strategically to distribute bright citrus flavor throughout the pizza.
• Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its vibrant color and intense aromatic qualities.
• Watch pizza closely during baking to achieve golden crust without burning toppings.

Fun Variations for Lemon Basil Cheese Pizza

• Mediterranean Veggie Burst: Replace mozzarella and provolone with feta cheese, add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Seafood Sensation: Swap cheeses with ricotta, top with sautéed shrimp, sprinkle red pepper flakes, and add fresh dill for a zesty coastal-style pizza.
• Prosciutto Herb Garden: Substitute provolone with goat cheese, layer thin prosciutto slices after baking, garnish with fresh oregano and rosemary for an elegant Italian touch.
• Smoky Autumn Harvest: Replace mozzarella with smoked gouda, add roasted butternut squash cubes, caramelized onions, and crispy sage leaves for a seasonal transformation.

What Pairs Well With Lemon Basil Pizza Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the lemon and cheese flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the pizza's bright notes.
• Serve with Citrus-Infused Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the pizza's citrus profile and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the cheesy base.
• Match with Herb-Focused Appetizer: Prepare bruschetta with fresh basil and tomatoes to echo the pizza's herbal elements, creating a harmonious flavor progression from starter to main course.
• Cool Down with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a palate-cleansing lemon sorbet that reinforces the citrus theme and offers a refreshing finish to the rich, cheesy pizza experience.

Smart Storage for Lemon Basil Pizza Leftovers

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place individual slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps. This method restores the original crispy texture.

FAQs

• What type of cheese is used in this pizza?

The pizza uses three types of cheese: parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone for a rich and complex flavor profile.

• Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Yes, this pizza is already vegetarian and uses a variety of fresh ingredients like basil, lemon, and herbs for added flavor.

• How thin should I stretch the pizza dough?

Stretch the dough into a thin 10-12 inch circle to ensure a crispy and evenly cooked crust.

• Is honey a typical pizza topping?

While not traditional, honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory cheese and herbs, creating a unique flavor combination.

The 3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean flavors with this 3-cheese lemon basil pizza, where tangy citrus and fresh herbs dance across a perfectly crisp crust. Cheese lovers will discover a delightful harmony of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan that elevates this simple yet sophisticated culinary creation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses:

• 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.75 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese

Base Ingredients:

• 0.5 pound (lb) pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 shallot, halved and leaves separated

Herbs, Seasonings, and Garnishes:

• 2 big handfuls of fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 small Meyer lemon or regular lemon, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to a sizzling 450F (232C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for a crispy pizza crust.
2. Gently stretch the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin, elegant 10-12 inch circular shape, carefully transferring it to a waiting baking sheet.
3. Craft the flavor foundation by delicately brushing olive oil across the dough’s surface, then artfully sprinkle parmesan, nutty sesame seeds, aromatic thyme, minced garlic, delicate shallots, and a hint of chili flakes for a complex flavor profile.
4. Drizzle a touch of golden honey across the seasoned crust, creating a subtle sweet undertone to balance the savory elements.
5. Distribute mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly, creating a luscious, melty canvas for the pizza.
6. Arrange thin lemon slices strategically across the cheese, promising bright, citrusy notes in every bite.
7. Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, molten cheese.
8. Once perfectly cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh, vibrant basil leaves, adding a final aromatic touch.
9. Slice into wedges and serve immediately, allowing the flavors to sing and the cheese to remain gloriously melted.

Notes

• Choose a high-protein, gluten-free pizza dough alternative like cauliflower or chickpea crust for dietary restrictions.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and release natural oils.
• Slice lemons paper-thin to ensure they cook quickly and caramelize without burning during baking.
• Pat fresh basil leaves dry before adding to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture when placed on hot pizza.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 415 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg