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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to a sizzling 450F (232C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for a crispy pizza crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drizzle a touch of golden honey across the seasoned crust, creating a subtle sweet undertone to balance the savory elements.
- Distribute mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly, creating a luscious, melty canvas for the pizza.
- Arrange thin lemon slices strategically across the cheese, promising bright, citrusy notes in every bite.
- Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, molten cheese.
- Once perfectly cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh, vibrant basil leaves, adding a final aromatic touch.
- 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