The Zesty 3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe You’ll Adore

Weeknight dinners call for something extraordinary, and this three cheese lemon basil pizza delivers pure culinary magic.

Tangy lemon zest dances across a crisp, golden crust, creating an unexpected flavor symphony.

Creamy mozzarella, sharp parmesan, and smooth ricotta blend seamlessly with bright, fresh basil leaves.

Each slice promises a delightful balance of richness and brightness that’ll make your taste buds sing.

The combination of cheeses melts into a luxurious blanket, while the citrusy notes add a refreshing twist.

Bold yet elegant, this pizza transforms a simple meal into a gourmet experience.

Why You’ll Love 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Quick Kitchen Escape: Whip up this gourmet pizza in just a few simple steps, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a culinary adventure.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine the tangy lemon, creamy three-cheese blend, and fresh basil for a taste profile that dances between bright, rich, and herbaceous notes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, weekend lunches, or a special dinner that impresses without complicated techniques – suitable for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Customizable Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping herbs, adjusting cheese types, or adding personal favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients For 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Pizza Dough: Thin and flexible base for the pizza.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy crust.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the pizza.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, stretchy texture.
• Provolone Cheese: Contributes a mild, tangy taste.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Brings a bright, aromatic herb flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch to the crust.
• Thyme: Provides earthy, herbal undertones.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces a subtle spicy kick.

• Lemon Slices: Offers a fresh, zesty brightness to the pizza.

How To Make 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Workspace

Fire up your oven to a toasty 450° F.

Clear a clean surface and dust it lightly with flour, creating the perfect landing spot for your pizza dough.

Step 2: Shape And Season Pizza Dough

Gently stretch and push the dough into a thin, round shape about 10-12 inches wide.

Transfer carefully to a baking sheet.

• Parmesan cheese
• Sesame seeds
• Thyme
• Chili flakes

Step 3: Layer Delicious Cheese And Citrus

Scatter generous amounts of mozzarella and provolone cheese across the dough.

Artfully arrange lemon slices on top of the cheese.

Randomly tear fresh basil leaves and distribute them over the pizza.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pizza into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese bubbles with irresistible appeal.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Pull the pizza from the oven and crown it with fresh, vibrant basil leaves.

Slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Pro Tips For Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Use light, even pressure when pushing out pizza dough to prevent tearing and create a uniform, thin crust.
• Sprinkle parmesan first for a crispy base, then add mozzarella and provolone for melty, rich texture.
• Add fresh basil in two stages – some before baking for subtle infusion, and a generous handful after baking for bright, aromatic finish.
• Watch pizza closely between 10-15 minutes to prevent burning; golden crust and bubbling cheese indicate perfect doneness.
• Thinly slice lemons to distribute zesty flavor evenly and prevent overwhelming tartness on the pizza.

Pizza Variations With Lemon Basil Three Cheese

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cheese with dairy-free mozzarella, nutritional yeast, and plant-based parmesan. Use zucchini and roasted bell peppers as additional toppings.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Option: Swap wheat pizza dough for cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made base. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta for extra flavor.
• Spicy Protein Boost: Top pizza with grilled chicken strips, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese. Drizzle with sriracha sauce for added heat.
• Light Mediterranean Remix: Use whole wheat thin crust, add spinach, artichoke hearts, and swap some cheese for ricotta. Garnish with pine nuts for crunch.

How To Serve Three Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Fresh Garden Party Platter: Slice pizza into bite-sized triangles and arrange on a rustic wooden board with extra fresh basil sprigs and lemon wedges for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the pizza's tangy and herbal flavor profile, creating a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will enhance the zesty lemon and herbal basil notes of the pizza.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack cooled pizza slices for an outdoor lunch, wrapping individually in parchment paper for a delightful al fresco dining experience.

Storage Solutions For Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
• Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place pizza slice directly on pan, cover with lid for 3-4 minutes. This method restores crispy crust and melts cheese perfectly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese on this pizza?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella and provolone with similar melting cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?

Use a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone, and avoid adding too many wet ingredients. Brush the crust with olive oil to create a barrier against moisture.

• Is it necessary to use fresh basil, or can I use dried basil?

Fresh basil provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Dried basil can be used, but it won’t have the same aromatic quality and visual appeal as fresh leaves.

3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with this three cheese lemon basil pizza that blends zesty citrus notes and herbal freshness. Crispy crust, creamy cheese, and aromatic basil invite you to explore a delightful culinary journey through Italian-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses:

• 3/4 cup (177 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) shredded provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 shallot (halved, and cloves separated)
• 1 small Meyer or regular lemon (thinly sliced)
• 1 big bunch of fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh thyme leaves

Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (226 grams) ball of pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) toasted sesame seeds
• Chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Stretch pizza dough into a thin 10-12 inch circular shape on a lightly dusted work surface, ensuring an even thickness.
2. Carefully transfer the delicate dough onto a baking sheet, maintaining its shape and integrity.
3. Drizzle olive oil across the entire surface of the dough, creating a light and flavorful base.
4. Sprinkle parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, thyme, and chili flakes evenly over the oiled crust, distributing the seasonings for maximum flavor coverage.
5. Layer mozzarella and provolone cheeses across the prepared pizza base, creating a rich and creamy foundation.
6. Artfully arrange thinly sliced lemon rounds atop the cheese layer, ensuring even distribution.
7. Scatter torn fresh basil leaves generously over the pizza, adding a vibrant aromatic element.
8. Slide the pizza into a preheated 450°F oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for a golden crispy crust and bubbling cheese.
9. Once removed from the oven, garnish with an additional handful of fresh basil leaves to enhance the herbaceous profile.
10. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Notes

• Optimize dough thickness by using a rolling pin for even, crispy crust that ensures perfect texture and consistent baking.
• Try citrus intensity by removing lemon seeds and thinly slicing lemons, which prevents bitter notes and enhances bright flavor profile.
• Enhance lactose-free option by substituting dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew mozzarella or almond-based provolone for similar melting qualities.
• Elevate herb freshness by adding delicate basil leaves after baking to preserve their vibrant color, aroma, and delicate texture without wilting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg