If you’re ready for a zesty, bright twist on pizza night, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza. Picture a golden, toasty crust layered with three dreamy cheeses, sweet slivers of lemon, fragrant basil, and just a hint of honey—each bite is a sunbeam on your tongue!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievable Flavor Harmony: Savory cheeses, tangy lemon, and sweet basil join forces for a pizza that sings with every bite.
- So Simple, So Impressive: Basic ingredients turn into a gourmet-tasting showstopper—perfect for guests or a cozy night in.
- Ready in No Time: You’ll go from pantry to plate in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight win.
- Customizable for Every Craving: Swap cheeses or add toppings—3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is deliciously flexible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the stars of your 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza! Each ingredient brings something absolutely essential—from irresistible cheesiness to zesty citrus and a touch of herbal magic. Here’s what makes this pizza so crave-worthy and colorful:
- ½ lb ball of pizza dough: The ultra-easy, chewy foundation—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Brushed on for golden color and rich flavor.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty cheese that forms a tasty base layer.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: For a surprise crunch and subtle nuttiness on every bite.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves: Infuses the pizza with earthy, aromatic notes that play so well with the lemon.
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped: A punch of garlicky sharpness that permeates the whole pizza.
- 1 shallot, halved, and leaves separated: Offers mild sweetness and lovely caramelization after baking.
- Chili flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat—use as much or as little as you love.
- 1 tsp honey: Balances the lemon’s zing and the cheeses’ saltiness with just a hint of sweetness.
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that quintessential pizza stretch.
- ¾ cup shredded provolone cheese: Brings a buttery, slightly smoky depth to the cheesy trio.
- 1 small Meyer or regular lemon, thinly sliced: The bright, aromatic star! Meyer lemons are slightly sweeter, but any lemon shines here.
- So much fresh basil: Don’t hold back—torn fresh basil delivers aroma, color, and a cool, peppery finish.
Variations
There are so many delicious ways to make this 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza your own! Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or aiming for a new flavor adventure, try these easy swaps and creative upgrades:
- Cheese Swap: Try fontina, goat cheese, or ricotta for a whole new cheesy vibe.
- Add Greens: Sprinkle arugula, baby spinach, or even microgreens on top after baking for a peppery twist.
- Make it Spicier: Use more chili flakes or drizzle with hot honey if you like it extra fiery!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and all the toppings as usual.
- Protein Boost: Top with thin-sliced prosciutto, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even smoked salmon after baking.
How to Make 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
Step 1: Shape and Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 450° F for that classic, pizzeria-style crispness. On a lightly floured surface, gently push or stretch your pizza dough until it’s thin and roughly a 10-12 inch circle—don’t worry if it’s rustic! Place it on a baking sheet, ready for topping magic.
Step 2: Build the Dreamy Flavor Base
Brush the crust with extra virgin olive oil for a golden sheen, then scatter over the parmesan cheese, toasted sesame seeds, thyme leaves, chopped garlic, separated shallot leaves, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Drizzle the honey evenly so every bite gets a sweet surprise.
Step 3: Pile on Cheese and Lemon
Now for the best part—cover the crust with shredded mozzarella and provolone, making sure you reach the edges for those glorious browned bits. Arrange the lemon slices over the cheese, then scatter on a handful of torn fresh basil leaves for fragrance and color.
Step 4: Bake and Finish with More Basil
Bake your pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling in every crevice. The lemon will caramelize just slightly at the edges—that’s exactly what you want! As soon as it comes out, crown it with at least two generous handfuls of fresh basil. Slice, serve, and prepare to accept compliments!
Pro Tips for Making 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
- Crispy Crust Magic: Preheat your baking sheet or use a pizza stone for an extra-crispy foundation.
- Thin Lemon Perfection: Slice lemons as thinly as possible (a mandoline helps!) to keep their flavor delicate, not overpowering.
- Stretch, Don’t Roll: Gently stretch the dough by hand for a light, airy pizza—rolling can make it dense.
- Basil Beyond: Add a fresh hit of basil just after baking to capture its vivid color and brightest flavor.
How to Serve 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
Garnishes
The finishing touch for your 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza? A cascade of torn, fresh basil right after baking! For extra flair, try a drizzle of good olive oil, a shower of freshly grated parmesan, or even extra chili flakes if you’re feeling bold. It’s like giving your pizza a little party outfit.
Side Dishes
This pizza loves company—a big leafy green salad with a simple vinaigrette is fresh and perfect. Roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, or a light citrusy quinoa tabbouleh would all balance out that cheesy, lemony bliss. Don’t forget a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or your favorite sparkling water!
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, cut your 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza into squares for easy sharing at gatherings, or fold slices for a casual picnic vibe. Serve on a wooden board with little bowls of extra basil, lemon zest, or chili-infused honey so everyone can customize their bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, lucky you! Store extra 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight—some say it’s even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this pizza either before or after baking. For unbaked pizza, assemble on parchment, freeze until solid, then wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. For baked leftovers, wrap slices individually—reheat straight from the freezer for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat pizza slices in a hot oven (400°F) on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes—this keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave if you can, but if you must, use a lower setting and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of dough for 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza?
Absolutely! You can use classic white dough, whole wheat, sourdough, or even premade flatbreads or naan for a shortcut. Adjust baking time as needed for thinner or thicker crusts.
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Do I have to use Meyer lemons?
Nope! Meyer lemons are a touch sweeter and less tart, but regular lemons work just as well. Just be sure to slice them extra-thin and remove any seeds before layering them onto your pizza.
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Is the lemon peel bitter on this pizza?
When sliced paper-thin and baked with cheese and honey, lemon slices become tender and mellow, not bitter. If you’re worried, use Meyer lemons or even remove the peel from regular lemons for an ultra-mild flavor.
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Can I make 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the dough and slice all the toppings ahead. If you want to assemble in advance, do so right before baking to keep the dough from getting soggy. Baked pizza also reheats well within a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something special, give this 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza a spin! The flavors are truly unforgettable—fresh, bright, and utterly delicious. I hope this recipe finds a spot in your regular rotation and brings joy to your table whenever you need a little burst of sunshine. Enjoy every single slice!
Print
3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Three Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With a perfect balance of flavors, this pizza is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The combination of tangy lemon, fragrant basil, and three types of cheese makes for a truly irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1/2 lb ball of pizza dough
Toppings:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, halved and leaves separated
- Chili flakes
- 1 tsp honey
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 small Meyer or regular lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Prepare the crust: On a lightly floured surface, stretch the dough into a thin 10-12 inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan, sesame seeds, thyme, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes. Drizzle honey over the top.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone over the crust. Arrange lemon slices on top, then add torn basil leaves.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can customize this pizza by adding your favorite toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or arugula.
- For a vegetarian version, omit any meat toppings and load up on extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
