There’s something magical about homemade pizza. The aroma of bubbling cheese, the crisp yet chewy crust, and the way the flavors come together in perfect harmony—it’s pure comfort. And this 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza? It’s a total game-changer.
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Imagine a golden, crispy crust layered with a medley of rich, melty cheeses, kissed with fresh basil, and finished with a zesty lemon twist. It’s bright, it’s flavorful, and trust me—you’re going to love every single bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or wowing guests at a gathering, this pizza is bound to be a favorite.
Why You’ll Love 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
Versatile: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend pizza night. You can even make mini versions for an appetizer spread!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques—just delicious, straightforward cooking.
Customizable: Want to add protein? Toss on some grilled chicken or prosciutto. Prefer a spicy kick? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for both cheese lovers and fresh flavor enthusiasts.
Ingredients in 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
Here’s why each ingredient plays a key role in creating the ultimate cheesy, zesty, herby pizza:
Pizza Dough: The foundation of your pizza—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Use homemade or store-bought!
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, gooey goodness that every great pizza needs. It creates that iconic cheese pull we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty, and full of flavor. It adds depth and a touch of saltiness.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and slightly sweet, balancing out the sharper cheeses beautifully.
Lemon Zest: The secret ingredient! It brightens up the pizza with a fresh, citrusy twist.
Fresh Basil: Fragrant and slightly peppery, adding a touch of freshness that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances the flavor and helps the crust get that beautiful golden color.
Garlic: Because what’s a great pizza without a hint of garlicky goodness?
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the amazing flavors.
How to Make 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to a high temperature—about 475°F (245°C)—so your pizza bakes up crisp and golden. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
Prepare Your Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for your desired thickness, whether that’s thin and crispy or slightly thicker for a chewier bite.
Assemble the Pizza: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel. Drizzle with olive oil and rub garlic over the surface for a boost of flavor.
Add the Cheese Trio: Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella, followed by dollops of ricotta and a dusting of Parmesan.
Bake to Perfection: Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with lemon zest and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice up your pizza and dig in! Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy cheese, bright citrus, and fragrant basil.
How to Serve 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
This pizza is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:
Pair it with a fresh salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the bright flavors perfectly.
Add a dipping sauce: Try a side of marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.
Serve with wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the lemony, cheesy flavors.
Additional Tips
Use a pizza stone: If you have one, it will give you an extra crispy crust. Just make sure to preheat it!
Make it extra garlicky: Add roasted garlic cloves for even more flavor.
Store leftovers properly: Wrap slices in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Freeze the dough: Make extra pizza dough and freeze it for a quick homemade pizza night anytime.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great and saves time. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q2: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare the dough and toppings in advance, but bake it fresh for the best results.
Q3: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A3: Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid the microwave—it makes the crust chewy.
Q4: Can I add protein?
A4: Definitely! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or prosciutto would be amazing additions.
Q5: How do I make this gluten-free?
A5: Swap the regular dough for a gluten-free pizza crust—many stores carry great options!
Q6: Can I make this vegan?
A6: Yes! Use vegan cheese alternatives and a plant-based ricotta substitute.
Q7: What other herbs can I use?
A7: Try fresh oregano, thyme, or even mint for a fun twist!
Q8: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A8: It’s best to use freshly grated cheese—pre-shredded has added starches that affect melting.
Q9: How do I prevent a soggy crust?
A9: Don’t overload it with cheese, and bake at a high temperature for a crispier base.
Q10: What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A10: No worries! A preheated baking sheet works as a great alternative.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re a pizza pro or a total beginner, this recipe is foolproof and sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, crank up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or three) of homemade pizza perfection.
Print
3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 3 cheese lemon basil pizza is a bright and flavorful twist on a classic! A crispy pizza crust is topped with gooey mozzarella, provolone, nutty parmesan, and a touch of honey for balance. Thinly sliced lemon adds a burst of citrus, while fresh basil brings a fragrant finish. Perfect for pizza night or a gourmet appetizer!
Ingredients
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1/2 lb pizza dough
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
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2 cloves garlic, chopped
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1 shallot, halved and leaves separated
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1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp honey
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3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
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1 small Meyer lemon or regular lemon, thinly sliced
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2 big handfuls of fresh basil
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
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Set the oven to 450°F (232°C).
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Prepare the Dough:
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On a lightly floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a thin 10–12 inch circle.
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Transfer to a baking sheet.
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Add the Toppings:
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Lightly brush the dough with olive oil.
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Sprinkle parmesan, sesame seeds, thyme, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes over the crust.
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Drizzle honey on top.
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Evenly distribute mozzarella and provolone.
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Arrange lemon slices over the cheese.
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Bake the Pizza:
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Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
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Finish with Basil & Serve:
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Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil.
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Slice and enjoy!
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Notes
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Lemon Substitutions: Meyer lemons are sweeter and milder, but regular lemons work too.
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Cheese Alternatives: Swap provolone for gouda, fontina, or an extra layer of parmesan.
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Crust Options: This works great with store-bought pizza dough, naan, or flatbread for an even quicker meal.
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Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick!
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg