Irresistible 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza You’ll Crave Tonight

Artisan pizzas with zesty herb combinations have revolutionized contemporary culinary experiences.

Cheese lovers find immense satisfaction in discovering unique flavor profiles that challenge traditional pizza expectations.

The harmony of tangy lemon, aromatic basil, and rich cheese creates a remarkable gastronomic journey for adventurous palates.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients transform an ordinary pizza into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that delights sensory receptors.

Sophisticated home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the delicate balance of ingredients that elevate this pizza beyond standard preparations.

Creative cooking techniques and premium ingredients merge seamlessly to produce a memorable dining experience that celebrates fresh, vibrant flavors.

Why 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Tastes Amazing

• Whip Up a Flavor Explosion: This 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza offers a unique culinary adventure that's sure to tantalize taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Assemble the pizza in just minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous meals or last-minute entertaining.
• Gourmet Meets Simple: Combine high-end ingredients like multiple cheeses and fresh basil with basic cooking techniques for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions – from casual family dinners to sophisticated appetizer at a dinner party, this pizza satisfies everyone's cravings with its bold and bright flavor profile.

Everything Inside 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Pizza Dough: Thin and crispy foundation for the pizza, whole wheat or regular flour works best.
• Olive Oil: Provides a golden, crisp texture and rich flavor base for the crust.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Creamy, melty combination with complex flavor profile, aged cheeses recommended for deeper taste.

• Sesame Seeds, Thyme, Garlic, Shallots: Adds layered herbal and nutty undertones, fresh ingredients enhance overall pizza complexity.
• Chili Flakes: Provides subtle heat and spicy kick, adjust according to personal spice preference.
• Honey: Balances spice with sweet notes, helps caramelize toppings.

• Lemon Slices: Adds bright citrus notes and visual appeal, use fresh, thin-sliced lemons.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces fresh, aromatic herb finish, torn just before serving for maximum flavor.

Easy Steps For 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 450°F (232°C) and let it warm up completely.

Step 2: Craft The Perfect Crust

Dust your work surface with a light coating of flour.

Gently stretch the pizza dough into a thin, rustic circle about 10-12 inches wide.

Carefully slide the stretched dough onto a baking sheet.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

Drizzle olive oil across the entire dough surface.

• Parmesan cheese
• Sesame seeds
• Thyme
• Minced garlic
• Chopped shallots
• Chili flakes

Drizzle a whisper of honey for sweetness.

Scatter mozzarella and provolone cheese evenly.

Artfully arrange lemon slices across the cheesy landscape.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the pizza into the hot oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns gorgeous golden brown and cheese bubbles seductively.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Pull the pizza from the oven.

Shower with fresh, vibrant basil leaves.

Slice into tempting wedges.

Devour immediately and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips For 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Optimize Dough Stretch: Roll the pizza dough gently to prevent tearing, using light flour to keep the surface non-sticky and ensure an even, thin crust.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Layer cheeses strategically from bottom to top to create a perfect melt, with parmesan providing a crispy base and mozzarella delivering creamy texture.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Toast sesame seeds and herbs briefly before sprinkling to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance the overall taste profile of the pizza.
• Lemon Slice Placement: Arrange lemon slices thin and evenly to prevent burning and ensure each bite gets a bright, citrusy undertone without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Herb Freshness Secret: Add fresh basil after baking to maintain its vibrant green color and release maximum flavor, preventing wilting and preserving the herb's delicate essence.

How To Keep 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerated pizza stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps. This method restores original texture better than microwave.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place pizza on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Adds soft texture but might slightly reduce crispness.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen pizza remains good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Works Well With 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Zesty White Wine Companion: Pair this bright, cheesy pizza with a crisp Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon and basil notes, cutting through the rich cheese flavors.
• Herb-Infused Salad Sidekick: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to mirror the pizza's citrusy and cheesy profile, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Whip up a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water with fresh basil and a hint of lemon zest to cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the pizza's bright ingredients.
• Crisp Antipasto Starter: Serve a small plate of marinated olives, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella to prepare the taste buds for the pizza's complex flavor combinations.

Fun Variations For 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• Gluten-Free Veggie Delight: Replace traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made dough. Swap cheeses for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese blends.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and swap some cheeses with crumbled feta. Sprinkle za'atar spice blend instead of thyme for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use a cauliflower or almond flour crust. Increase fatty cheeses like mascarpone and reduce moisture-heavy ingredients. Add crispy prosciutto or pancetta for extra protein and crunch.
• Spicy Seafood Upgrade: Replace lemon slices with fresh shrimp or crab meat. Add smoked paprika, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and incorporate minced jalapeños for a zesty seafood pizza experience.

FAQ About 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

• How do I prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the surface?

Lightly dust your work surface with flour before stretching the dough, and use a thin spatula or pizza peel to transfer it easily to the baking sheet.

• Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

While possible, freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a more authentic flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

• What if I don't have fresh basil?

Dried basil can work as a substitute, but use less since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, you can use fresh parsley or oregano for a similar herbaceous touch.

• How thin should I stretch the pizza dough?

Aim for a thin, even layer about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures a crispy crust that cooks evenly and allows the toppings to shine.

Rich 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza offers an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired blend of tangy and creamy flavors. Fresh basil leaves and bright citrus notes dance across melted cheese, creating a light yet luxurious culinary experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheeses:

• ¾ cup (177 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup (177 ml) shredded provolone cheese
• ¼ cup (59 ml) grated parmesan cheese

Pizza Base and Aromatics:

• ½ pound (227 grams) pizza dough
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 shallot, halved and leaves separated
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh thyme leaves
• 2 big handfuls of fresh basil

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
• 1 small Meyer lemon or regular lemon, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a scorching 450°F (232°C) to ensure a perfectly crisp pizza foundation.
2. Dust a clean work surface with flour and gently stretch the pizza dough into a thin, elegant 10-12 inch circular shape, carefully transferring it onto a prepared baking sheet.
3. Tenderly paint the dough’s surface with a delicate layer of olive oil, creating a flavorful base for the upcoming toppings.
4. Generously scatter parmesan, sesame seeds, thyme, minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, and a sprinkle of chili flakes across the crust, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
5. Drizzle a golden stream of honey over the seasoned surface, introducing a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
6. Distribute mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly, ensuring a luxurious, melty coverage across the entire pizza.
7. Artfully arrange thin lemon slices atop the cheese, promising a bright, citrusy undertone to each bite.
8. Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, molten cheese.
9. Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and crown it with a generous handful of freshly torn basil leaves, adding a final burst of aromatic freshness.
10. Slice into wedges and serve immediately, allowing diners to savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Customize dough thickness by rolling it thinner or thicker depending on personal preference for crispy or chewy crust.
• Experiment with alternative cheese combinations like goat cheese or feta for unique flavor profiles and dietary adaptations.
• Adjust chili flakes quantity to control spice level, ensuring the pizza suits various heat tolerances.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients especially for lemon and basil to enhance overall taste and aromatic experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg