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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a scorching 450°F (232°C) to ensure a perfectly crisp pizza foundation.
- 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.
- Tenderly paint the dough’s surface with a delicate layer of olive oil, creating a flavorful base for the upcoming toppings.
- 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.
- Drizzle a golden stream of honey over the seasoned surface, introducing a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Distribute mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly, ensuring a luxurious, melty coverage across the entire pizza.
- Artfully arrange thin lemon slices atop the cheese, promising a bright, citrusy undertone to each bite.
- Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, molten cheese.
- 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.
- 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