3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

If you love a pizza that’s fresh, tangy, and impossibly cheesy, this 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is about to be your new obsession. Imagine golden bubbly cheese, punchy lemon slices, and a shower of fresh basil on each slice—pure flavor joy with every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This pizza is pure simplicity, but don’t be fooled—each ingredient has a job to do. Every bite of 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza relies on the interplay of fresh dough, zesty lemon, loads of basil, and (of course!) gooey cheeses for max deliciousness and vibrant color.

• Pizza dough (½ lb ball): Go homemade if you have time, or grab a quality store-bought dough for a fast, foolproof base.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the toppings crisp and brown beautifully.
• Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Brings savory, salty depth and umami to the top layer.
• Toasted sesame seeds (2 tbsp): A playful twist for nuttiness and extra crunch on the crust.
• Fresh thyme leaves (1 tbsp): Infuses earthiness that brightens every bite.
• Garlic, chopped (2 cloves): For that essential, aromatic pizza flavor kick.
• Shallot, halved and leaves separated (1): Mild, sweet onion flavor with a delicate bite.
• Chili flakes: Sprinkle to taste for a gentle hint of heat.
• Honey (1 tsp): Just a drizzle to balance the tangy lemon and salty cheese.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (¾ cup): Creamy melt and classic “pizza pull” goodness.
• Shredded provolone cheese (¾ cup): Adds buttery, slightly sharp flavor and luxurious texture.
• Meyer or regular lemon, thinly sliced (1 small): The not-so-secret ingredient that makes this pizza pop with fragrance, color, and zest.
• Fresh basil—lots of it! For layering before and after baking; basil adds freshness and a summery aroma to every bite.

Variations

Pizza is always ready to dress up or go casual—just like us! The beauty of 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is that it’s surprisingly adaptable, so you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or any cravings that strike.

• Swap the Cheeses: Try fontina, goat cheese, or even a bit of blue for extra creaminess or sharpness in your cheese blend.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough for a version everyone can enjoy.
• Add Protein: Prosciutto, grilled chicken, or even smoked salmon turn this pie into a satisfying main course.
• Go Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese shreds and vegan honey or maple syrup, and you won’t miss out on any of that bright lemony flavor.

How to Make 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to a roaring 450°F for that iconic bubbling pizza finish. On a lightly floured surface, work your pizza dough into a thin round (about 10–12 inches across). Don’t stress about perfect circles—a rustic shape promises homemade charm! Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment or a pizza stone if you have one.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Lightly brush the dough with olive oil, making sure to go all the way to the edges. Next, sprinkle on the parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, thyme leaves, chopped garlic, separated shallot layers, and a shower of chili flakes. Lastly, drizzle honey across the surface for a beautiful balance of sweet and savory.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Lemon

Mound mozzarella and provolone cheeses across your pizza, letting the shreds overlap for that unrivaled melt. Gently nestle the lemon slices over the cheese and scatter a handful of torn fresh basil leaves on top—these will crisp and gently char in the oven for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pizza onto the middle rack and bake for 10–15 minutes. Watch for a bubbling, golden cheese top and a deeply golden, crisp crust. When the aroma fills the kitchen and the basil has curled at the edges, you’re ready!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Take the pizza from the oven and immediately top with two generous handfuls of fresh basil. Slice and serve your 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza while everything is still warm and the cheese stretches with each cut. Pure happiness!

How to Serve 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

Garnishes

Don’t skimp on finishing touches—a final layer of fresh basil, an extra drizzle of good olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can make your 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza extra special. For a spicy kick, a scatter of chili flakes or a dusting of lemon zest right before serving is downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

This vibrant pizza pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a chilled glass of crisp white wine. If you’re serving a crowd, add a simple antipasto platter—think olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or casual get-togethers, try slicing your 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza into thin strips or bite-sized squares for platter-style appetizers. Or—my favorite—set up a “pizza night” bar, letting guests pile on extra toppings and basil as they like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you actually have leftovers (rare in my kitchen!), let the pizza cool, then wrap slices tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors settle and become even more pronounced overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, simply layer cooled slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture—this works surprisingly well and makes for a quick lunch fix!

Reheating

For that “just baked” experience, reheat slices in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for about 6–8 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust crisps. Avoid microwaving if you can—it softens the crust and dulls those crisp lemon and basil notes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is the most joyful way to bring bright, sunny flavors and gourmet vibes to your table—no takeout required. I hope you give it a try soon and let these fresh, zesty, cheesy notes bring a little sunshine to your pizza night!

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