3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe
This 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is a bright and savory dish featuring a crispy thin crust topped with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, accented by fresh thyme, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes. Thin slices of lemon add a zesty brightness complemented by a generous amount of fresh basil. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and fresh twist on traditional pizza.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Base
- 1/2 pound ball of pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Cheese and Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, halved, with leaves separated
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 small Meyer or regular lemon, thinly sliced
- Generous amount of fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it reaches a high temperature for a crispy pizza crust.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch and press the pizza dough into a thin circle about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it onto a baking sheet.
- Add olive oil and base toppings: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with extra virgin olive oil. Then sprinkle evenly with grated parmesan cheese, toasted sesame seeds, fresh thyme leaves, chopped garlic, separated shallot leaves, and a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Drizzle the honey over these ingredients to balance the flavors.
- Layer cheeses and lemon slices: Evenly scatter the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the seasoned base. Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of the cheese mixture, distributing them evenly to infuse a fresh citrus aroma as it bakes.
- Top with basil and bake: Add a few torn basil leaves on top before placing the pizza in the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Final basil topping and serving: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with an additional two large handfuls of fresh basil leaves to enhance the fresh herbal flavor. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, consider preheating the baking sheet or using a pizza stone.
- Adjust the chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Meyer lemons add a sweeter, more floral lemon flavor compared to regular lemons.
- To further enhance flavor, allow dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic impact.
Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/3-cheese-lemon-basil-pizza-recipe/
