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3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crust option)

Description

A vibrant and delicious 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza combining creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, fresh basil, and bright lemon zest and juice on a chewy pizza crust. Perfect for a quick, fresh, and customizable meal that balances indulgence with refreshing citrus and herbal flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

  • 1 pizza dough (fresh or store-bought, about 12 inches)

Cheeses

  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Citrus

  • 10–12 fresh basil leaves
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (optional, minced)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes to make stretching easier.
  2. Assemble the Cheese Layer: Spread dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the ricotta, then grate Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a balanced cheese layer.
  3. Add Lemon Zest and Basil: Sprinkle the fresh lemon zest across the cheese layer. Tear fresh basil leaves into medium pieces and scatter them evenly over the pizza to infuse it with vibrant herbal flavor.
  4. Drizzle Olive Oil and Season: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the assembled pizza. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Optionally, sprinkle minced garlic for subtle savory notes.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
  6. Finish with Lemon Juice: After removing the pizza from the oven, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add a final bright, citrusy note that elevates the overall flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and lemon zest for the most intense flavor.
  • Preheat your oven fully to ensure a crisp crust and proper cheese melting.
  • Balance the amount of cheese to keep the pizza fresh and not too heavy.
  • Use a pizza stone or steel if available for a golden, crispy bottom crust.
  • Add lemon juice only after baking to maintain its bright, fresh taste and avoid bitterness.
  • If desired, add toppings like grilled chicken, roasted tomatoes, or substitute cheeses for variation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: 3 cheese pizza, lemon basil pizza, ricotta mozzarella parmesan pizza, fresh pizza recipe, easy pizza, gluten-free pizza option, citrus pizza

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Find it online: https://savortrack.com/3-cheese-lemon-basil-pizza/