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3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
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This 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is a quick and flavorful homemade pizza featuring a perfect blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses complemented by fresh basil and a zesty lemon twist. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a bright, fresh take on classic pizza with a crisp crust, creamy cheeses, and fragrant herbs, making it an ideal dish for any pizza lover seeking a gourmet-quality meal with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Pizza Base

  • Pizza dough (fresh or store-bought)
  • Olive oil (for brushing and drizzling)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cheeses

  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Flavorings & Fresh Ingredients

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • Fresh lemon juice (small amount, to taste)
  • Garlic (1 clove, finely minced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness—most prefer a thin, crispy base for this type of pizza. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone for best results.
  2. Add olive oil and garlic: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil. If you love garlic, finely mince one clove and sprinkle it evenly across the dough to infuse subtle savory notes during baking.
  3. Spread the cheese blend: Evenly dollop the ricotta cheese first to create creamy pockets. Next, scatter shredded mozzarella over the surface to ensure a stretchy melt. Finish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan across the pizza to add a flavorful crust when baked.
  4. Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Add lemon and basil: As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, zest a fresh lemon over the top and squeeze a small amount of lemon juice for an irresistible brightness. Then scatter fresh basil leaves generously, allowing their fragrance and color to shine.
  6. Final seasoning: Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste. Slice up your pizza and serve immediately for the best flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cheeses: Fresh, good-quality mozzarella and ricotta make a noticeable difference in creaminess and melt.
  • Don’t skip lemon zest: The zest adds essential citrus oils that brighten the entire pie far more than juice alone.
  • Preheat the oven thoroughly: Ensure your oven is fully heated before baking for the crispiest crust.
  • Pat dry basil leaves: Excess moisture can make your pizza soggy, so gently pat fresh basil before adding it.
  • Use a pizza stone or steel: For professional-level crust texture and heat distribution, a stone is worth investing in.
  • To keep basil vibrant, add it after baking rather than before.
  • For vegan adaptations, substitute plant-based cheeses and crust.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 1 month and thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat in an oven or skillet to maintain crust crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: 3 cheese pizza, lemon basil pizza, quick pizza recipe, easy homemade pizza, lemon zest pizza, basil pizza, mozzarella ricotta parmesan pizza

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