What types of cheese work best on a 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza?

A popular blend includes fresh mozzarella, provolone, and Fontina cheeses. Fresh mozzarella provides creamy melting, provolone adds a mild sharpness, and Fontina offers a nutty flavor. This combination creates a rich, melty texture that pairs well with the fresh lemon and basil toppings. You can adjust the ratios based on your preference or use a similar melty cheese blend for a balanced taste.

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons on this pizza?

Yes, you can use regular lemons, but Meyer lemons are preferred because they are naturally sweeter and less acidic. When cooked, Meyer lemons caramelize well and add a subtle citrus sweetness instead of bitterness. If using regular lemons, thinly slice them and consider removing seeds to reduce any bitterness after baking.

How should I bake a 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza for the best crust and cheese melt?

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Using a hot oven helps create a crisp crust while perfectly melting the cheese without drying out the toppings.

Why is fresh basil added to the pizza, and when should it be placed?

Fresh basil adds a sweet, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color that complements the lemon and cheeses. For the best taste and appearance, add the basil leaves after baking or in the last few minutes of cooking. This helps preserve their fresh flavor and prevents them from wilting or burning.

What kind of dough works well for making this pizza at home?

You can use either homemade pizza dough or a store-bought dough from grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. If using homemade dough, bring it to room temperature before shaping to make stretching easier. Thinner dough works nicely to balance the richness of the cheeses and brightness of the lemon without overpowering the toppings.

3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe With Zesty Fresh Herbs

Name: 3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-494305H22M48S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 1/2 pound pizza dough; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; – 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; – 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; – 2 cloves garlic; – 1 shallot, halved with leaves separated; – 1 teaspoon chili flakes; – 3/4 cup fresh mozzarella cheese; – 3/4 cup provolone cheese; – 1 small Meyer lemon or small regular lemon, thinly sliced; – Fresh basil leaves, torn (quantity as needed for topping); – Optional: honey drizzle

Ingredients

– 1/2 pound pizza dough

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

– 2 cloves garlic

– 1 shallot, halved with leaves separated

– 1 teaspoon chili flakes

– 3/4 cup fresh mozzarella cheese

– 3/4 cup provolone cheese

– 1 small Meyer lemon or small regular lemon, thinly sliced

– Fresh basil leaves, torn (quantity as needed for topping)

– Optional: honey drizzle

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Instructions

1-First: preheat the oven to 450°F. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 10-12 inch circle and transfer it to a baking sheet or parchment paper. This step sets the base for all the flavors to come.

2-Next: brush the crust lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, fresh thyme, grated garlic, shallots, and chili flakes. If you like, drizzle honey on top for a sweet touch; it’s a great way to balance the zesty lemon later.

3-Then: add the fresh mozzarella and provolone cheese evenly over the crust. Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of the cheese to infuse that bright citrus note. For related ideas, check out our garlic cheese pizza recipe for more cheese tips.

4-Now, bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Once done, remove from the oven and top with large handfuls of fresh torn basil leaves. Slice and serve right away for the freshest taste. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a total time of around 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

Notes

🍋 Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less bitter flavor that caramelizes nicely when cooked.
🧅 Shallots add a mild, caramelized onion flavor when cooked on the pizza.
🌿 Double the fresh basil leaves for a brighter herbal finish and aroma.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
Calories: 385