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3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

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  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2–4)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This 3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is light, fresh, and full of flavor. Creamy cheeses, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil come together on a crispy crust for a unique twist on classic pizza. Perfect for spring and summer dinners!


Ingredients

 

  • 1 prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

  • Cornmeal or flour, for dusting the baking surface


Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.

  • On a floured surface or parchment paper, roll out the pizza dough into your desired shape.

  • Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with the minced garlic.

  • In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

  • Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough.

  • Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

  • Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot oven or pizza stone. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

 

  • Remove from oven and top with fresh basil. Slice and serve hot.


Notes

  • Add a handful of arugula on top after baking for extra freshness.

  • For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 3 minutes before adding toppings.

 

  • Drizzle with honey for a sweet-savory finish.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg