3 Cheese Lemon and Basil Pizza
If there’s one dinner that brings our whole family running to the table, it’s this 3 Cheese Lemon and Basil Pizza. It started as a bit of a kitchen experiment—one of those nights where I was craving something fresh, cheesy, and just a little bit different. I had some lemon slices leftover from lunch, a few sprigs of basil in a glass of water on the counter, and the fridge was generously stocked with cheese (as it always is). So, I decided to try something new.
The first bite absolutely floored me. The combination of creamy mozzarella, salty parmesan, and rich ricotta with the brightness of lemon and the peppery freshness of basil is something magical. The lemon doesn’t overwhelm—it adds this zesty lift that cuts through the richness just perfectly. Even my cheese-loving husband, who was skeptical at first about putting citrus on pizza, was completely won over. And the kids? Let’s just say there were no leftovers.
Now, it’s our go-to pizza whenever we want something that feels a little elevated but is still incredibly simple to make. I usually whip it up on a Friday night, throw on some music, and let the aroma of garlic and herbs fill the kitchen. This pizza has become our little way of celebrating the weekend, and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own tradition, too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely. While homemade dough is wonderful, a good-quality store-bought version works beautifully and saves time.
Do I have to use all three cheeses?
You can adjust based on what you have, but the trio of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan gives this pizza its signature creamy, salty, and melty texture.
Is the lemon overpowering?
Not at all! The lemon slices bake into the cheese and mellow out, adding brightness without being sour.
Can I add a protein?
Yes—grilled chicken or prosciutto would pair wonderfully if you’re looking to add more substance.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A hot skillet or the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes keeps the crust crisp and the cheese gooey.
What You Need to Make 3 Cheese Lemon and Basil Pizza
Ingredients:
1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 small lemon, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
1 small handful fresh basil leaves
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Special tools:
Pizza stone or baking sheet
Parchment paper (if not using a stone)
Pizza cutter
How to Make 3 Cheese Lemon and Basil Pizza
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if using. Let it heat for at least 30 minutes for a crispier crust.
Stretch the dough into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a piece of parchment if not using a stone.
Drizzle olive oil over the dough and spread evenly.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the surface, followed by dollops of ricotta.
Add parmesan, then top with shallots and lemon slices.
Season lightly with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Bake for 10–14 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Remove from oven, scatter fresh basil on top, slice, and serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Best 3 Cheese Lemon and Basil Pizza
Thin lemon slices are key. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get them paper-thin so they soften beautifully during baking.
Let the dough rest at room temp for at least 30 minutes before stretching—it’ll be more pliable and easier to work with.
Don’t overload with cheese. Balance is important so the crust bakes properly and doesn’t get soggy.
Finish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist that complements the citrus and cheese.
Try grilled zucchini or artichokes if you want to add more veggies while keeping it light and fresh.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This pizza is sunshine on a plate!” I wasn’t sure how lemon would work on pizza, but now I’m hooked. It’s light, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved it, but added more red pepper flakes.” Great balance of flavors, but I wanted more heat. Will definitely make again with extra chili!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for Friday night pizza!” My husband and I made this together and it was a hit. So fresh and different from the usual pepperoni.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Nice, but a little too tangy for the kids.” I loved the brightness, but next time I might use fewer lemon slices for a more subtle flavor.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Restaurant-quality at home.” Crispy crust, creamy cheese, and that basil! I felt like a gourmet chef making this. Thank you!
Printable Recipe
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3 Cheese Lemon and Basil Pizza
This 3 Cheese Lemon and Basil Pizza is a bright and flavorful twist on pizza night, featuring mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses, fresh basil, and thin slices of lemon for a zesty pop. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, salty, and citrusy—all on a golden, crisp crust.
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small lemon, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 small handful fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Special tools:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Parchment paper (if not using a stone)
- Pizza cutter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if using. Let it heat for at least 30 minutes for a crispier crust.
- Stretch the dough into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a piece of parchment if not using a stone.
- Drizzle olive oil over the dough and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the surface, followed by dollops of ricotta.
- Add parmesan, then top with shallots and lemon slices.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven, scatter fresh basil on top, slice, and serve immediately.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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