3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is a fresh, zesty twist on classic pizza that’s both rich and refreshing. With a blend of creamy cheeses, bright lemon zest, and fragrant basil, this pizza offers a gourmet flavor profile that’s perfect for warm-weather dinners, parties, or whenever you’re craving something light but indulgent.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
ricotta cheese
mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh)
parmesan cheese (grated)
lemon zest
lemon juice
fresh basil leaves
olive oil
garlic (minced)
salt
black pepper
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape and thickness.

In a small bowl, mix ricotta with minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper.

Spread the lemon-garlic ricotta mixture over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.

Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Bake on the preheated stone or sheet for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Remove from oven and top with fresh basil leaves.

Slice and serve immediately with a drizzle of extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 medium pizza (2–3 servings).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add thinly sliced zucchini or artichokes for a veggie boost.
Top with prosciutto or grilled chicken for added protein.
Use goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier bite.
Add arugula after baking for a peppery finish.
Swap in fontina or burrata for one of the cheeses.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes for best results.
Not recommended for freezing due to the fresh basil and ricotta texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works great and saves time.

Is the lemon flavor strong?
It’s subtle and refreshing—adjust zest and juice to your taste.

Can I grill this pizza?
Absolutely! Grill the dough first, then add toppings and finish until cheese is melted.

Do I need to pre-cook the crust?
No, it bakes with the toppings in the oven and crisps up beautifully.

What’s the best mozzarella to use?
Fresh mozzarella gives a creamy melt, but low-moisture shredded mozzarella also works well.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza crust or dough.

Conclusion

3-Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is the ultimate balance of creamy, cheesy richness and bright, citrusy freshness. Whether you’re enjoying it as a summer dinner or serving it as a shareable appetizer, this pizza is a flavor-forward, easy-to-love favorite that brings a fresh twist to your pizza night.

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