Description
Culinary magic unfolds with this 3-cheese lemon basil pizza, blending zesty citrus notes and herbaceous freshness into a perfect Italian-inspired masterpiece. Crisp crust, melted cheese, and aromatic basil create a delightful symphony you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Cheese Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
- ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh basil leaves, torn
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or arugula for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a scorching 475°F (245°C), positioning a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to intensify heat distribution.
- On a flour-dusted surface, gently stretch the dough into a rustic 12-inch circle, achieving your preferred thickness.
- Create a zesty base layer by blending ricotta with minced garlic, a pinch of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and bright lemon zest in a mixing bowl.
- Slide the delicate dough onto a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet for easy maneuvering.
- Generously brush the dough’s surface with fragrant olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
- Spread the aromatic ricotta mixture evenly across the dough, creating a creamy foundation.
- Liberally sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the ricotta layer, establishing a rich, melty topping.
- Transfer the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and the cheese bubbles enticingly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh, vibrant basil leaves, a delicate drizzle of lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes or peppery arugula.
- Slice into wedges and serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the crust remains crisp.
Notes
- Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients like locally sourced ricotta and fresh basil for maximum flavor complexity.
- Adjust cheese ratios to accommodate dietary needs: use low-fat mozzarella for lighter version or dairy-free alternatives for vegan preferences.
- Allow ricotta mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes before spreading to help flavors meld and intensify the taste profile.
- Pat fresh basil leaves dry before adding to prevent excess moisture on pizza surface, ensuring crispy crust texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg