Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Basil Pizza is a bright and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Featuring fresh lemon slices, aromatic basil, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a quick and delicious way to impress any pizza lover.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ball of pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 shallot, halved and leaves separated
• Chili flakes, to taste
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 small Meyer or regular lemon, thinly sliced
• Generous handfuls of fresh basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly flour a surface and stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle about 10-12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Brush the crust lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with parmesan cheese, toasted sesame seeds, fresh thyme leaves, chopped garlic, separated shallot leaves, and chili flakes. Drizzle the honey over the top.
3. Step 3: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the crust. Arrange thin lemon slices atop the cheese, then scatter torn or whole basil leaves over everything.
4. Step 4: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Remove the pizza from the oven, add an extra two big handfuls of fresh basil on top, slice, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less acidic flavor or regular lemons for a classic tartness.
• Swap the sesame seeds for pine nuts or omit them if you prefer a simpler crust topping.
• For extra depth, lightly toast the garlic before adding it to the pizza.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes after baking if you like a bit more heat.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time. Just follow the same stretching and baking instructions.

Do I need to precook the lemon slices?

No need to precook the lemon slices. Thin slices bake well on the pizza, adding a bright citrus flavor and slight caramelization.

Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews

This Lemon Basil Pizza offers a refreshing twist on a classic favorite by combining bright lemon slices, fresh basil, and a flavorful mix of cheeses atop a crispy homemade pizza crust. The addition of toasted sesame seeds, garlic, shallots, and a drizzle of honey delivers a unique balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, baked to perfection for a golden, bubbly delight perfect for any pizza lover looking for a vibrant and aromatic meal.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 10-12 inch pizza, serves 2-3 people 1x
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pizza Dough & Base

• 1/2 pound ball of pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 shallot, halved and leaves separated
• Chili flakes, to taste
• 1 teaspoon honey

Cheese & Toppings

• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 small Meyer or regular lemon, thinly sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, plenty for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450° F (232° C) to ensure it is hot enough to achieve a crisp and golden crust.
2. Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch and push the pizza dough out into a thin circle about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Transfer this dough gently onto a baking sheet.
3. Add the base flavors: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with extra virgin olive oil. Evenly sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, toasted sesame seeds, fresh thyme leaves, chopped garlic, separated shallot leaves, and chili flakes over the dough. Then, drizzle the honey across the top to add a hint of sweetness.
4. Top with cheeses and lemon: Spread the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the base. Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of the cheese. Scatter a handful or torn fresh basil leaves over the pizza.
5. Bake the pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with two big handfuls of fresh basil leaves for an added punch of herbaceous flavor. Slice and serve while warm and enjoy the balance of citrus, herbs, and cheese.

Notes

• Use a pizza stone if available to get an even crispier crust.
• Adjust chili flakes to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
• For best flavor, use fresh, ripe basil and a Meyer lemon if possible for a sweeter citrus note.
• Honey can be substituted with agave syrup for a vegan option.
• Thinly slice the lemon very carefully to avoid large seeds and to ensure even baking.

Keywords: Lemon Basil Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Vegetarian Pizza, Citrus Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Easy Pizza Recipe, Fresh Basil Pizza, Lemon Slices Pizza