Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450° F (232° C) to ensure it is hot enough to achieve a crisp and golden crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/lemon-basil-pizza-recipe/
