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Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza Recipe

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  • Author: cozykitcheneats
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza is a delightful blend of tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and fresh basil. The crispy pizza crust is topped with a layer of mozzarella, ricotta, and a squeeze of lemon, creating a refreshing and savory pizza that’s perfect for any season!

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling, optional)

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Prepare the Pizza:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats for an extra crispy crust.

  2. Prepare the dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.

  3. Brush the crust: Lightly brush the outer edge of the pizza dough with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.

Add the Toppings:

  1. Add the cheese: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

  2. Zest the lemon: Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the cheese layer. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pizza, adding a burst of citrus flavor.

  3. Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Finish the Pizza:

  1. Add fresh basil: Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  2. Optional drizzle: If you want a sweet contrast, drizzle the pizza with a small amount of honey for a hint of sweetness. You can also sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Serve:

 

  1. Slice and enjoy: Slice the pizza and serve immediately while it’s hot and fresh. Garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired

Notes

  • You can add other toppings like goat cheese or caramelized onions for a more complex flavor.

  • For a more intense lemon flavor, add a few thin lemon slices to the top of the pizza before baking.

 

  • If you want a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pizza dough.

Find it online: https://cozykitcheneats.com/cheese-lemon-basil-pizza-recipe/