Description
This Lemon Pizza recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza by combining tangy lemon zest and juice with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella cheeses. Baked on a hot pizza stone, the pizza boasts a golden crust topped with fresh herbs and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. It’s perfect for a refreshing, Italian-inspired main course that balances citrus brightness with rich, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or basil, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface to create the pizza base.
- Brush Dough: Lightly brush the rolled-out dough with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Mix Ricotta Topping: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Spread Topping: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the ricotta layer to add richness and meltiness.
- Bake Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the heated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh chopped herbs and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Slice and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra brightness, add thinly sliced preserved lemon or a drizzle of honey after baking.
- This pizza pairs well with arugula tossed in olive oil and lemon for a fresh side salad.
