Description
This Lemon Pizza Recipe offers a bright and refreshing twist on traditional pizza, combining creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, tangy Parmesan, and thinly sliced lemons on a crisp, golden crust. Perfect for a gourmet vegetarian meal, it’s easy to prepare and bakes quickly for a delightful citrus-infused flavor enhanced by fresh thyme and optional arugula topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 12–14 oz)
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Flavorings
- 1 small lemon (thinly sliced and seeds removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh arugula (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crisp crust during baking.
- Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle for an even base.
- Mix Ricotta Spread: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spread.
- Assemble Pizza: Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper, then spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Cheeses and Lemon: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the ricotta. Arrange the thin lemon slices evenly on top to deliver a fresh citrus taste.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the pizza, then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and crushed red pepper flakes if using for added flavor and a touch of heat.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza, along with the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Add Final Touches: Remove the pizza from the oven and, if desired, top with fresh arugula for a peppery contrast and freshness.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into portions and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
Notes
- Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter and less bitter lemon flavor that pairs well with cheese.
- For added depth, briefly grill the lemon slices before adding them to the pizza to achieve a caramelized taste.
- Optional drizzle of honey or hot honey after baking can provide a sweet-spicy finish that complements the citrus.
