Name: Lemon Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¾ cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 garlic clove (minced); zest of 1 lemon; 1 small lemon (thinly sliced, seeds removed); 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or basil (optional); salt and black pepper to taste; crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you’ve ever wanted to surprise your taste buds with something truly special, say hello to Lemon Pizza! Picture a golden, bubbly crust topped with creamy ricotta, the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, and the savory hug of melted cheese. Every bite tastes like sunshine captured on a pizza, making it a stunning twist on the classic pie. Whether you’re searching for a gourmet appetizer or a light dinner, Lemon Pizza brings a refreshing Italian-inspired burst of flavor that will have everyone reaching for another slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Pizza comes together with a handful of simple but memorable ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—think velvet ricotta, crisp lemon, and a whisper of herbs—to create a pie that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Pizza dough: The canvas for your pizza—go for store-bought for speed, or homemade if you love to knead!
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the crust get that golden, bakery-style finish.
Ricotta cheese: Brings dreamy creaminess and holds the lemon zest’s bright flavor beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic pizza stretch and an irresistible melt.
Garlic: Minced garlic wakes up all the flavors and gives your pizza an irresistible aroma.
Lemon zest: This is the secret to the bold, aromatic citrus note throughout the pizza.
Lemon slices: Thinly sliced, they become tender in the oven and give each bite a sparkling, tangy punch—use Meyer lemons for a sweeter vibe if you can!
Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and a savory finish that balances the citrus perfectly.
Fresh thyme or basil (optional): Herbs lend a fragrant, fresh twist that complements the lemon beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for making all the flavors pop.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a gentle kick of heat, sprinkle these on at the end.

How to Make Lemon Pizza

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Tools Ready

For a truly crispy crust, start by preheating your oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone or a sturdy baking sheet inside so it heats up while you prep. This step is one of the secrets to making Lemon Pizza at home that tastes straight from a pizzeria!

Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough

On a floured surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough into a circle about 10 to 12 inches wide. Don’t worry about making it perfectly round—those rustic edges just add character.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Topping

In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with minced garlic, grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. This fragrant mixture is what gives Lemon Pizza its signature flavor profile.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Carefully (using oven mitts!) remove your hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven, and gently place the dough on top. Brush the surface with olive oil, then spread the ricotta mixture all over, leaving a little crust border. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top for a melt factor, then arrange the thin lemon slices evenly—make sure each slice gets some lemony goodness. Finish with a generous grate of Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the assembled Lemon Pizza into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling with little golden spots. The lemons will soften and become almost candy-like, infusing the whole pizza with their zest.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Once your pizza is out of the oven, shower it with fresh herbs like basil or thyme if you’d like, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a playful kick. A little extra fresh-cracked black pepper never hurts either!

How to Serve Lemon Pizza

Garnishes

To make your Lemon Pizza truly pop, scatter a handful of fresh basil leaves or a dusting of thyme over the top right after baking. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of olive oil or a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a gourmet touch and makes those citrus notes sing.

Side Dishes

Lemon Pizza is light and lively, so pair it with a simple mixed green salad, peppery arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or a bowl of marinated olives. For drinks, something crisp—like a cold, citrusy white wine or sparkling water—is a match made in heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Lemon Pizza into thin wedges for a vibrant party appetizer, or serve alongside other small pizzas for a “pizza flight” dinner. For a fresh twist, top each slice with arugula or microgreens after baking to add a pop of color and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Lemon Pizza left (though let’s be honest—that’s a big “if”), keep the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pizza holds onto its flavor and texture surprisingly well, making for a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Lemon Pizza! Cool the baked slices completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re craving that sunny citrus flavor, just reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat leftover Lemon Pizza in a hot oven (425°F for about 7 minutes) or in a toaster oven. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that irresistible crust crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Absolutely! Mascarpone or goat cheese provide a similar creamy texture and pair beautifully with the lemon and herbs. Just keep in mind that the richer the cheese, the more mellow the lemon flavor may feel.

Is it necessary to use a pizza stone for Lemon Pizza?

A pizza stone will give you the crispiest, most bakery-style crust, but a sturdy baking sheet preheated in the oven does a great job too. Don’t let the lack of a stone hold you back!

Which type Main Course

Meyer lemons are fantastic because they’re naturally sweeter and less bitter, but regular lemons work just as well. The key is to slice them as thinly as possible and always remove any seeds for the best experience.

Can I make Lemon Pizza ahead of time?

You can prep all your toppings and even stretch out the dough a few hours in advance. For maximum freshness and texture, assemble and bake just before serving.

Is Lemon Pizza suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe is completely vegetarian as written. If you want to make it vegan, substitute plant-based cheeses and double-check your dough ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Lemon Pizza a try next time you crave something both comforting and fresh. It’s a little bit gourmet, a little bit playful, and a whole lot delicious—the kind of recipe you’ll want to tell all your friends about!

Lemon Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the bright flavors of this Lemon Pizza, featuring a zesty ricotta base, gooey mozzarella, and fresh lemon slices. A gourmet twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Toppings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
¾ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 garlic clove (minced)
zest of 1 lemon
1 small lemon (thinly sliced, seeds removed)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or basil (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
Prepare Dough: Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle on a floured surface.
Make Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta cheese with garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble Pizza: Place dough on hot stone, brush with olive oil, spread ricotta mixture, add mozzarella, top with lemon slices and Parmesan.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with herbs and red pepper flakes, slice, and serve warm.