Lemon Pizza Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Pizza combines a zesty lemon herb-infused olive oil base with fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese melted to perfection on a golden crust. Finished with fresh parsley, a drizzle of lemon juice, and optional toppings like arugula or prosciutto, this unique pizza offers a bright, refreshing twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza, serves 2-3 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Dough and Base
- 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or from ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chili flakes
- Baby arugula or mixed greens
- Prosciutto
- Capers
- Other herbs like basil or thyme
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get it hot. This ensures a crispy crust by providing consistent high heat from below.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness, ensuring an even shape for uniform baking.
- Prepare Lemon Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, water, chopped fresh parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful lemon herb brushing sauce.
- Brush Dough: Evenly brush the lemon herb mixture over the surface of the rolled-out dough, infusing the base with bright citrus and herb flavors.
- Add Cheese: Layer the fresh mozzarella evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory finish.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the prepared pizza carefully to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice. Sprinkle fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper on top for freshness and seasoning.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add chili flakes, baby arugula or mixed greens, prosciutto, capers, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of zesty, cheesy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone preheated in the oven helps create a crispier crust.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- Fresh mozzarella works best for melting, but shredded firm mozzarella is a convenient substitute.
- Optional toppings like prosciutto or arugula add contrasting texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried basil or thyme can be substituted but add less quantity.
- The pizza cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid burning.
Keywords: lemon pizza, lemon herb pizza, vegetarian pizza, fresh mozzarella pizza, easy pizza dough recipe, citrus pizza