If you’ve been dreaming of a pizza that’s bursting with bright, vibrant flavors yet wonderfully creamy and comforting, then you absolutely must try this Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional pizza where the zesty punch of fresh lemon melds harmoniously with the silky texture of fresh mozzarella and the nutty richness of Parmesan. This pizza brings sunshine to every bite and is surprisingly simple to make, making it a fantastic choice for a weekend treat or a casual dinner that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe, the ingredient list is short but mighty. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the tangy freshness, adding creaminess, or giving that perfect golden crust and texture.
- Easy pizza dough: The foundation for your pizza, providing a chewy, crisp base that’s perfect for holding all the toppings.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust while contributing a subtle fruity aroma.
- Water: Used to make a light lemon-garlic brine that infuses the pizza with moisture and flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a pop of vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes to brighten everything up.
- Garlic clove, grated: A punch of aromatic savoriness that pairs beautifully with lemon and cheese.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice: The stars of the show, giving your pizza an irresistible citrus zing that wakes up your taste buds.
- Fine salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the natural taste of each ingredient.
- Fresh mozzarella: Melts to creamy perfection and provides a mild, milky richness that contrasts so well with the lemon.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory, umami-packed finish that melts slightly and adds depth.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): For that final, subtle kick when serving.
How to Make Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Start with your easy pizza dough, either homemade using your favorite no-knead recipe or a trusted store-bought ball. Shape it gently into a round, and let it rest while you preheat your oven. The dough is the canvas—it needs to be flexible enough to stretch but sturdy enough to hold all the fresh toppings.
Step 2: Make the Lemon-Garlic Brine
Mix together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of water, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 small grated garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, a pinch of fine salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This zesty brine is what gives the pizza its signature brightness and moist texture beneath the cheeses.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Brush the lemon-garlic brine evenly over your shaped dough, making sure it seeps into every nook. Tear or slice the 5 ounces of fresh mozzarella into generous pieces, then scatter them evenly on top. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan all over for that wonderfully savory finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza in a preheated oven (usually around 475°F or 250°C) until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheeses are bubbling with a slight golden tint. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes, but keep a watchful eye—every oven is different, and you want that perfect balance of crispy crust and melted cheese.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle an extra tablespoon of lemon juice over the hot pizza and sprinkle with fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final flourish will make your pizza truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley, a few cracks of black pepper, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are all you need to adorn this pizza elegantly. These garnishes enhance the fresh, vibrant citrus and elevate the creaminess of the cheeses.
Side Dishes
This lemony pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in simple vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted vegetables that echo the colorful freshness of the pizza. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices also complements the citrus notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try adding thin slices of fresh fennel or arugula right after baking for a peppery crunch. You can also serve the pizza on a wooden board garnished with edible flowers or lemon wedges on the side for an inviting presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover lemon pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crust crisp, avoid stacking slices directly on top of each other.
Freezing
While this pizza is best fresh to preserve the bright citrus flavors and melting cheeses, you can freeze leftover baked slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy and cheeses rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess, shredded firm mozzarella works fine in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for that bright flavor in the Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same vibrant taste, so I recommend using fresh lemons whenever possible.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this pizza is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or animal rennet cheeses if you choose vegetarian Parmesan and mozzarella. Always check your cheese labels if unsure.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Definitely! While this recipe focuses on the beautiful simplicity of lemon and cheese, you could add thinly sliced prosciutto after baking, or fresh arugula for extra flavor and texture without overpowering the main ingredients.
How can I make the crust crispier?
Use a preheated pizza stone or cast iron pan for baking, and be sure to stretch your dough thinly without tearing. A quick brush of olive oil on the crust edges before baking also helps achieve that coveted golden crispness.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe, I’m reminded how something so simple can be so extraordinary. It’s a fresh, bright, and utterly delicious way to enjoy pizza that feels both special and approachable. If you want to bring something unique and packed with flavor to your table, this is the recipe to try next. Trust me, it’s going to become a new favorite!
Print
Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This refreshing Lemon Pizza recipe combines the tangy zest of lemon with creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on a perfectly baked easy pizza dough. Enhanced with fresh garlic, parsley, and a subtle touch of black pepper, it offers a bright and savory alternative to traditional pizzas. Ideal for a light lunch or a unique appetizer, this pizza delivers a delightful balance of citrus and cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough and Base
- 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Herbs and Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (additional for topping)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Pizza Dough: Follow your easy no-knead pizza dough recipe up to step 5, which includes shaping the dough into a pizza base and preheating your oven to the appropriate temperature, typically around 475°F (245°C) for a crispy crust.
- Make Lemon-Garlic Herb Brine: Combine extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped fresh parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fine salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful brine to enhance the dough and toppings.
- Prepare Cheese: Slice or shred the fresh mozzarella cheese. Set aside the grated parmesan cheese for later use as a topping.
- Brush Dough: Lightly brush the shaped pizza dough with the prepared lemon-garlic herb brine evenly over the surface to infuse flavor before adding cheese.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella over the dough, then drizzle with an additional tablespoon of lemon juice to accentuate the citrus flavor. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top for added depth.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Upon removing the pizza from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper over the top. Slice and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice adds a bright, fresh citrus flavor that defines this pizza.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated to get a crisp crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded firm mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust black pepper to your taste for mild spiciness.
- This recipe works well with store-bought dough if you are short on time.
- For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
