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
Scale
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.
