Description
This Lemon Pizza recipe offers a unique and refreshing twist on traditional pizza by combining tangy lemon slices and zest with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden crust with a hint of garlic and finished with fresh basil or arugula, this gourmet citrus pizza is easy to make and serves as a delightful vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough and Base
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 12–14 oz)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Additional Toppings
- 1 small lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or arugula for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Surface: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat. This ensures a crispy crust once baked.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round. To make transfer easier, place the shaped dough on parchment paper.
- Add Olive Oil and Garlic: Brush the dough evenly with olive oil and sprinkle the minced garlic over the surface to infuse flavor into the base.
- Add Cheeses: Spread shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, then add dollops of ricotta cheese across the surface for creamy bursts.
- Arrange Lemon and Season: Lay thin lemon slices over the cheese, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, to balance brightness and heat.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza on the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil or arugula for a peppery freshness. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less bitter lemon flavor.
- Consider adding a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy contrast.
- For a savory-sweet twist, top with a handful of prosciutto after baking.
