Name: Lemon Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough); 2 tablespoon 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; 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for finishing); 2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Lemon Pizza offers a bright and refreshing twist on traditional pizza. With bursts of citrus combined with creamy mozzarella and parmesan, it’s perfect for a light yet flavorful meal. Simple ingredients come together for an easy gourmet experience at home.

A pizza with a thick, light golden crust forms the base, topped with a creamy white sauce layer blended with green herbs and melted cheese that has slightly browned spots. Three thin slices of lemon are placed on top, evenly spaced, with scattered fresh green parsley leaves and a sprinkle of red chili flakes and black pepper visible across the surface. Surrounding the pizza on a white marbled background are lemon wedges and parsley sprigs, and a small white bowl filled with grated cheese is partially visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ⅓ to ½ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for topping)
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pizza dough following your preferred easy no-knead pizza recipe up to the point of shaping and preheating the oven.
Step 2: If using fresh mozzarella, cut it into ½ inch thick slices and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: On a sheet of parchment paper, gently press the dough from the center outward to form a roughly 9×13 inch rectangle. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 4: In a glass jar, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon water, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Shake well to emulsify.
Step 5: Make a few dimples in the dough with your fingers and evenly scatter the lemon brine over the surface, filling the dimples. Then arrange the mozzarella pieces on top.
Step 6: Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone using the peel. Bake until the crust and cheese are golden and bubbly, about 8–10 minutes depending on your oven.
Step 7: After baking, drizzle 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the pizza and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Add black pepper or chili flakes if desired.
Step 8: Slice and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

If fresh mozzarella is too wet, drying it helps prevent a soggy crust.
For a spicier kick, add red chili flakes on top after baking.
Use shredded firm mozzarella if you prefer a slightly different texture.
Try adding thin slices of lemon zest on top for an extra citrus aroma.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet to maintain a crispy crust. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy base.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a slice of pizza held by a woman's hand, showing a thick, golden-brown crust with a soft, bubbly texture. The top layer is melted white cheese sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and red pepper flakes. On the center of the slice is a thin, round lemon slice decorated with a light sprinkle of black pepper. In the background, parts of the whole pizza with similar slices topped with lemon are visible on a white marbled surface, along with a glass of iced drink and some lemon wedges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well and saves time. Just follow the shaping and baking instructions as outlined.

What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?

You can use shredded firm mozzarella if fresh is unavailable. The texture will differ slightly but the flavor remains delicious.