Description
This delightful Lemon Pizza offers a bright twist on traditional pizza by infusing fresh lemon juice and zest into a classic mozzarella and parmesan topping. The crispy yet tender crust combined with the tangy lemon flavors and aromatic herbs creates a fresh, unique pizza experience perfect for a light meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
Topping Mixture
- 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
Cheese Topping
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Use an easy no-knead pizza dough recipe or a store-bought dough ball. Shape the dough according to the recipe instructions, ensuring it is stretched out evenly to a thin base. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature, typically around 475°F (245°C), to prepare for baking.
- Make the Lemon Herb Brine: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse the pizza with bright and savory notes.
- Add Cheese and Lemon Juice: Dice or shred the fresh mozzarella and mix it with an additional tablespoon of lemon juice. This enhances the mozzarella with a subtle citrus flavor that complements the tanginess of the lemon in the brine.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the dough lightly with half of the lemon herb brine mixture. Evenly spread the mozzarella cheese over the dough. Drizzle the remaining brine on top, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the surface for added sharpness.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper to taste on top. Slice and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice is key to achieving a bright citrus flavor that complements the cheeses.
- For best results, use a pizza stone or a baking steel preheated in the oven to ensure a crispy crust.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with firm shredded mozzarella if that is easier to find.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste preference for a milder or spicier profile.
- This pizza pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light sparkling beverage to enhance the lemon notes.
