Description
This bright and zesty lemon pizza recipe features a thin, crispy crust topped with a refreshing lemon sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, finished with fresh basil leaves and a touch of olive oil. Perfect for a light, flavorful meal that combines tangy citrus with rich cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough
Lemon Sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Cheeses and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to become more pliable. If using homemade dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to form a 12-inch round shape suitable for the pizza.
- Make the lemon sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, mixing well to create a bright, tangy sauce that will complement the cheeses and dough.
- Assemble the pizza: Brush the rolled-out dough evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Spread the ricotta cheese gently over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle the prepared lemon sauce evenly over the cheeses.
- Bake the pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the assembled pizza directly on a baking stone or an oven rack if you want a crispy crust, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Scatter the torn fresh basil leaves on the top and drizzle with additional olive oil to enhance flavor. Add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Slice and serve the pizza warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Letting the dough come to room temperature makes it easier to stretch and helps achieve a better texture.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest if you prefer a more or less tart flavor.
- Using a pizza stone can help create a crispier crust but is optional.
- Fresh basil added after baking keeps its vibrant flavor and color.
- Optional freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle spice that complements the lemon well.
