Description
This vibrant Lemon Pizza recipe offers a refreshing twist on classic pizza by combining fresh mozzarella, tangy lemon zest and juice, and a delicate herbaceous brine, all baked to golden perfection on a crisp crust. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light meal, it balances creamy cheese with bright citrus flavors for a delightful palate experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
Brine and Topping
- 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 ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon additional lemon juice (for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, ensuring the dough is properly risen and shaped. Preheat your oven with a pizza stone inside for optimal baking.
- Prepare the Cheese: If using fresh mozzarella in water, cut it into ½ inch thick slices. Dab with paper towels if very moist to remove excess water and avoid soggy pizza.
- Shape the Dough: Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Starting from the center, gently press outward with your fingers until you have approximately a 9×13 inch rectangle. Carefully transfer the dough on the parchment to a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
- Make the Brine: In a glass jar with a lid, combine extra virgin olive oil, water, fresh parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fine salt, and black pepper. Shake it well until it emulsifies into a flavorful brine.
- Add the Toppings: Dimple the stretched out dough gently with your fingers. Evenly scatter the brine over the dough, filling the dimples. Arrange the mozzarella slices or sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Use the pizza peel to transfer the pizza on its parchment onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and browning nicely, about 8-10 minutes depending on your oven.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately drizzle with the additional fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, add chili flakes for a slight heat. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, use a preheated baking sheet to bake the pizza.
- Removing excess moisture from fresh mozzarella prevents a soggy crust.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- Use fresh parsley for best herb flavor; dried parsley will not have the same effect.
- This pizza is best enjoyed immediately to appreciate the contrast between crispy crust and melty cheese.
