Description
This vibrant Lemon Pizza recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza by incorporating fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the creamy mozzarella and savory parmesan. Perfectly baked on a pizza stone for a crisp crust, this easy-to-make pizza combines simple ingredients with fresh herbs to create a unique and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
Lemon Brine
- 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
Toppings
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Pizza Dough: Follow an easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, which includes shaping the pizza and preheating your oven with a pizza stone.
- Prepare the Cheese: If using fresh mozzarella packed in water, cut it into ½ inch thick slices. Blot any excess moisture with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
- Shape the Dough: Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Using your fingers, press gently from the center outward to form approximately a 9×13 inch pizza. Transfer the dough on parchment paper to a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet for easy handling.
- Make the Lemon Brine: In a glass jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well emulsified.
- Add Toppings: After stretching the dough, create small dimples with your fingers across the surface. Evenly scatter the lemon brine over the dough, ensuring some fills the dimples. Then distribute the mozzarella slices over the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Using the pizza peel, carefully transfer the pizza with parchment onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes in a fan-forced oven. Keep an eye on it as oven performance may vary.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately drizzle with the fresh lemon juice, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top. Add freshly ground black pepper or chili flakes if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crisp crust; preheat it in the oven before baking.
- Blotting fresh mozzarella prevents excess moisture, keeping the crust crisp.
- You can substitute store-bought firm shredded mozzarella if fresh mozzarella is unavailable.
- Adjust chili flakes or black pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- This pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian