Description
This Lemon Pizza recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza, combining a crispy crust with a bright, zesty lemon-infused topping and fresh mozzarella. Perfectly balanced with aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan, this pizza is baked to a golden perfection, making it a refreshing and unique savory treat to enjoy.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Brine
- 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
Cheese and Topping
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ⅓ to ½ 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 the Dough: Follow your easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, which includes shaping the dough and preheating the oven with a pizza stone.
- Prepare the Cheese: If using fresh mozzarella, cut it into ½ inch thick slices. Dab with a paper towel to remove excess moisture if the cheese is very watery.
- Shape the Pizza: Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Starting from the center, gently press the dough out with your fingers until it measures approximately 9 by 13 inches. Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
- Make the Lemon Brine: In a glass jar with a lid, combine extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously until well emulsified.
- Add the Toppings: Once the dough is stretched and placed, create a few dimples on the surface with your fingers. Evenly scatter the lemon brine over the dough, filling the dimples. Then arrange the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake the Pizza: Use the pizza peel to carefully transfer the pizza with parchment onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, about 8–10 minutes in a fan-forced oven. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top. Add freshly ground black pepper or chili flakes if desired. Slice and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- If your mozzarella is watery, removing excess moisture helps avoid a soggy crust.
- The lemon brine adds a fresh and zesty flavor that is key to this recipe.
- Use a pizza stone if possible for a crispier crust.
- Adjust baking times slightly depending on your oven type and temperature.
- Fresh parsley and lemon juice added after baking enhance brightness and freshness.
- This pizza pairs well with a light arugula salad or a crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
