Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
This bright and fresh Lemon Pizza recipe features a crisp crust topped with a zesty lemon-infused cheese blend, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, and parsley. The easy no-knead dough creates a perfect base that’s enhanced with a unique lemon brine for a refreshing twist on traditional pizza. Ideal for a light and flavorful meal, this pizza pairs tangy citrus with creamy cheese for a delightful, aromatic bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 from 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 the pizza dough: Follow the easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, which includes shaping the pizza dough and preheating your oven with a pizza stone.
- Prepare the cheese: If using fresh mozzarella in water, slice it into ½ inch thick pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel if the mozzarella is very wet to prevent soggy pizza.
- Shape the dough: Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper and gently press outwards from the center with your fingers until the dough measures approximately 9 by 13 inches. Carefully transfer it onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
- Make the lemon brine: In a glass jar with a lid, add olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously until well emulsified to create the brine.
- Add the toppings: Dimple the dough gently with your fingers to create small wells. Pour the lemon brine evenly over the dough, filling the dimples, then evenly distribute the mozzarella pieces on top.
- Bake the pizza: Using the pizza peel, slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes in a fan-forced oven, but oven temperatures may vary.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper or chili flakes if desired. Slice and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If using fresh mozzarella, make sure to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven; watch for a golden crust and bubbling cheese.
- The lemon brine adds a unique citrus flavor and keeps the pizza moist and flavorful.
- Serve pizza right out of the oven for the best texture and taste.
- You can add chili flakes for a spicy kick if preferred.
