Lemon Pizza Recipe

I recently crafted a lemon pizza bursting with flavor. Using pizza dough brushed with extra virgin olive oil and garlic, then topped with fresh mozzarella, grated parmesan, zesty lemon juice and zest, and a sprinkle of parsley, this homemade pizza captures a citrusy delicacy that fascinates me with every bite.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen and recently came across a mind-blowing twist on classic pizza. Picture this: a pizza that is both tangy and savory.

I use 1 lb pizza dough as a sturdy base and drizzle about 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil before layering thinly sliced garlic cloves. Then come the tender pieces of 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese that gives it a nutty finish.

The real star here is the lemon; I add the juice of one lemon and even the zest of one lemon to ensure each bite bursts with brightness. A handful of fresh parsley is sprinkled on top along with salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe harks back to those inventive pizza oven recipes and reminds me of summer dinner experiments paired with a hint of lemon pasta flair. Its unexpected flavor profile really caught me by surprise and I think youll love it too.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this lemon pizza because the lemon juice and zest bring this super bright, tangy flavor that just wakes up my taste buds. I mean, every bite feels refreshing and it cuts through the richness of the mozzarella and parmesan nicely.

I also like how the garlic gets evenly spread out over the dough. It gives the pizza that extra kick and makes it taste a bit more complex without really being overpowering.

Another thing is that it’s so simple to make. Rolling out the dough, drizzling the olive oil, and adding all those ingredients feels easy enough even if I’m in a hurry, but it still ends up looking and tasting homemade and fancy.

And, I really appreciate the crispy crust with a golden finish. There’s something really satisfying about that crunch when you bite into a slice, especially mixed with all the melty cheese.

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Offers carbohydrates and energy; forms the chewy base for our zesty delight.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats; adds fruity, smooth flavor to every bite.
• Garlic: Offers antioxidants and bold flavor; its thin slices give a warm, spicy kick.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Provides protein and creamy texture; melts beautifully over the dough.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Bring a tangy, sunny burst; brighten and balance the savory flavors perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory saltiness, boosting flavor and giving extra protein.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds vitamins and fresh herbal notes; a simple garnish that elevates flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and if you have a pizza stone put it inside so it heats up too.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the 1 lb pizza dough into a nice round shape.

3. Drizzle 3 to 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the dough, making sure the whole surface gets a little coat.

4. Arrange the 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves evenly on top so that every bite gets a bit of garlic.

5. Tear the 8 oz fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute them evenly over the dough.

6. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese all across the pizza.

7. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon evenly onto the pizza and then sprinkle the zest of 1 lemon for an extra citrus kick.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy to add a little extra if you like.

9. Pop the pizza into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the crust turns golden and crispy.

10. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with a handful of roughly chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving. Enjoy your lemon pizza!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven that can be set to 450°F
2. A pizza stone (if you have one, its really useful)
3. A lightly floured countertop or board to roll out your dough
4. A rolling pin (or you can use your hands to stretch, whatever works)
5. Measuring spoons for the olive oil
6. A knife for slicing the garlic and roughly chopping the parsley
7. A citrus juicer or a fork for squeezing the lemon juice and a zester for the lemon zest
8. A tool like a pizza peel or a large spatula to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven
9. A pizza cutter to slice the finished pizza for serving

FAQ

Lemon Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Pizza Dough: If you dont have time to make your own dough then store bought pizza crust or even pre-made flatbread works just fine.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil makes a good swap since it still gives a rich flavor.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: When you cant find fresh mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella or even a mild provolone can be a solid replacement.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano is a great alternative if you’re low on parmesan, its a bit saltier but still delish.
• Fresh Parsley: Missing parsley? Try basil or arugula to add a fresh, herby kick to your pizza.

Pro Tips

1. preheat your oven and that pizza stone for at least 30 minutes beforehand so your crust gets evenly crispy and doesn’t turn out soggy.
2. when you roll out the dough, make sure its at room temperature so it’s easier to work with and doesnt spring back too much when you stretch it.
3. drizzle the olive oil evenly over the dough and try not to overload on garlic; too much garlic might burn in the hot oven.
4. keep an eye on the bake time – ovens run a bit differently so check a minute early to make sure the cheese is bubbly and the crust is a perfect golden brown before taking it out.