Name: Lemon Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 prepared pizza dough (about 12 inches); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup ricotta cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh arugula (optional); Shaved Parmesan for topping

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If you’re looking for a fresh, zesty twist on homemade pizza, Lemon Pizza is sure to become your new obsession. Imagine crisp, golden crust topped with creamy ricotta brightened by fresh lemon, a bubbling layer of mozzarella, and fragrant pops of thyme—all finished with a scattering of arugula and nutty shavings of Parmesan. The secret is in the lemon: it lifts every ingredient, turning a simple pizza night into something truly special. This recipe brings together surprising flavors in an easy, weeknight-friendly package you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The incredible thing about this Lemon Pizza is how a handful of straightforward ingredients combine for an unforgettable result. Each item brings its own flair—whether it’s creaminess, tang, or herbaceous sparkle—making every bite feel like a little culinary magic.

Prepared pizza dough (about 12 inches): Saves time without sacrificing that chewy, crisp foundation—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a luscious base layer of flavor and helps the crust achieve a gorgeous golden color.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Brings that classic pizza melt and stretch you crave—don’t skimp here!
Ricotta cheese (½ cup): Delivers a creamy, luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with bright citrus notes.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Infuses the whole pizza with intense lemon aroma and flavor—use fresh lemon for the best results.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides a lively tang to balance the creaminess of the cheeses.
Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Adds bursts of green, earthy flavor—the perfect herbal accent for lemon.
Garlic clove, minced (1): A little bit goes a long way, offering gentle heat and depth in the lemon ricotta layer.
Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning every layer, ensuring all the elements sing.
Fresh arugula (2 tablespoons, optional): If you love a peppery crunch and pop of color atop your Lemon Pizza, this finishing touch is for you.
Shaved Parmesan for topping: A shower of nutty, salty Parmesan elevates every slice.

How to Make Lemon Pizza

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to a blazing-hot 475°F—this helps guarantee a crisp bottom on your Lemon Pizza. While the oven warms, dust your work surface with flour and gently roll out your pizza dough to your ideal thickness, aiming for about a 12-inch round. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment for easy handling.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Ricotta Mixture

In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is fully blended—taste, then adjust the seasoning if you like a little more tang or salt. This bright, creamy mixture will be the heart of your Lemon Pizza.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Brush or drizzle the olive oil evenly over the stretched pizza dough, ensuring the edges get a little love. Dollop generous spoonfuls of your lemon ricotta across the dough, spacing them just enough so every bite gets some cheesy, citrusy goodness. Scatter the shredded mozzarella over and around the ricotta, then sprinkle thyme leaves for an herbal flourish.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Slide the assembled Lemon Pizza into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for an irresistibly golden, crisp crust and cheese that bubbles with hints of browning. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye out in the final minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Top and Serve

As soon as your Lemon Pizza emerges from the oven, take it to the next level: sprinkle fresh arugula (if using) for a peppery crunch, and lavishly shave Parmesan right over the top. The cheese will gently melt into the hot pizza, layering on even more flavor. Slice and serve immediately while everything is hot and fragrant.

How to Serve Lemon Pizza

Garnishes

Lemon Pizza shines with a finishing flourish—try scattering extra lemon zest, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a drizzle of honey for sweet contrast. That final touch of shaved Parmesan and a handful of fresh arugula amps up both the color and flavor, making each slice look straight out of a restaurant.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Pizza with a crisp, simple salad (arugula with olive oil and lemon is a favorite), or serve alongside roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini for a lovely seasonal spread. For drinks, a glass of light white wine or sparkling water with lemon brings out the citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Lemon Pizza into rustic squares for a shareable appetizer, or serve individual slices on wooden boards for that trendy bistro vibe. For parties, mini personal pizzas topped with microgreens will look elegant and playful—don’t forget a wedge of lemon for guests to squeeze over their slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Lemon Pizza (lucky you!), let it cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to keep the crust from getting soggy. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze Lemon Pizza for longer storage. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their best texture if eaten within a month—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For that prized crispy crust, reheat Lemon Pizza in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to soften the crust and dull the bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Lemon Pizza?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this recipe extra convenient. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling so it stretches easily and bakes up light and crisp.

How do I keep my pizza crust from getting soggy with the lemon and ricotta toppings?

Starting with a hot oven and spreading the olive oil directly on the dough helps create a barrier. Dollop the ricotta mixture so it’s not too thick in any spot, and bake immediately after assembling to keep everything perfectly crisp.

Can I add other herbs besides thyme?

Definitely! Fresh basil, chives, or even a sprinkle of rosemary pair beautifully with the bright lemon flavors on this Lemon Pizza. Mix and match for your favorite herbal blend.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon for this recipe?

Use a Microplane or fine grater, taking only the yellow outer layer for maximum flavor without any bitterness. Zest the lemon right before using to capture all those fragrant oils.

Is Lemon Pizza good for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly while still feeling luxurious and satisfying, thanks to the lush cheeses and popping citrus.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something unique, vibrant, and just plain fun, you have to give Lemon Pizza a try. Every bite is a burst of creamy, tangy, and herby delight—ready in under half an hour. Gather your favorite people, turn on the oven, and let this pizza become an instant classic in your kitchen.

Lemon Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Pizza recipe combines the zesty flavors of lemon with creamy ricotta and savory mozzarella on a crispy crust, creating a refreshing and unique twist on traditional pizza.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza:

1 prepared pizza dough (about 12 inches)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Lemon Ricotta Topping:

½ cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh arugula (optional)
Shaved Parmesan for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Make the Lemon Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread olive oil over the dough. Dollop the lemon ricotta mixture over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and thyme leaves.
Bake: Bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh arugula and shaved Parmesan. Slice and serve hot.