Description
This Lemon Pizza recipe offers a delightful blend of fresh, zesty lemon flavor paired with melted mozzarella and garlic-infused olive oil atop a crispy pizza crust. Perfect for a unique and refreshing twist on traditional pizza, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress with its vibrant taste and simple, gourmet ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough (about 250g)
Toppings
- 1 large lemon (organic, thinly sliced)
- 150g (5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- A pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
- Arugula (to top after baking, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If available, place a pizza stone inside the oven during preheating to achieve a crispier pizza crust.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the prepared pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10–12 inch circle or oval, shaping it according to your preference for pizza size and style.
- Garlic Olive Oil Spread: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil with the minced garlic. Use a brush to evenly coat the rolled-out dough with this flavorful mixture, infusing the crust base with garlic aroma.
- Add Cheese: Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, ensuring to leave a small border around the edges to help the crust rise and brown.
- Top with Lemon Slices: Arrange thin slices of organic lemon delicately over the mozzarella layer. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the tartness of the lemon.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the pizza with fresh thyme or basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil if desired, and optional additions like red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, or fresh arugula on top. Slice and serve hot or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Using organic lemons ensures the thin slices are safe to eat with peel on, adding a beautiful visual and slight bitterness that complements the cheese.
- Preheating a pizza stone enhances crust crispiness but is optional if you don’t own one.
- Adjust the amount of garlic olive oil based on preference for a more or less pronounced garlic flavor.
- Adding arugula after baking adds a peppery freshness and texture contrast.
- Red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan are optional but add a nice spicy and umami kick if desired.
