Lemon Herb Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

Bymia larkspur
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Introduction

This Lemon Pizza offers a bright and refreshing twist on a classic favorite. With a zesty lemon-herb topping and creamy mozzarella, it’s a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that’s easy to prepare at home.

A close-up of a round pizza cut into four visible slices on a wooden board, each slice showing a golden brown crust that is thick and slightly fluffy. The pizza surface is covered by a layer of melted white cheese with a smooth, slightly bubbly texture, topped with thin yellow lemon slices placed near the edges of each slice. Small bits of green herb flakes are sprinkled evenly across the cheese, adding a fresh contrast. The background features a soft focus of greens and yellow lemon pieces on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ⅓ to ½ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (additional for drizzling)
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Chili flakes
  • Optional: Baby arugula or mixed greens
  • Optional: Prosciutto
  • Optional: Capers
  • Optional: Other herbs like basil or thyme

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Brush this lemon herb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  5. Step 5: Top with fresh mozzarella and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Step 8: Optionally, add chili flakes, arugula, prosciutto, capers, or herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
  9. Step 9: Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust, or substitute with a baking sheet if you don’t have one.
  • For more zing, add extra lemon zest to the herb mixture before baking.
  • Try swapping mozzarella for burrata for a richer, creamier texture.
  • Add fresh arugula or prosciutto after baking for added flavor and texture.
  • If you like heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top before serving.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A round pizza with a thick, light golden crust is placed on a wooden board. It is cut into six slices. Each slice has a layer of melted white cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly, with a smooth, creamy texture. On top of the cheese, there are thin, round yellow lemon slices scattered mainly on two slices, and small green herb bits spread evenly over the whole pizza. The pizza sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred yellow lemon and green leaves visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time. Just follow the same instructions for rolling and topping.

What can I substitute if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or another hard, aged cheese with a sharp flavor as a substitute for parmesan.

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Lemon Herb Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

This zesty Lemon Pizza recipe combines a bright lemon-herb olive oil base with fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese on a crispy pizza crust. Finished with fresh parsley and optional toppings like chili flakes, arugula, or prosciutto, this unique pizza offers a refreshing twist perfect for a light and flavorful meal.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

  • 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)

Lemon Herb Mixture

  • 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 Toppings

  • 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Chili flakes
  • Baby arugula or mixed greens
  • Prosciutto
  • Capers
  • Other herbs like basil or thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat. This ensures a crispy crust by giving the baking surface ample time to become very hot.
  2. Roll Out Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, making sure it’s even for consistent cooking.
  3. Prepare Lemon Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the flavors.
  4. Brush Dough: Brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough to infuse the pizza with a bright, fragrant base.
  5. Add Cheese Toppings: Distribute fresh mozzarella evenly over the dough, then sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory layer.
  6. Bake Pizza: Transfer the prepared pizza carefully onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  7. Finish with Lemon Juice and Garnish: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and presentation.
  8. Add Optional Toppings: If preferred, add chili flakes, baby arugula, prosciutto, capers, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme before slicing.
  9. Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into slices and serve warm to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet is crucial for a crispy crust.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste preference.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor; shredded mozzarella can be used as an alternative.
  • Optional toppings add texture and complexity but can be omitted for a simpler pizza.
  • Store leftover pizza wrapped in foil in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven for best texture retention.

Keywords: lemon pizza, lemon herb pizza, fresh mozzarella pizza, zesty pizza, easy homemade pizza, Italian pizza

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