If you’re looking for a fresh twist on traditional pizza, Lemon Pizza is your new obsession. This citrusy, tangy, and cheesy creation brings together the creamy richness of mozzarella with the bold brightness of lemon for a dish that’s surprisingly simple and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, planning a cozy dinner, or just craving something different, Lemon Pizza is a total game-changer.
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Why You’ll Love Lemon Pizza
Lemon Pizza might sound unusual at first, but one bite and you’ll be hooked. The lemon adds a pop of brightness that balances beautifully with gooey melted cheese and a golden, crispy crust. It’s a perfect mix of savory and citrusy, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Best of all? It’s super easy to whip up—no fancy equipment or chef skills needed. Whether you’re a pizza purist or an adventurous foodie, this recipe will surprise and delight your taste buds. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Ingredients
This Lemon Pizza recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients that let each flavor shine. You can make it with store-bought dough for convenience, or go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. Either way, you’re in for a zesty treat!
You’ll Need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Thin slices of 1 lemon (preferably organic)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh arugula or basil (for topping, optional)
Instructions
This Lemon Pizza comes together in no time and delivers a bold, fresh flavor with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a floured pizza peel if using a stone.
- Add the base: Brush the dough with olive oil and evenly spread the minced garlic over the surface.
- Layer the cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the dough, followed by spoonfuls of ricotta if using.
- Lemon time: Sprinkle the lemon zest over the cheese, then add the thin lemon slices evenly across the pizza. A little overlap is fine!
- Season: Add thyme, a few grinds of black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Finish & serve: Once out of the oven, top with fresh arugula or basil if you like. Slice and enjoy immediately!
Servings and Timing
Lemon Pizza is a quick and satisfying dish that fits any occasion—from a weeknight dinner to a fancy-feeling lunch with friends. It’s fast to prep, quick to bake, and even faster to disappear!
- Servings: 2–4 people (depending on appetite!)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: Around 20–25 minutes
Tips and Variations
Make this Lemon Pizza truly your own with a few simple swaps and creative twists:
Tips:
- Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less tart flavor. Their thin skin and mild acidity work beautifully on pizza.
- Slice lemons paper-thin to avoid bitterness. A mandoline slicer helps!
- Pre-roast lemon slices if you want a more mellow, caramelized flavor.
Variations:
- Add prosciutto for a salty, savory contrast to the lemon.
- Try goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier bite.
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking.
- Go green with a handful of baby arugula tossed in lemon juice and olive oil right before serving.
Storage
If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt it!), Lemon Pizza stores surprisingly well. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a crisp crust, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make the crust soggy.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the fresh lemon slices, which can turn bitter after freezing.
FAQs
Can I eat the lemon slices with the peel?
Yes! Use thinly sliced organic lemons to avoid wax or pesticides. The peel adds a delicious zing when sliced super thin.
What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is a must for meltiness. Ricotta adds creaminess, but goat cheese or feta can add a nice tang.
Is Lemon Pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely—this version is 100% vegetarian! Just double-check your cheese if strict vegetarian guidelines apply.
Can I use lemon juice instead of slices?
Not really. Slices give texture and depth. Juice alone can make the pizza soggy and overly tangy.
What crust works best for this?
A thin, crispy crust works best to highlight the lemon and cheese. But feel free to use your favorite style!
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free pizza crust—store-bought or homemade.
Can I add meat to this pizza?
Totally! Thinly sliced prosciutto or crispy pancetta make delicious additions.
Lemon Pizza is the zesty, cheesy, and surprisingly easy recipe you didn’t know you needed. It’s light yet satisfying, elegant but approachable—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something fresh and flavorful. Whether you’re new to citrus on pizza or already a fan, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten up your table and your taste buds.
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
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Lemon Pizza Recipe
This citrusy, tangy, and cheesy Lemon Pizza brings together creamy mozzarella and the bold brightness of lemon for a dish that’s simple, flavorful, and unforgettable.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Thin slices of 1 lemon (preferably organic)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh arugula or basil (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or floured pizza peel.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and evenly spread the minced garlic over the surface.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the dough, followed by spoonfuls of ricotta if using.
- Sprinkle the lemon zest over the cheese, then add the thin lemon slices evenly across the pizza.
- Add thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Top with fresh arugula or basil if desired. Slice and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter flavor, slice them very thin, and consider pre-roasting them for a more mellow taste. Add prosciutto, goat cheese, or spicy elements like hot honey for delicious variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: lemon pizza, citrus pizza, mozzarella, easy dinner, homemade pizza
