Lemon pizza is a refreshing twist on the traditional pizza that combines the brightness of lemon with the savory goodness of mozzarella and parmesan. This unique white pizza brings together garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh parsley for a deliciously unexpected flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for a light, summer meal or a fun, creative dish to share with friends, this lemon pizza will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon pizza is a perfect balance of creamy mozzarella, tangy lemon, and aromatic garlic. The brine made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and parsley adds a rich, vibrant depth of flavor, while the mozzarella and parmesan give it a smooth, savory finish. The pizza crust becomes golden and crispy, offering the ideal texture for this flavor-packed combination. It’s a fun and unconventional pizza that everyone—whether a pizza lover or not—will enjoy!

Ingredients

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

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp fine salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 5 oz (150g) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for finishing)

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: Follow the easy pizza dough recipe until the dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour.

2. Make the brine: In a glass jar with a lid, combine extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shake well to emulsify.

3. Shape the dough: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Once the dough is ready, stretch it out gently on parchment paper to a 9×13-inch size, keeping gas bubbles intact for a crispier texture.

4. Add the brine: Use your fingers to make dimples in the dough. Pour the brine into these dimples, allowing the dough to soak in the flavors.

5. Add toppings: Scatter the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.

6. Bake the pizza: Transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

7. Finish the pizza: After baking, drizzle the pizza with fresh lemon juice. Top with parmesan, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 large portions or 6 slices

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Proofing Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

1. Vegan version: Use vegan mozzarella and skip the parmesan to make this recipe plant-based.

2. Add protein: For meat lovers, top the pizza with cooked sausage or grilled chicken before baking.

3. Herb swaps: If you’re not a fan of parsley, basil or arugula would complement the lemon and garlic beautifully.

4. Extra tang: Add thin slices of lemon directly on top of the pizza before baking for an extra zing of citrus flavor.

5. Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a kick of spice that contrasts nicely with the lemony freshness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover lemon pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pizza for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a hot oven (450°F/230°C) until the crust is crispy again, about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes! Store-bought dough works perfectly for this pizza. Just make sure it’s enough to form a 9×13-inch pizza.

2. How can I make sure my pizza crust is crispy?

To achieve a crispy crust, bake your pizza on the bottom rack of the oven, close to the heating element. Preheating your oven and using a pizza stone or steel can also help.

3. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella is fine, but fresh mozzarella offers a creamier texture and better flavor.

4. What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

No problem! You can use an inverted baking sheet, preheated along with the oven, to bake your pizza.

5. Can I add toppings like sausage or bacon?

Yes, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or any protein of your choice before baking the pizza.

6. How do I store leftover lemon pizza?

Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a day. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

7. Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?

You can use regular olive oil, but extra virgin olive oil adds a wonderful fruity flavor that enhances the brine.

8. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the pizza fresh, but you can prepare the dough and brine ahead of time, then assemble and bake the pizza when you’re ready.

9. How spicy is this lemon pizza?

This pizza is not spicy unless you add red pepper flakes or hot sausage, which can be customized to your heat preference.

10. Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella and parmesan?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese, but mozzarella and parmesan provide the ideal creamy and nutty flavor balance.

Conclusion

Lemon pizza is a unique and refreshing dish that brings together the best of savory and citrus flavors. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a casual dinner or entertaining guests. The crispy crust, creamy mozzarella, and lemony brine make this pizza stand out as a flavorful delight you’ll love to make again and again.