Lemon Pizza: Discover a Zesty Twist on Tradition! Recipe
Discover a zesty twist on traditional pizza with this Lemon Pizza recipe, featuring a bright and tangy lemon-infused cheese blend on a crisp, homemade dough. Perfectly balanced with fresh thyme, honey drizzle, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, this unique pizza is a refreshing and delightful meal option.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Topping Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Activate Yeast: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt evenly to prepare for the dough.
- Form Dough: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour and salt mixture. Add the olive oil and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for structure.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Cheese-Lemon Topping: While the dough rises, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice until well incorporated and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat while the dough finishes rising.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch thin round shape.
- Assemble Pizza: Carefully transfer the dough onto parchment paper or a pizza peel. Spread the cheese-lemon mixture evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle fresh thyme on top.
- Bake: Slide the pizza on the parchment onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Finish: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with olive oil and honey. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors!
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the lemon and cheese.
- Red pepper flakes add nice heat but are optional based on preference.
- Use a pizza stone if possible for a crisper crust.
- Leftover pizza tastes great reheated or cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lemon pizza, lemon zest pizza, ricotta pizza, fresh thyme pizza, honey drizzle pizza, homemade pizza dough, zesty pizza recipe