Description

This Lemon Pizza is a delightful twist on classic homemade pizza, featuring a bright and refreshing lemon topping paired with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly baked with a golden crust, fresh thyme, and a hint of garlic olive oil, this vegetarian pizza offers a unique balance of tartness and savory flavors, making it an invigorating dish ideal for a light main course or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base and Sauce

1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced

Cheeses and Toppings

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes
Optional: arugula for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Stone: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), placing a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up thoroughly. This ensures a crisp, well-cooked crust.
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness to form the base of your pizza.
Season Dough with Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and minced garlic. Brush this garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the rolled-out dough to add flavor and help the crust brown nicely.
Add Cheeses and Lemon Slices: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Then add small dollops of ricotta cheese on top. Arrange thin lemon slices evenly over the cheeses, ensuring no seeds are included.
Sprinkle Parmesan and Season: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste for balanced seasoning.
Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes or garnish with a handful of fresh arugula for a peppery bite. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Using a mandoline ensures uniformly thin lemon slices that avoid bitterness from thicker slices.
Meyer lemons are recommended if available, as they are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons.
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 3 to 4 minutes before adding toppings and finishing the bake.