Description
Lemon Pizza is a bold and refreshing twist on traditional pizza, featuring a crispy, golden crust topped with a tangy lemon glaze, fresh herbs, and a perfect balance of creamy cheeses. This unique pizza offers a zesty combination of lemon, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creating a light and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
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
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)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Lemon Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then roll it out to a 12-inch round on a floured surface.
- Assemble the Pizza: Transfer the dough to parchment paper or a pizza peel. Spread the lemon cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
- Bake the Pizza: Slide the parchment paper (or pizza) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil and honey, and optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
For a crispier crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet before placing the dough on it.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
If you prefer, you can add other toppings such as arugula or goat cheese for more flavor.
For a spicier version, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking or drizzle with hot sauce after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg