Description
This Lemon Pizza recipe offers a unique and refreshing twist on traditional pizza by combining a zesty lemon-flavored cheese topping with a crispy, homemade dough. It’s a delightful blend of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors topped with fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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 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.
- Form Dough: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten for structure.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Lemon Cheese Mixture: While dough rises, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice until evenly mixed.
- Preheat Oven: Once dough has risen, preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough, turn it onto a floured surface, and roll into a 12-inch thin round shape.
- Transfer Dough: Carefully place rolled-out dough onto parchment paper or a pizza peel if using a stone.
- Add Toppings: Spread the lemon cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle Thyme: Scatter fresh thyme leaves evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake Pizza: Transfer pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove the pizza from oven and immediately drizzle olive oil and honey on top.
- Optional Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pizza for a spicy kick, if desired.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
- If you prefer a sweeter balance, adjust honey quantity to taste.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure proper fermentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of pizza
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: lemon pizza, citrus pizza, homemade pizza, vegetarian pizza, ricotta pizza, fresh thyme pizza
