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Lemon Pizza – A Bright, Zesty, and Cheesy Twist on Classic Homemade Pizza

If you’ve never tried Lemon Pizza, prepare to be deliciously surprised. This recipe brings together the comforting crispness of pizza with the bright, tangy spark of fresh lemon juice and zest. Finished with melty mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a light garlic-infused olive oil drizzle, this pizza is everything: simple, gourmet, and refreshingly unique. Whether you're using homemade dough or store-bought, this pizza is a breeze to make and feels like something you’d order at an upscale bistro. Perfect as a summer dinner, elegant appetizer, or vegetarian main, lemon pizza is an unexpected star that belongs in your recipe rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍋 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 1 small garlic clove finely grated or minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
🧂 Spices & Pantry
  • ¼ tsp fine salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 ball pizza dough homemade or store-bought
🫒 Oils & Condiments
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
🧀 Cheese
  • 5 oz fresh mozzarella torn or sliced
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese finely grated

Equipment

  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Zester or microplane
  • Garlic press or fine grater
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1. Prep the Dough and Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while heating.
  3. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10–12 inch round or oval.
  4. Transfer to a piece of parchment for easy handling.
Step 2. Make Lemon-Garlic Olive Oil Base
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
  2. 2 tbsp olive oil
  3. 1 grated garlic clove
  4. 1 tsp lemon zest
  5. ¼ tsp salt
  6. ¼ tsp black pepper
  7. Add 1 tbsp water to thin slightly.
  8. Stir until emulsified.
Step 3. Assemble the Pizza
  1. Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with the lemon-garlic oil mixture, leaving a ½-inch border.
  2. Evenly scatter torn mozzarella over the base.
  3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
  4. Finish with a few cracks of fresh black pepper.
Step 4. Bake the Pizza
  1. Slide the parchment onto your hot pizza stone or place the dough directly on a baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling.
  3. Rotate once halfway through for even browning.
Step 5. Finish with Fresh Lemon and Herbs
  1. Remove from oven.
  2. Immediately drizzle 4 tsp fresh lemon juice over the pizza.
  3. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  4. Let cool for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to the fresh lemon and mozzarella texture.
Reheat: Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes.
🥄 Variations
Add Arugula: Top baked pizza with a handful of fresh arugula tossed in lemon juice and olive oil.
Ricotta Dollops: Add small spoonfuls of ricotta before baking for extra creaminess.
Chili Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before or after baking.
Lemon-Thyme Version: Add fresh thyme leaves with the cheese for a more herbaceous flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust.
Vegan Version: Use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Is lemon on pizza actually good?
Yes! It adds brightness and balances the richness of cheese.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
3. What’s the best cheese for this pizza?
Fresh mozzarella is ideal, but burrata or a blend of mozzarella and fontina also work well.
4. Can I add toppings like mushrooms or spinach?
Definitely. Keep it light to preserve the citrus flavor profile.
5. What type of dough should I use?
Any homemade or store-bought pizza dough works. Thin crust gives it a crispier texture.
6. How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Use a preheated pizza stone and roll the dough thin.
7. Is this pizza vegetarian?
Yes, it's naturally vegetarian.
8. Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Absolutely! Slice it into squares or strips for an elegant starter.
9. How do I zest a lemon without a microplane?
Use the fine side of a box grater or peel the zest thinly and chop it finely.
10. What wine pairs well with lemon pizza?
A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
This Lemon Pizza is the perfect way to bring a fresh, vibrant twist to pizza night. Whether you're hosting a summer dinner party or just want a light and flavorful lunch, this recipe delivers zesty, cheesy, herby deliciousness in every bite.
From the garlic-lemon olive oil base to the burst of acidity from the final drizzle, this pizza redefines simple, elegant comfort food. You’ll want to make it again and again.