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Lemon Pizza: Zesty, Cheesy & Surprisingly Delicious!

When you think of pizza, lemon probably isn’t the first topping that comes to mind — but this Lemon Pizza will absolutely change your perception of what pizza can be. With a vibrant citrus zing, creamy cheeses, and earthy herbs, this is a flavor-packed, gourmet-style pie that surprises and delights with every bite. Inspired by Italian white pizzas and modern flavor fusions, this pizza skips the tomato sauce in favor of a lemony-ricotta base, layered with mozzarella, parmesan, fresh thyme, and just a hint of honey for balance. The result? Zesty, cheesy, sweet, and savory perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Bake & rise time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍋 Fruits et légumes
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
🍯 Condiments
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
🧂 Aides culinaires et épices
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
🛢️ Huiles et vinaigres
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
🧀 Produits laitiers
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese
💧 Liquides
  • ½ cup warm water 110°F / 43°C
  • Each ingredient brings a distinct layer of flavor — from the bright lemon to the creamy ricotta to the savory cheeses.

Equipment

  • To make this mouthwatering lemon pizza, you’ll need:
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Small saucepan (optional, for warming water)
  • Rolling pin or hands for shaping dough
  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Zester or microplane

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Pizza Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in salt, olive oil, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes on a floured surface or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Ricotta Base
  1. In a small bowl, combine:
  2. Ricotta cheese
  3. Lemon juice
  4. Lemon zest
  5. Pinch of salt and pepper
  6. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
  1. Punch down the risen dough and roll or stretch it into a 10–12 inch circle.
  2. Place on a piece of parchment paper.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
  1. Spread the lemon ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  2. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.
  3. Drizzle with honey, scatter thyme, and sprinkle red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 10–14 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  3. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a slightly blistered top.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
  1. Let cool for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle extra lemon zest, fresh thyme, or a few drops of olive oil.
  3. Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat on a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes (best method for crispy crust).
Or warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Freezing:
Freeze baked slices wrapped in foil for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
🥄 Variations
Lemon Burrata Pizza: Swap ricotta for burrata and top with arugula after baking.
Garlic-Lemon Pizza: Rub the crust with garlic before baking for a savory twist.
Gluten-Free Dough: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust.
Cheesy Explosion: Add fontina or goat cheese for more melt and depth.
Lemon Prosciutto Pizza: Add thin slices of prosciutto after baking for a salty contrast.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is lemon really good on pizza?
Yes! Lemon zest and juice add brightness and balance to rich, creamy cheeses.
What kind of lemon should I use?
Use fresh, unwaxed lemons. Meyer lemons add a slightly sweeter, floral note.
Can I skip the honey?
You can, but a touch of sweetness balances the tart lemon beautifully.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Definitely! Just follow the package instructions and skip the dough-making step.
How do I make this more filling?
Add shredded chicken, pancetta, or roasted veggies before baking.
What cheeses pair best with lemon?
Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, burrata, goat cheese — creamy and mild cheeses shine.
Why is my dough too sticky?
Add flour 1 tbsp at a time while kneading. Weather and humidity affect dough.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes! Grill the dough for 2–3 minutes per side, then add toppings and return to grill to melt.
How do I zest a lemon without a zester?
Use a fine grater or the small holes of a box grater. Avoid the bitter white pith.
Is this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! It’s meat-free, loaded with cheese and herbs — a perfect veggie option.
🏁 Conclusion
Lemon Pizza is the bold, bright, and wildly flavorful twist your pizza night didn’t know it needed. With layers of creamy ricotta, vibrant citrus, and melted cheese, this pie challenges expectations and delivers unforgettable flavor.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party, looking to impress your taste buds, or just craving something totally different — this zesty pizza delivers a fresh take that’ll quickly earn a spot in your rotation. One bite, and you'll see why citrus belongs on pizza.