Name: Zesty Summer Lemon Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-494817H57M6S
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (about 450g) store-bought or homemade pizza dough; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus more for garnish; 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for seasoning; 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more for seasoning; 1 cup (about 4 oz / 115g) low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup (about 4 oz / 115g) whole milk ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; Zest of 1 fresh lemon, for garnish

Description

This delightful Zesty Summer Lemon Pizza features a perfectly crisp crust, creamy ricotta, savory mozzarella, and a vibrant burst of fresh lemon. It’s an easy-to-make, refreshing twist on classic pizza perfect for any summer meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (about 450g) store-bought or homemade pizza dough
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus more for garnish
1/2 tsp salt, plus more for seasoning
1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 cup (about 4 oz / 115g) low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (about 4 oz / 115g) whole milk ricotta cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Zest of 1 fresh lemon, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Dough & Preheat Oven: Remove pizza dough from the fridge 30-60 minutes before baking. Place pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat to its highest setting (475-550°F / 245-290°C) for at least 30-45 minutes.
2. Make Lemon-Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Stretch Dough & Assemble Base: Lightly flour a work surface and gently stretch or roll dough to your desired shape (approx. 10-12 inches). Transfer to parchment paper or a floured pizza peel. Brush half of the lemon-garlic oil mixture over the dough, leaving a small crust border.
4. Add Cheese: Evenly scatter shredded mozzarella over the oiled crust. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the mozzarella.
5. Bake Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone/steel. Bake for 8-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and puffy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven. Drizzle remaining lemon-garlic oil over the hot pizza. Top immediately with fresh basil, fresh thyme, and generously grated lemon zest. Add an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired. Slice and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10-15 mins