Lemon Pizza

When you think of pizza, the traditional tomato base and melty cheese come to mind. However, there is a world of culinary creativity waiting to be explored, and one of the most exciting trends in contemporary cuisine is the introduction of unique, unexpected flavors into beloved classics. Enter the Zesty Lemon Delight Pizza, a delightful twist that combines the refreshing zest of lemons with the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese, creating a pizza that is both invigorating and deliciously satisfying.

Discover a refreshing twist on pizza with this Zesty Lemon Delight Pizza recipe. Bursting with citrus flavor, this unique dish combines creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella and tangy lemon zest for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for special occasions or casual dinners, this pizza elevates everyday meals. Learn how to prepare homemade dough, mix the ideal cheese blend, and garnish with fresh herbs for a flavorful, visually stunning meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this bright and delicious culinary creation!

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Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 2 medium lemons

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1/2 cup fresh arugula (for topping)

Thin lemon slices (for garnish)

Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 475°F (245°C) or use the highest temperature setting available. If you own a pizza stone, be sure to place it in the oven now, allowing it to heat up thoroughly.

Prepare the Dough: On a clean, lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. For a lovely crispy crust, aim for a thinner base.

Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are blended into a smooth mixture.

Assemble the Pizza: Carefully transfer the stretched dough onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the zesty lemon-ricotta mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, ensuring to leave a small border around the edges for the crust.

Add Cheeses: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer, covering it well for a cheesy delight.

Flavor Boost: Evenly distribute the fresh thyme leaves across the cheese. For those who enjoy a little spice, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the top.

Bake the Pizza: Taking caution, slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone, or place the baking sheet directly in the oven. Bake it for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with a slight browning on top.

Finish with Freshness: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for about one minute. Top it off with a handful of fresh arugula for a pop of color and a burst of flavor. Garnish with thin slices of lemon.

Slice and Serve: Cut your zesty lemon delight pizza into slices, and enjoy it warm. If desired, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top before serving for enhanced richness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4