Description
Lemon Pizza offers a zesty twist on traditional pizza by incorporating refreshing lemon flavors into a cheesy topping for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour and salt mixture. Add the olive oil and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the lemon topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until well incorporated. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats.
- Punch the dough down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a thin round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel if using a stone.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the fresh thyme over the cheese mixture.
- Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle the top with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of honey.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the pizza.
- Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice according to your preferred level of lemon flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure that the cheese used is rennet-free.
- Pairs well with a light salad or fresh vegetables on the side.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg