Lemon Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Parsley Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Pizza features a tangy lemon-infused olive oil brine layered over a crisp, golden crust topped with melted fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley. A refreshing twist on traditional pizza, it offers bright citrus flavors balanced by creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs, perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
Brine and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Follow the easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, which includes shaping the dough and preheating the oven to the appropriate temperature. Shape the dough into approximately a 9×13 inch rectangle on parchment paper, gently pressing from the center.
- Prepare the Cheese: If using fresh mozzarella in water, cut into ½ inch thick slices and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess on the pizza.
- Make the Brine: In a glass jar with a lid, combine extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fine salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously until well emulsified.
- Apply Brine and Add Cheese: Create dimples on the stretched dough with your fingers, then evenly scatter the lemon-infused brine over the dough, filling the dimples. Distribute the mozzarella slices evenly over the top.
- Bake the Pizza: Using a pizza peel, carefully transfer the pizza along with the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes in a fan-forced oven, or until the crust and cheese are golden brown and bubbly. Monitor closely as oven times may vary.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, immediately top the pizza with the remaining tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, add chili flakes for some heat. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Patting the fresh mozzarella dry is essential to avoid a soggy crust.
- The lemon brine adds a unique citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Using a pizza stone preheated in the oven helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Adjust baking time according to your oven’s heat distribution and type.
- Fresh herbs added after baking maintain their vibrant color and flavor.
