Name: Lemon Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough); 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; 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ⅓ to ½ cup shredded firm mozzarella); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

If you’re craving a pizza experience that is both bright and indulgently cheesy, you have to try this Lemon Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Lemon Recipe. The combination of creamy mozzarella, sharp parmesan, zesty lemon, and fragrant parsley creates a fresh, vibrant flavor profile that completely transforms any pizza night into a celebration of taste and texture. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate how the lemon’s brightness balances the richness of the cheeses, while the garlic and olive oil bring everything together in perfect harmony. This is not just any pizza – it’s a delightful, uplifting twist that you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with smooth, white dough placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a small blue and white patterned plate holds a round ball of white cheese. A wooden bowl containing white rice is also present. A bright yellow lemon sits next to the rice bowl, and fresh green parsley lies above it. Behind the parsley, there is a bulb of garlic. To the right side, a glass bottle with yellow oil and two white ceramic shakers are neatly arranged. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple and fresh ingredients are the secret to this delicious pizza. Each component is essential to creating that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.

Pizza dough: Provides the foundational crispy yet chewy base that holds all the toppings.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and herb flavors throughout the pizza.
Water: Balances the brine, ensuring it is light and refreshingly moist.
Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of green freshness that complements the lemon zest perfectly.
Garlic clove: Offers a gentle pungency that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
Lemon zest and juice: The stars of the show, delivering bright citrus notes that brighten every bite.
Fine salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Fresh mozzarella: Creamy and melty, it adds lusciousness to every slice.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that complements both cheeses and lemon beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Lemon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pizza Dough

Start by following your favorite easy pizza dough recipe or use store-bought dough for convenience. The dough should be left to proof for about an hour to develop that perfect texture. When it’s ready, gently press and stretch it out on parchment paper until you have roughly a 9 by 13-inch base. This size is ideal for balanced toppings and even baking.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Brine

In a small glass jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shake the jar vigorously until the ingredients emulsify into a light, flavorful brine. This brine will infuse the dough with delicate lemon notes and a lovely herbaceous aroma, ensuring your pizza shines with every bite.

Step 3: Add the Lemon Brine and Mozzarella

Once your dough is stretched out, create a few gentle dimples across the surface with your fingers. Pour the lemon brine evenly over the dough, allowing some of it to pool in those indentations—this creates flavor pockets that add bursts of brightness. Then scatter thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top, making sure to distribute them evenly so every slice gets plenty of gooey cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your pizza carefully onto a preheated pizza stone using a pizza peel or a rimmed baking sheet turned upside down. Bake in a very hot oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling and just beginning to brown. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary, but the result should be irresistible – a perfect blend of crunch and creaminess topped with fresh lemon essence.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan, Lemon, and Fresh Parsley

Right after baking, drizzle the pizza with additional fresh lemon juice for an extra citrus kick. Then sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese and more fresh parsley. Add a fresh crack of black pepper, or if you like a little heat, some chili flakes, and you’re ready to slice and serve. This finishing touch elevates the flavors, offering depth, tang, and a lovely peppery zest.

How to Serve Lemon Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Lemon Recipe

A single slice of pizza sits in the center of a white plate, which rests on a white marbled surface. The pizza has a golden-brown crust, thick and slightly puffed at the edge, leading to a base covered in melted white cheese. On top of the cheese, there are small green herbs scattered around, with some red flakes visible near the crust. A thin, round slice of lemon with visible seeds is placed near the middle of the slice, adding a fresh yellow accent. The surface of the pizza looks soft and slightly oily, giving it a fresh and warm appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley, a touch of lemon zest, or a handful of arugula provide bright, peppery freshness that complements the pizza beautifully. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a glossy finish and enhances the flavor.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of chilled marinated olives. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices will round out the meal nicely, emphasizing those citrus notes in the pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve the pizza on a wooden board with fresh lemon wedges on the side so guests can add extra brightness as they wish. Alternatively, for a more elegant presentation, slice the pizza into smaller bites and arrange them on a platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs for a stunning visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the bright lemon flavor and cheese texture, let the pizza cool completely before covering it, and avoid stacking slices directly on top of each other.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Lemon Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Lemon Recipe for longer, freeze fully cooled slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of flavor or texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover slices in a hot oven or on a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery, dulling that signature freshness you love in this recipe.

FAQs

Can I use canned or bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for this recipe because it offers a brighter, more natural flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be more acidic and less vibrant, which might affect the delicate balance of flavors.

Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough base, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to choose gluten-free-certified products if you have sensitivities.

What type of mozzarella works best? Fresh or shredded?

Fresh mozzarella provides creamier, softer texture and melty pockets that are ideal for this pizza. If you only have shredded mozzarella, opt for the firmer varieties and use slightly less liquid brine to avoid sogginess.

Can I prepare the lemon brine in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon brine a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time. This saves you time when assembling the pizza.

Does the pizza taste strongly lemony?

This pizza strikes a balanced lemon flavor that is bright and refreshing without being overpowering. The lemon enhances the cheesy, savory components, making the flavor profile lively but harmonious.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Lemon Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a classic pizza into something truly special. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself. Once you try this pizza, you’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant culinary experience. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every zesty, cheesy bite.