Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
Lemon Brine
- 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
Mozzarella
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ⅓ to ½ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
To Finish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Follow the easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, which includes shaping the dough and preheating the oven to the correct temperature.
- Prepare the mozzarella: If using fresh mozzarella in water, cut it into ½ inch thick slices. Dab with a paper towel to remove excess moisture if it is very watery to prevent sogginess on the pizza.
- Shape the pizza dough: Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper and gently press from the center outwards until you form a rectangular pizza approximately 9×13 inches in size. Place the shaped dough onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet for easy transfer to the oven.
- Make the lemon brine: In a glass jar with a lid, combine extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Shake well until fully emulsified.
- Add the toppings: Create small dimples evenly across the dough with your fingers. Scatter the lemon brine evenly over the dough, filling the dimples. Distribute the mozzarella pieces evenly over the top.
- Bake the pizza: Using the pizza peel, carefully transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Baking time will vary by oven type; for a fan-forced oven, this usually takes 8-10 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle evenly with grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Slice into six pieces and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven to ensure a crispy crust.
- If your mozzarella is very wet, removing excess moisture is key to prevent a soggy pizza.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- Keep an eye on the pizza towards the end of baking, as ovens vary and you want the crust golden but not burnt.
- Substitute firm shredded mozzarella if you prefer a less creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian