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Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving something bright, fresh, and totally different from your usual pizza night, you’re going to love this Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe. It’s light yet satisfying, combining the creamy melt of mozzarella with zesty lemon notes that dance on your taste buds. Seriously, this recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Stick around—I’ll share everything you need to nail it perfectly!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The lemon brine cuts through the rich mozzarella, creating a refreshing, balanced bite every time.
  • Simple Yet Unique: It uses straightforward ingredients you probably have on hand but delivers a pizza experience that feels gourmet.
  • Crispy Crust Every Time: The technique of using a hot pizza stone or inverted baking sheet ensures a crispy base that holds up to all the toppings.
  • Customizable and Quick: This recipe is easily adapted for dietary preferences and is ready in about 90 minutes, including dough proofing.
Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella, lemon pizza recipe, fresh mozzarella pizza, lemon and mozzarella pizza, easy lemon pizza - A slice of pizza is shown held by a woman's hand, with a thick golden brown crust that looks crispy on the edges. The pizza has three clear layers: the bottom is a light golden baked crust, the middle is a melted white cheese layer, and the top is decorated with a thin transparent yellow lemon slice, small green herb pieces, and tiny red flakes. In the background, more pizza slices are arranged on a white marbled surface with some green garnish scattered around and a glass of water with ice cubes visible. The whole scene is bright and fresh, capturing the texture of the pizza and the lemon slice well photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe lies in the bright interplay between fresh mozzarella’s creamy texture and the vibrancy of lemon brine. Choosing quality ingredients like fresh herbs and good olive oil makes all the difference. Here’s a run-down of what you’ll need and why I love each one.

Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella, lemon pizza recipe, fresh mozzarella pizza, lemon and mozzarella pizza, easy lemon pizza - Flat lay of a smooth, round ball of fresh pizza dough, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a few bright green sprigs of chopped fresh parsley, one small garlic clove with its papery skin removed, a whole fresh lemon with a wedge cut to show juicy zest, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing whole black peppercorns, a ball of fresh white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, whole uncracked brown eggs not included (as recipe doesn’t call for eggs), all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Pizza dough: I always opt for either easy no-knead dough or a store-bought one that’s fresh — it’s your base, so get one with good elasticity for that perfect crust.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the lemon brine coat the crust beautifully without overpowering it.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds an herbaceous note that brightens up each bite and complements the lemon perfectly.
  • Garlic: Grated fresh for just a subtle kick that blends smoothly into the brine.
  • Lemon zest and juice: The star players that deliver the signature citrus punch — zest for aroma, juice for tang.
  • Fine salt & black pepper: To season and elevate every flavor without masking the brightness.
  • Fresh mozzarella: My favorite part — creamy, melty, and just mild enough to let the lemon shine through.
  • Parmesan cheese: For finishing, it adds subtle savory depth and a touch of saltiness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve found that this Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe is a delightfully flexible canvas. Sometimes, I like to add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or swap parsley for fresh basil when I’m feeling a more Italian twist. You can totally tailor it to your mood or what’s in your fridge.

  • Variation: Once, I sprinkled thinly sliced prosciutto right after baking, and it was game-changing — the saltiness paired so well with the citrus zing.
  • Dietary swaps: Use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative carefully, as the melty texture is key, but the lemon flavor will still pop nicely.
  • Seasonal twist: In summer, fresh thyme or oregano added a lovely earthiness that worked beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dough and Oven

Start with your no-knead pizza dough — after letting it proof for about an hour as per the recipe, gently stretch it out on parchment paper to about a 9×13 inch rectangle. Be gentle so you don’t tear it. Meanwhile, preheat your oven with your pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the bottom rack. This gets the surface hot enough to crisp the underside quickly, preventing sogginess.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Brine

In a small jar, combine olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shake it up until nicely emulsified. This brine is your secret weapon—it adds moisture, tang, and seasoning right into the pits of the dough for juicy flavor pockets.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Brine to the Dough

Once your dough is shaped on parchment, use your fingertips to create small dimples all over the surface—these pockets hold the lemon brine beautifully. Scatter the brine evenly, filling those dimples, then arrange slices of fresh mozzarella on top. If your mozzarella is watery, dab it lightly with paper towels so the crust doesn’t get soggy.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Using a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet, slide your pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes in a fan-forced oven—keep a close eye! — until you see the cheese bubbling and the crust is golden and crisp.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Toppings

Right after pulling your pizza out, drizzle it with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper (or a pinch of chili flakes if you want a kick). Slice it up, serve immediately, and watch your guests get excited!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

  • Dry Your Mozzarella Well: Fresh mozzarella often carries excess moisture—pat it dry to keep your crust crispy, not soggy.
  • Use Parchment Paper for Easy Transfer: It makes sliding your pizza on and off the peel safer and easier, especially for beginners.
  • Don’t Skip the Dimples: Those little pizza dough pockets hold the lemon brine like tiny flavor bombs—make sure to press gently but effectively.
  • Watch Your Bake Time: Oven temps vary; keep checking after 8 minutes to prevent burning while achieving perfect browning.

How to Serve Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella, lemon pizza recipe, fresh mozzarella pizza, lemon and mozzarella pizza, easy lemon pizza - A golden-baked pizza with a thick, fluffy crust sits on a white marbled surface, topped with a white creamy cheese layer spread evenly across its base. Over the cheese, there are green leafy herbs scattered around and three thin, round lemon slices placed on the top right, center, and bottom left areas of the pizza. There are small flakes of red pepper sprinkled across the surface, adding subtle speckles of color. Fresh green parsley leaves are dotted around the pizza, enhancing its fresh look. Around the pizza, there are extra lemon wedges and parsley leaves resting on the white marbled texture. Near the bottom, a small white bowl filled with light yellow grated cheese is placed close by. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this pizza with a few extra fresh parsley leaves and sometimes a twist of lemon zest atop just before serving—it adds a clean, vibrant punch. A sprinkle of chili flakes gives a subtle heat, but that’s totally up to your preference.

Side Dishes

Pair this lemon pizza with a crisp arugula salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, or a chilled cucumber and tomato salad to complement the citrus notes perfectly. Light and fresh sides keep the meal feeling bright and summery.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this lemon pizza on a wooden board garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. It adds a touch of whimsy and flair that really impresses guests while keeping things casual and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your pizza cools, I wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They usually stay good for about 2-3 days, though fresh is always best for that crisp crust.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze lemon pizza because the fresh lemon and cheese texture don’t freeze well—but if you want to prep dough in advance, that freezes beautifully and saves prep time on pizza day.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover pizza slices in a hot skillet for a few minutes to crisp the bottom back up, then add a lid to warm the cheese without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust from getting soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular shredded mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella?

    Yes, you can! While fresh mozzarella melts creamier and has that delicate texture, shredded mozzarella works fine if you want a firmer cheese presence. Just be mindful that shredded mozzarella tends to be saltier and less moist, so adjust your lemon brine seasoning accordingly.

  2. What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

    No worries! A hot inverted rimmed baking sheet works really well as a pizza stone substitute. Preheat it in the oven, and slide your pizza onto it. It helps achieve a crisp crust just as nicely, so don’t stress if you don’t own a stone.

  3. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy with the lemon brine?

    Great question! The key is to make those dimples in the dough so the brine settles inside rather than pooling all over the surface. Also, make sure your mozzarella isn’t too wet and pat it dry if needed. Using a hot baking surface also helps crisp up the crust quickly to avoid sogginess.

  4. Can I prepare this pizza in advance?

    You can shape and add the lemon brine ahead, then refrigerate the unbaked dough for a few hours, but I recommend adding fresh mozzarella and baking just before serving for best results. Otherwise, the crust might get a bit soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet effortless—and that’s exactly why I keep coming back to it. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up pizza night or impress friends with something unexpected. Seriously, once you try this, I bet it’ll become a staple for you, too. So grab your dough, fresh lemons, and mozzarella, and treat yourself to a pizza that’s bursting with sunshine in every bite!

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Lemon Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A bright and zesty lemon pizza recipe featuring a no-knead pizza dough, lemon-infused olive oil brine, fresh mozzarella, and finishing touches of parmesan and parsley. Perfect for a fresh and flavorful homemade pizza experience.

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

  • 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)

Lemon Brine

  • 2 tablespoon 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 from ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)

To Finish

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Follow the easy no-knead pizza recipe through step 5, including shaping the pizza and preheating the oven.
  2. Prepare the cheese: If using fresh mozzarella cheese in water, cut it into ½ inch thick pieces. Dab with paper towel if very watery to remove excess moisture.
  3. Shape the dough: Place the dough on a parchment paper sheet and starting from the center, gently press it out with your fingers until you get approximately a 9×13 inch pizza. Then transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
  4. Make the brine: Combine all brine ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake until well emulsified.
  5. Add the topping: Make a few dimples in the stretched dough with your fingers and scatter the lemon brine evenly over the dough, filling the dimples. Then evenly add the mozzarella cheese on top.
  6. Bake the pizza: Use the pizza peel to carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. Bake until the cheese melts and the crust is nicely browned, approximately 15 minutes. Oven times may vary, so watch closely.
  7. Serve: After baking, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the pizza. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally add chili flakes for extra heat. Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a pizza stone, use an inverted rimmed baking sheet preheated in the oven to achieve a crispy crust.
  • To avoid soggy mozzarella, pat fresh mozzarella dry before using.
  • Use a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet for transferring pizza to the oven safely.
  • Adjust baking time according to your oven; watch the pizza closely to prevent burning.
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired when serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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