This Lemon White Pizza is a fun twist on traditional pizza! Topped with creamy ricotta and zesty lemon, it’s fresh and bright. You’ll love the burst of flavor with every bite!
I can’t help but smile while making this pizza. The blend of lemon and cheese is so unique! Serve it at gatherings, and I promise your friends will be so impressed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own. If you’re short on time, a pre-made crust or pita can work well too, just adjust the baking time for thinner crusts.
Ricotta Cheese: This cheese adds creaminess. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute, but blend it for a smoother texture. Cream cheese is another option for more richness.
Lemon Zest and Slices: Fresh lemon zest brightens the flavor. If you’re out of lemons, lemon juice can be a substitute, but use less. For a different twist, grapefruit or lime zest could also work well.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan create a great blend. Feel free to swap the mozzarella with provolone or even feta for a tangier flavor. Vegan cheese is an option if you’re dairy-free!
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Pizza Crust?
The pizza crust can make or break your Lemon White Pizza. Follow these tips for a great result:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with the pizza stone inside if you have one—this helps achieve a crispy crust.
- When rolling out or stretching your dough, aim for an even thickness. Thinner edges can get crunchy and thicker parts may stay doughy.
- Using cornmeal on your pizza peel or baking sheet helps prevent sticking, making it easier to transfer your pizza once it’s topped.
- Brush the dough with olive oil before adding toppings. This adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess.
How to Make Lemon White Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Lemon White Pizza recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have this delicious pizza ready in about 30 minutes total—a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it gets nice and hot. This will help get a crispy crust!
2. Rolling Out the Dough:
If you’re using homemade pizza dough, sprinkle some flour on your work surface and roll it out to your desired thickness. If you’re using store-bought dough, simply stretch it out gently with your hands. Make it round or rectangular—whatever you prefer!
3. Prepare the Baking Surface:
Sprinkle some cornmeal on a pizza peel or a baking sheet. This will help prevent the pizza from sticking. Then, transfer your rolled-out dough onto the cornmeal-dusted surface carefully.
4. Add the Olive Oil:
Brush the top of the dough evenly with olive oil. This will add flavor and help the crust get golden and crispy as it bakes.
5. Spread the Ricotta Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and the lemon zest until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture all over the dough, but leave a little space at the edges for the crust.
6. Layer on the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the ricotta layer. Get generous with the cheese because it’s what makes it yummy!
7. Add the Lemon Slices:
Arrange the thin lemon slices evenly across the top of the cheese. They will give your pizza a fresh and zesty flavor once baked.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer your pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the hot pizza stone). Let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the crust to be golden brown and the cheese bubbling!
9. Fresh Finishing Touches:
Once done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes now.
10. Slice and Serve:
Let your pizza cool for a minute or two, then slice it up and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Lemon White Pizza with family or friends!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps it stretch more easily without tearing.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta cheese with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just make sure to blend them well so the mixture remains smooth before spreading it onto your dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftovers, let the pizza cool completely, then place slices in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for best results, or microwave it for a quick meal.
Can I Add Other Toppings to This Pizza?
Yes, feel free to customize your Lemon White Pizza! Some great additions could be spinach, artichokes, or even grilled chicken for added protein. Just remember that wetter toppings might require a little extra cooking time to ensure the crust stays crispy.
