Zesty Summer Lemon Pizza (Printable)
A bright and refreshing pizza featuring tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and fresh summer herbs for a light meal.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1 ball fresh pizza dough (approximately 10.5 oz, store-bought or homemade)
→ Cheese & Sauce
02 - 4.2 oz crème fraîche or ricotta cheese
03 - 1 garlic clove, minced
04 - 4.2 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
05 - 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
→ Toppings
06 - 1 unwaxed lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
07 - 1 tsp lemon zest
08 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1.7 oz arugula (rocket)
10 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
11 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 475°F or as hot as it will go. If using a pizza stone, preheat it as well.
02 - Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper.
03 - In a small bowl, mix the crème fraîche or ricotta with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
04 - Spread the mixture evenly over the pizza base, leaving a ½-inch border.
05 - Arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce, then sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
06 - Lay the lemon slices over the cheese, slightly overlapping. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if using.
07 - Carefully transfer the pizza (on parchment) to the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
08 - Remove from the oven, top immediately with arugula, lemon zest, and fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The contrast between the creamy base and the sharp lemon slices is totally addictive.
- It comes together in under thirty minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
02 -
- Patting your mozzarella slices dry with a paper towel is the single best way to avoid a soggy middle.
- Do not be afraid of the high heat; a blistered crust is the perfect pairing for the delicate citrus.
03 -
- If the lemons look too thick, simply pop them in the microwave for ten seconds to soften before slicing.
- Adding a handful of toasted pine nuts on top right before serving brings a wonderful crunch.