Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza stands out with its extraordinary fresh citrus character light yet deeply flavorful. The lemon brine elevates the dough with zesty, aromatic brightness. It’s creamy, tangy, and elegant a beautiful balance of freshness and comfort. Perfect for summer dining or when you’re craving something both elegant and simple.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza dough (1 ball of easy or store-bought dough)
Lemon Brine:
- Extra virgin olive oil, water, fresh parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fine salt, black pepper
Mozzarella (fresh or shredded)
To finish: lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare your dough according to the recipe you’re using , including proofing and pre-baking if required.
Make the brine by combining olive oil, water, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a jar; shake to emulsify.
Stretch the dough into approximately a 9×13-inch shape on parchment. Create dimples with your fingers, then pour the brine evenly over the surface, letting it settle into the dimples.
Scatter the mozzarella over the surface.
Bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking tray until the crust and cheese are golden and bubbly (typically around 8–10 minutes in a hot oven, though times vary; keep an eye on it).
Upon removing from the oven, finish with a drizzle of lemon juice, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 2 large portions or about 6 slices
Timing:
- Prep Time: ~15 minutes
- Proofing/Rest Time: ~1 hour
- Cook Time: ~8–10 minutes (adjust as needed for your oven)
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded low-moisture mozzarella if preferred.
Swap parsley for other herbs like basil or arugula for a different herbal twist.
Add paper-thin lemon slices on top before baking for extra citrus aroma and texture. Other recipes combine lemon slices with olive oil and herbs for depth .
Top after baking with greens like arugula, basil, or spinach for freshness. Some versions also layer ricotta or créme fraîche under lemons for a creamy base .

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains some crispness. Alternatively, reheat slices briefly in a skillet over medium heat, covered, to revive texture without sogginess.

FAQs

What if I don’t want to make dough from scratch?

Use store-bought pizza dough this recipe is designed to work well either way.

Can I make a round pizza instead of rectangle?

Absolutely. Shape the dough round if preferred just follow the same brining and baking principles.

How thick should the crust be?

Stretch to about 9×13 inches, leaving it thin enough for crispiness yet sturdy enough to hold the brine and cheese.

My oven doesn’t get very hot what then?

Bake on a preheated baking tray or pizza stone. It may take a bit longer, so watch for bubbling cheese and golden edges to guide doneness.

Can I skip the lemon juice finish topping?

You can, but the additional lemon juice brightens and freshens the pizza right before serving. It’s part of what makes the flavor pop.

Is this pizza vegetarian?

Yes, it’s vegetarian. You can also make it vegan using vegan cheese alternatives and skipping dairy.

Can I prep the brine ahead of time?

Definitely a day ahead is fine. Just store it in the refrigerator and shake before using.

Does leftover pizza hold up well?

Yes, it stays flavorful for a couple days. Reheat using oven or skillet for best texture.

Can I freeze baked pizza?

Freeze cooled slices in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven or skillet.

Conclusion

This Lemon Pizza is a stunning, fresh, and unexpectedly delightful twist on pizza that balances citrus brightness with creamy cheese and herbaceous nuance. Simple yet elegant, it’s a standout for when you want something light, flavorful, and refreshingly different.

Lemon Pizza