Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a pizza that feels fresh, bright, and downright irresistible, you’re going to love this Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe. Trust me, the zesty lemon combined with melty mozzarella creates a combination that’s both unexpected and utterly delicious. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress friends, this pizza is always a fan-freaking-tastic choice. Let’s dive in so you can bring a slice of sunshine to your kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bright & Balanced Flavors: The lemon brine adds a fresh zing that cuts through the richness of mozzarella for a perfectly balanced bite.
  • Easy to Make at Home: You don’t need to be a pizza pro to nail this — a simple no-knead dough and straightforward steps make it accessible.
  • Versatile Ingredient List: You can use store-bought dough or fresh mozzarella, making it flexible for your pantry and fridge.
  • Gourmet Feel with Minimal Effort: Fancy flavors without the fuss — perfect for casual dinners or impressing guests.
Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, lemon pizza recipe, fresh mozzarella pizza, citrus-infused pizza, easy homemade 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 Mozzarella Pizza Recipe lies in the harmony of fresh, quality ingredients. Each one plays its part, from the tender dough that offers just the right crispness, to the bright lemon notes in the brine that bring the whole thing to life. Here’s what I recommend looking for when you shop:

Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, lemon pizza recipe, fresh mozzarella pizza, citrus-infused pizza, easy homemade 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: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good dough is your pizza’s foundation — aim for one that’s soft but sturdy enough to hold toppings without sogginess.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Using quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor and helps infuse that rich base for the lemon brine.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements both lemon and cheese.
  • Garlic clove: Just a hint of garlic in the brine lends a subtle savory warmth that balances the citrus.
  • Lemon zest & lemon juice: Both are essential to bring that fresh, tangy kick that makes this pizza stand out.
  • Fresh mozzarella: Creamy, melty, and mild — the perfect cheese to balance the citrusy brightness.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty umami and texture when sprinkled on top at the end.
  • Black pepper and salt: Essential for seasoning — don’t skimp! They elevate all the other flavors.
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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

This Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe is fun to make your own — I often switch up the herbs or add a little spicy kick depending on my mood. Feel free to test out these tweaks and find your favorite version!

  • Add fresh basil: I love adding torn basil leaves just before serving for an herbal lift that pairs beautifully with lemon.
  • Try chili flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle on some chili flakes at the end — it adds a nice contrast to the creamy cheese.
  • Use shredded firm mozzarella: If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, shredded works fine — just keep in mind it melts a bit differently.
  • Gluten-free dough: I’ve swapped in gluten-free dough with great results — just be mindful of baking times.

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

Step 1: Get Your Dough Ready and Preheat the Oven

Start by following your favorite no-knead pizza dough recipe through shaping the dough. When it’s time to shape, gently press your dough onto a parchment sheet in about a 9×13 inch rectangle. This makes it easy to slide onto your pizza stone or baking sheet later. Preheat your oven with your stone or inverted rimmed baking sheet inside at the lowest rack — this helps get that crisp crust we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Brine and Cheese

In a jar with a lid, combine olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Shake well until the mixture emulsifies beautifully. If using fresh mozzarella, slice it about ½ inch thick and carefully pat the slices dry on paper towels if they seem watery — this step keeps the crust from getting soggy.

Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza

Once your dough is stretched out and on parchment, gently create a few dimples across the surface with your fingers. This little trick helps trap the lemon brine so it can infuse the crust beautifully. Pour the lemon brine evenly over the dough, focusing on the dimples, then scatter the mozzarella slices on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Use a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet to carefully transfer your pizza on the parchment onto the hot pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes in a fan oven, watching for golden brown crust and bubbly, nicely browned cheese. Every oven varies, so keep an eye on it — you want that perfect balance of crisp and ooze.

Step 5: Finish with a Fresh Touch and Serve

Right after you take your pizza out, drizzle it with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle parmesan and chopped parsley, and crack some fresh black pepper on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of chili flakes adds a beautiful kick. Slice up and serve immediately for the best experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

  • Dry Your Mozzarella: Patting fresh mozzarella dry is a game changer to avoid a soggy crust—trust me, I learned this the hard way once!
  • Use Parchment Paper: It makes transferring your pizza so much easier, especially when tossing it onto a hot stone.
  • Watch the Oven: Ovens vary, so keep an eye from about 7 minutes onward to prevent burning but still get a crispy crust.
  • Dimple the Dough: Creating little pockets helps hold that lemon brine where it’s needed, boosting flavor and moisture without sogginess.

How to Serve Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, lemon pizza recipe, fresh mozzarella pizza, citrus-infused pizza, easy homemade 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 like to keep things simple and fresh with garnishes — fresh parsley is a must for me, lending a vibrant pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I add a few basil leaves for an herby twist or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Black pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes finishes it off perfectly.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs so well to cut through the cheese’s richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing can also nicely echo the citrus notes in the pizza. For something heartier, garlic-roasted potatoes round out the meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love cutting this pizza into appetizersized squares and serving it on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around. A rustic, artisanal vibe fits this pizza’s fresh flavors perfectly. You might also try layering lemon slices on top before baking for a stunning visual and extra zing on special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lemon mozzarella pizza stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually wrap slices tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep moisture out. The flavors stay fresh, although the crust will lose its initial crispness.

Freezing

While I don’t typically freeze this pizza because fresh lemon flavor is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze cooked slices wrapped in parchment and foil for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp — nothing beats that freshly baked texture!

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for the Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe?

    Absolutely! Store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe and makes the process even quicker. Just make sure to follow the shaping and preheating steps carefully so your crust comes out crisp and delicious.

  2. What kind of mozzarella is best for this lemon pizza?

    Fresh mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that balances the zesty lemon. If fresh isn’t available, a good-quality shredded mozzarella will do, but fresh is my go-to for the best taste and texture.

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

    The key is to pat the mozzarella dry before topping and to dimple the dough to hold the lemon brine in place. Also, using a hot pizza stone or inverted baking sheet to bake helps crisp the crust quickly so it stays perfectly textured.

  4. Can I add other toppings to this Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe?

    Yes! While this recipe shines in its simplicity, you can experiment by adding things like thin slices of prosciutto, fresh arugula after baking, or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s a fun twist on classic pizza—light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. I love how the lemon brightens each bite and creates a memorable meal that’s simple enough for any night. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to share with friends and family — because good food just tastes better when it’s shared!

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Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • 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

This vibrant Lemon Pizza recipe features a tangy lemon brine paired with creamy mozzarella and a crisp pizza crust, perfect for a fresh and flavorful homemade pizza experience. The dough is easy to prepare with a no-knead method, topped with a zesty lemon-infused olive oil mix, and finished with parmesan and fresh parsley for a delicious twist on a classic pizza.

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 ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)

To Finish

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pizza Dough: Follow the easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, including shaping the dough and preheating your oven with the pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese: If using fresh mozzarella, cut it into ½ inch thick slices. Dab with a paper towel if it’s very watery to remove excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
  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 it reaches approximately 9 by 13 inches. Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
  4. 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, fine salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously until well emulsified.
  5. Add the Topping: Make a few dimples across the stretched dough with your fingers. Evenly scatter the lemon brine over the dough, filling the dimples, then distribute the mozzarella slices on top.
  6. Bake the Pizza: Using the pizza peel, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust and cheese are golden and bubbly, watching closely as ovens vary.
  7. Serve: Remove pizza from oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper or chili flakes as desired. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a pizza stone, invert a rimmed baking sheet on the lowest oven rack and preheat it to achieve a crisp crust.
  • Place the pizza on parchment on a pizza peel or baking sheet for easy transfer onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
  • Use paper towels to reduce moisture in fresh mozzarella to prevent soggy pizza.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for more or less tanginess.
  • Keep an eye on the pizza while baking since cook times vary between ovens.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 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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