Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 23 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe with you because it’s a total game-changer! Imagine the bright zing of fresh lemon dancing over melty mozzarella and a perfectly crisp crust — it’s unlike any pizza you’ve had before. Whether you’re craving something light yet indulgent or just want to wow your friends, this recipe hits all the right notes. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail it in your own kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bright and Balanced Flavors: The fresh lemon zest and juice add a vibrant acidity that complements the creamy mozzarella perfectly.
  • No Fuss, Homemade Dough: The easy no-knead dough gives you a crisp, airy crust without breaking a sweat.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Minimal toppings allow each flavor to shine, making it a refreshing alternative to heavy pizzas.
  • Flexible and Customizable: You can easily tweak the herbs or cheese to match what you have on hand or your taste preferences.
Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe, Easy Lemon Pizza, Fresh Lemon Pizza, 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 its simple yet thoughtfully paired ingredients. Each element builds on the others to create a pizza that tastes fresh, creamy, and just a little unexpected. When shopping, look for fresh mozzarella that’s firm but still soft and juicy, and make sure to grab a good quality lemon for the zest and juice — that brightness is key!

Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe, Easy Lemon Pizza, Fresh Lemon Pizza, 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: Using a no-knead dough makes the process beginner-friendly while delivering a chewy, crispy crust every time.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity backdrop that melds the flavors together beautifully in the lemon brine.
  • Fresh parsley: Brings a subtle herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese.
  • Garlic clove: Just a hint of garlic adds depth without overpowering the lemon’s brightness.
  • Lemon zest and juice: The stars of the show! Zest offers aromatic oils, while juice provides that fresh acidity.
  • Fine salt and black pepper: Essential for highlighting and seasoning all the flavors perfectly.
  • Fresh mozzarella: Delivers a creamy melt that’s smooth and mild — perfect with citrus accents.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that rounds out each bite with complexity.
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I adore this Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I love experimenting by adding a pinch of red chili flakes for a slight kick or swapping fresh parsley for basil when it’s in season. Feel free to adapt this recipe to what you love — that’s the beauty of homemade pizza!

  • Variation: Sometimes I add thinly sliced cherry tomatoes on top before baking for a sweeter contrast that pairs brilliantly with the lemon.
  • Dietary modifications: For a gluten-free version, a pre-made GF crust works wonders — just mind the cook time as it can differ.
  • Seasonal changes: Swapping parsley for fresh basil or thyme adds a new herbaceous note depending on what’s freshest in your garden.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough Like a Pro

Start by following the easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5 — this means letting the dough rise until it’s beautifully pillowy. When it’s ready, place it on parchment paper and gently press it out into roughly a 9×13 inch rectangle. Don’t rush here; use your fingertips to create little dimples on the surface — these will hold pockets of the lemon brine, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Brine

In a glass jar with a lid, add extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Shake it vigorously until everything emulsifies — you’ll notice it gets a lovely, slightly thickened texture that’s perfect for drizzling.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Brine to the Dough

If you’re using fresh mozzarella from water, slice it into ½ inch pieces and dab gently with a towel if it feels too wet to avoid soggy spots. Scatter the lemon brine evenly over the dough, trying to get it into those finger dimples. Then, distribute the mozzarella all over the surface for that gooey cheese experience.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer your pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or an inverted rimmed baking sheet in the oven’s hottest spot. I usually bake mine for 8-10 minutes in a fan oven, but keep an eye because ovens vary! Look for bubbly, slightly browned cheese and a crust that’s just crisp and golden.

Step 5: Finishing Touches Before Serving

Right out of the oven, sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the pizza, then grate on parmesan, scatter the fresh parsley, and finish with freshly ground black pepper (or a pinch of chili flakes if you want some heat). Slice it up and serve immediately — trust me, it’s so much better fresh and hot.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Avoid Soggy Cheese: Pat your fresh mozzarella dry if it’s very wet — it makes a big difference in avoiding a soggy pizza base.
  • Use Parchment Paper: It makes transferring the pizza so much easier and helps keep the oven clean!
  • Watch Your Oven’s Heat: Every oven’s different; start checking your pizza at 7 minutes to avoid burning thin crusts.
  • Preheat Your Stone or Baking Sheet: This key step ensures a crisp, golden crust that feels restaurant-quality.

How to Serve Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe, Easy Lemon Pizza, Fresh Lemon Pizza, 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 topping mine with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley and just a little extra grated parmesan after baking. Sometimes I finish with a few flakes of chili if I want to warm things up. The fresh herbs and cheeses add layers of texture and freshness that make all the difference.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber salad with dill. Both add refreshing crunch that complements the pizza’s citrusy creaminess without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love assembling mini lemon mozzarella pizzas on small baking stones or cast iron skillets—each person gets a personal-sized artisan pizza, which looks stunning on the table and feels extra fun to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza? Wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. I find that mozzarella and lemon flavors stay surprisingly fresh overnight, especially when reheated correctly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully baked lemon mozzarella pizza slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat to keep the best texture. It’s not quite as fresh as homemade, but still delicious in a pinch!

Reheating

To revive leftover pizza, I heat it in a hot skillet on medium-low with a lid for a few minutes — this crisps the crust and melts the cheese nicely without making the base soggy like the microwave often does.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! Store-bought dough works just fine and is a great shortcut if you’re pressed for time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and rise slightly if the package instructions suggest. This helps the crust develop that airy texture.

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

    No problem! You can use an inverted rimmed baking sheet preheated in the oven as a great alternative. Just slide the pizza on parchment paper and bake directly on the hot surface for a crisp crust.

  3. Can I add other toppings to this pizza?

    Of course! While I love this pizza with just lemon and mozzarella for a fresh flavor, feel free to add things like cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, or even prosciutto for more complexity. Just be mindful of balancing flavors so the lemon still shines.

  4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

    Definitely! The mild cheese and gentle citrus flavors make it a hit even with picky eaters. If your kids prefer less zest, you can reduce the lemon juice slightly or add more mozzarella.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe has become one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners because it feels so fresh yet indulgent all at once. It’s perfect when you want something quick but a little special, and I love that it’s approachable enough for cooks of any skill level. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be surprised at how that little hit of lemon transforms your pizza game. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

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Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 23 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • 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 Lemon Pizza recipe features a delicate no-knead dough topped with a zesty lemon brine, fresh mozzarella, and savory parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light and refreshing twist on classic pizza, it combines bright lemon flavors with creamy cheese and a crispy crust baked on a pizza stone or baking sheet.

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 pizza dough: Follow the easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through step 5, including shaping the dough and preheating the oven to the highest temperature suitable for pizza baking, preferably using a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet.
  2. Prepare the cheese: If using fresh mozzarella submerged in water, cut into ½ inch thick pieces and dab with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for a less watery topping.
  3. Shape the dough: Place the dough ball on a parchment paper sheet and gently press it out from the center to form an approximately 9×13 inch rectangle. Place the dough onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet to transfer into the oven.
  4. Make the lemon brine: Combine the extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped fresh parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fine salt, and black pepper in a glass jar with a lid. Shake vigorously until well emulsified.
  5. Add the topping: After stretching the dough, create a few dimples by pressing gently with your fingers. Scatter the lemon brine evenly over the dough, filling the dimples, then distribute the mozzarella pieces or shredded cheese evenly on top.
  6. Bake the pizza: Using the pizza peel, carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is nicely melted and lightly browned, approximately 15 minutes (8-10 minutes in a fan oven).
  7. Serve the pizza: Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally add chili flakes for extra heat. Slice and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a pizza stone, invert a rimmed baking sheet and preheat it in the oven. Use another baking sheet or pizza peel to transfer the pizza onto the hot inverted sheet to achieve a crisp crust.
  • Dabbing moisture off fresh mozzarella helps prevent soggy pizza.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest quantity to your taste preference for brightness.
  • Make sure to preheat the oven and stone or sheet thoroughly for best crust texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

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