Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 10 reviews

If you love bright, fresh flavors combined with that ooey-gooey cheesy goodness, you’re going to adore this Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t your average pizza — the zing of lemon paired with creamy mozzarella transforms every bite into a refreshing, savory delight. Whether you’re making pizza for a casual dinner or trying to impress friends with something unique, this recipe totally delivers in flavor and simplicity. So, pull up a chair, and let’s dive into how I make this fan-freaking-tastic lemon mozzarella pizza at home!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The fresh lemon zest and juice add a bright tang that complements the creamy mozzarella and savory parmesan.
  • Simple Yet Stunning: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps — this recipe keeps it approachable while tasting gourmet.
  • Versatile Dough Base: Using easy no-knead pizza dough makes it beginner-friendly and super forgiving.
  • Fresh Herb Infusion: Parsley and garlic in the lemon brine bring depth and freshness to every bite.
Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, lemon mozzarella pizza recipe, fresh citrus pizza, easy lemon pizza, homemade lemon cheese 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

This Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a special part in the flavor and texture. I always suggest grabbing the freshest mozzarella you can find — it truly makes a difference. And don’t skip the lemon brine; it’s the secret sauce that ties everything together with brightness and moisture.

Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, lemon mozzarella pizza recipe, fresh citrus pizza, easy lemon pizza, homemade lemon cheese 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: I love using a no-knead dough or store-bought dough for ease and a soft, chewy crust.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps mellow out the tangy lemon flavor.
  • Fresh parsley: Bright and slightly peppery, it freshens up the whole pie.
  • Garlic clove: Grated into the brine for subtle savory warmth.
  • Lemon zest and juice: Bursts of citrus flavor that wake up your tastebuds.
  • Fine salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
  • Fresh mozzarella: Creamy and melty, it’s the star cheese here. If using something firmer, shredded works too.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finishing touch.
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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

One of the things I love most about this Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it for your own cravings. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick, other times a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast. You can totally make it your own!

  • Spicy variation: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a lovely warmth that contrasts wonderfully with the citrus.
  • Herb swaps: Instead of parsley, fresh basil or thyme work brilliantly depending on the season and your mood.
  • Cheese alternatives: Mixing in a bit of goat cheese or feta can add tang and creaminess if you want a twist.
  • Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust for an allergy-friendly version without losing flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep the Dough and Oven

I start by following my no-knead pizza dough recipe through the shaping step, or simply roll out your store-bought dough to about a 9×13 inch rectangle. While that’s resting, I preheat the oven and pizza stone (or an inverted rimmed baking sheet if you don’t have a stone) to get it screaming hot — around 500°F if your oven goes that high. A hot surface is key to a crisp crust!

Step 2: Make the Lemon Brine

Combine extra virgin olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and black pepper in a jar and shake it up. This simple mixture is magic — it brightens the dough and adds a subtle garlic-herb punch. Pour it evenly over your stretched dough, rubbing it into the dimples for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add the Mozzarella

If you’re using fresh mozzarella packed in water, slice it into half-inch thick pieces and pat dry with paper towels if it feels too wet — excess moisture can make the pizza soggy. Spread the cheese generously over the dough, making sure it’s distributed evenly for perfect melting and gooey bites.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your pizza carefully onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. I use a pizza peel lined with parchment paper to make sliding it in and out easier. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, but keep a close eye because every oven behaves differently. You want the crust golden and crisp, and the cheese bubbling with some toasty spots.

Step 5: Finish with Flair and Serve

Right after it’s out of the oven, drizzle fresh lemon juice on top, sprinkle grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and crack black pepper over everything. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quick dash of chili flakes adds a tantalizing heat. Slice it up and serve immediately — trust me, you’ll want to savor this while it’s fresh and warm!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

  • Pat Mozzarella Dry: Removing extra water prevents a soggy pizza crust, giving you that perfect crispiness.
  • Hot Oven is a Must: Preheat your stone or baking sheet well ahead — a super hot surface is essential for a golden crust.
  • Use Dimples to Hold Brine: When you press little dips into your dough, the lemon brine pools beautifully and infuses flavor.
  • Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so start checking your pizza at 8 minutes to avoid over-baking or burning.

How to Serve Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

Lemon Mozzarella Pizza, lemon mozzarella pizza recipe, fresh citrus pizza, easy lemon pizza, homemade lemon cheese 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’m a sucker for finishing this pizza with fresh parsley because it adds color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll squeeze an extra lemon wedge on the table for anyone wanting an extra pop. A sprinkle of chili flakes or even some microgreens makes it extra special when serving guests.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it light and fresh — a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with shaved parmesan pairs perfectly. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of marinated olives also complement the lemony brightness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve sliced up this pizza into smaller squares and arranged them on a wooden board with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon slices. It’s like a little lemon orchard on a platter! Making mini versions as appetizers is also a total crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend separating slices with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this pizza because the fresh lemon flavor can mellow out over time, but you can freeze baked slices wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to a month. Just know the bright lemon zing will be less pronounced after thawing.

Reheating

To revive leftover pizza, I pop it in a hot skillet for a few minutes to crisp up the crust again. You can add a tiny splash of lemon juice after reheating to brighten those flavors back up—works like a charm!

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of cheese for this Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe?

    Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is preferred for its creaminess and meltability, you can experiment with cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even feta to add different textures and flavor dimensions. Just be mindful of saltiness and moisture content to avoid soggy pizza.

  2. Do I need a pizza stone to make this recipe?

    You don’t necessarily need a pizza stone. An inverted rimmed baking sheet preheated in the oven works just as well to give you that crispy crust. Just make sure whatever surface you use is hot before sliding your pizza on it.

  3. How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?

    Patting dry the mozzarella to remove excess moisture and preheating your baking surface are key steps. Also, don’t overload the dough with toppings — keep it balanced for crispness and flavor.

  4. Can I make this pizza vegan or dairy-free?

    Yes! Use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese version. The lemon brine and herbs will still bring amazing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like a little slice of sunshine on a plate. It’s easy enough to whip up any weeknight, yet it feels fancy and fresh enough for guests. The bright lemon with melty cheese is such a surprisingly wonderful combo, and I can’t recommend it enough. So next time you’re craving pizza, give this recipe a try — you might just find a new favorite in your pizza rotation!

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Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • 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 fresh and zesty Lemon Pizza features a no-knead pizza dough topped with a lemon-infused olive oil brine, fresh mozzarella, and a finishing touch of parmesan and parsley for a bright, flavorful twist on traditional 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 the Cheese: If using fresh mozzarella in water, cut it into ½ inch thick slices. Dab with paper towels to remove excess moisture if very watery.
  2. Shape the Dough: Once dough is ready, place it on parchment paper and gently press out to approximately 9×13 inches starting from the center; then place dough onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Make the Brine: Combine olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a glass jar with lid. Shake vigorously until emulsified.
  4. Add the Topping: Make dimples in the stretched dough with your fingers, scatter the lemon brine evenly over the surface filling the dimples, then evenly distribute the mozzarella pieces on top.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza with the pizza peel onto a preheated pizza stone in the oven at a high temperature. Bake until cheese and crust are browned and crisp, typically about 15 minutes depending on the oven.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove pizza from the oven, immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, add freshly ground black pepper or chili flakes if desired. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

  • If you do not have a pizza stone, invert a rimmed baking sheet and place it on the lowest oven shelf while preheating to achieve a crisp crust.
  • Use the back of a rimmed baking sheet as a pizza peel to transfer the pizza onto the hot inverted baking sheet for baking.
  • If using fresh mozzarella, removing excess moisture is important to avoid a soggy crust.
  • Keep an eye on the pizza during baking as oven temperatures and times can vary.
  • Chili flakes can be added at the end for a spicy kick if preferred.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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