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Lemon Pizza with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Fresh Thyme Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

This Lemon Pizza with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Fresh Thyme is a bright and creamy artisanal pizza that combines the zesty tang of lemon with rich cheeses and aromatic thyme. Featuring a homemade dough baked to golden perfection, this pizza offers a refreshing twist on traditional pizza flavors, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

For the Topping

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly to prepare the base for the dough.
  3. Form Dough: Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and salt mixture. Stir until a rough dough begins to form.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure necessary for a good texture.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size, allowing fermentation and flavor development.
  6. Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the dough rises, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice until well blended; set aside for topping.
  7. Preheat Oven: Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crisp crust.
  8. Shape Dough: Punch down the dough to release trapped air bubbles. Turn it onto a floured surface and roll into a thin 12-inch round shape, perfect for even baking.
  9. Transfer Dough: Place the rolled dough onto parchment paper or a pizza peel if using a stone, preparing it for the oven.
  10. Add Toppings: Evenly spread the prepared cheese and lemon mixture over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle fresh thyme evenly over the top to add aromatic flavor.
  11. Bake Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza along with the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles and lightly browns.
  12. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with olive oil and honey. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve while warm.

Notes

  • Ensure the water used for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Kneading the dough properly is key to achieving a chewy, airy crust.
  • Using a pizza stone improves crust texture by distributing heat evenly.
  • The honey drizzle adds a sweet counterpoint to the tart lemon flavors, but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Red pepper flakes add heat but are optional based on taste.
  • If fresh thyme is not available, dried thyme can be used, but reduce quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
  • Allowing the dough to rise fully is important for flavor and texture development.

Keywords: lemon pizza, ricotta pizza, homemade pizza dough, mozzarella, fresh thyme, lemon zest pizza, easy pizza recipe, Italian pizza

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/lemon-pizza-with-ricotta-mozzarella-and-fresh-thyme-recipe/