Description
Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza is a bright, refreshing, and light pizza featuring a creamy ricotta and lemon zest base, fresh basil leaves, and a crisp crust. This pizza perfectly balances zesty citrus flavors with aromatic herbs and savory cheese, making it an ideal dish for warm weather gatherings and casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Base & Dough
- 1 ball pizza dough (soft and chewy, enough for one 12-inch pizza)
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Citrus & Herbs
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon (organic preferred)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Handful of fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
Other Flavorings & Seasonings
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness—thin and crispy or thicker and chewier, depending on preference. Transfer the rolled dough to a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure a crisp crust.
- Make the lemon ricotta base: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with fresh lemon zest, a splash of lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined into a creamy, tangy spread.
- Spread the base: Evenly spread the lemon ricotta mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges to allow the crust to brown nicely during baking.
- Add toppings: Scatter fresh basil leaves across the pizza. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top to add depth and contrast to the flavors.
- Bake to perfection: Place the pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust reaches a golden brown color, edges become crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Finish with fresh basil and lemon: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately add a handful of freshly torn basil leaves. Squeeze an extra bit of fresh lemon juice over the pizza for a vibrant finishing touch that enhances the overall bright flavor.
Notes
- Warm the ricotta gently to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, creamier base.
- Use fresh lemon zest for intense citrus flavor without adding extra acidity.
- Preheat your oven and baking surface thoroughly to ensure a crisp crust.
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to maintain crispness and even cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil after baking to add richness and shine without sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 pizza
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: summer pizza, lemon ricotta pizza, white pizza, basil pizza, fresh pizza recipe, light pizza, vegetarian pizza
