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Lemon Ricotta Cheese Pizza with Honey and Thyme Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This Lemon Pizza recipe features a bright and zesty flavor profile with a tender homemade crust topped with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses infused with lemon zest and juice. Fresh thyme adds aromatic earthiness, while a drizzle of olive oil and honey provides a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. Optionally, a touch of red pepper flakes adds a mild heat. It’s a delightful, unique twist on traditional pizza that can be enjoyed as a light meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

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

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 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, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly.
  3. Form Dough: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour and salt mixture. Add the olive oil and stir until a dough begins to form.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a good texture.
  5. Let Dough 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 or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Prepare Cheese Topping: While the dough rises, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until well blended. Set aside.
  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 up.
  8. Shape Dough: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then turn it onto a floured surface and roll it into a thin round shape approximately 12 inches in diameter.
  9. Transfer Dough: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto parchment paper or a pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
  10. Add Topping: Spread the cheese mixture evenly across the dough surface, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
  11. Add Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme over the cheese layer for aromatic flavor.
  12. Bake Pizza: Slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  13. Finish Pizza: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle the top with olive oil and honey to add richness and sweetness.
  14. Add Optional Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spiciness.
  15. Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

  • Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet can be used as an alternative.
  • Warm water should be around 105-115°F (40-46°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • For extra lemon flavor, consider adding more zest to the cheese mixture or a light drizzle of lemon juice before serving.
  • If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be substituted but use less as it’s more concentrated.
  • To make this pizza vegetarian, ensure your cheeses are made with vegetarian rennet.
  • Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place is crucial for a light and airy crust.

Keywords: lemon pizza, homemade pizza, cheesy pizza, lemon zest pizza, Italian pizza, vegetarian pizza

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/lemon-ricotta-cheese-pizza-with-honey-and-thyme-recipe/