Description
Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza is a bright, refreshing take on classic white pizza, combining creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and fragrant fresh basil. This easy-to-make pizza captures the essence of summer with its light yet satisfying flavors and is perfect for casual meals or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for one 12-inch pizza)
Ricotta Lemon Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (chilled)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Finishing
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Parmesan cheese, for optional sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Stretch or roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness, ideally a thin crust to let the toppings shine.
- Mix ricotta and lemon: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with fresh lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the lemon ricotta mixture evenly over the stretched dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Drizzle olive oil over the surface for extra richness.
- Bake until golden: Place the pizza on a preheated baking stone or sheet and bake in a hot oven (around 475°F or 245°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Add fresh basil and finishing touches: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use chilled ricotta for best texture and flavor.
- Don’t over-squeeze the lemon; a little juice goes a long way.
- Preheat your baking surface (stone or steel) to create a crispier crust.
- Add fresh basil after baking to maintain its vibrant flavor and bite.
- A final drizzle of olive oil elevates the dish beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg