Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ball of store-bought or homemade pizza dough (about 12 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons honey (plus extra for drizzling, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves or mint for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Substitution suggestions: If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese or mascarpone can work as a creamy alternative. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. If fresh lemons aren’t available, lemon juice from a bottle can be used, but fresh zest is key for that vibrant flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up for a crispier crust, just like Mama Lou used to do on her old stove.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. I love how this step always reminds me of rolling dough with Ouma, our hands dusted with flour and laughter filling the room.
- Transfer the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth and creamy. This mixture is where the magic happens—bright, tangy, and sweet all at once.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust to puff up beautifully.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the ricotta layer. This adds that lovely melt and gooey texture we all crave.
- Drizzle the olive oil lightly over the top. Mama Lou always said a good drizzle of olive oil is like the kiss of summer sunshine on any dish.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or mint leaves, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit more honey over the top before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
