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Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza

Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza
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Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza is a light, refreshing take on traditional pizza, featuring creamy ricotta cheese infused with zesty lemon and fragrant fresh basil. This bright and flavorful white pizza is perfect for warm-weather dining, offering a quick and versatile recipe that balances indulgence with freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

  • 1 pizza dough (about 12 inches diameter, homemade or store-bought)

Ricotta Topping

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, room temperature
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing and drizzling
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness, typically about 12 inches in diameter for a thinner crust or thicker if you like it chewy.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to the highest temperature it can achieve, usually between 475°F and 500°F, and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up for at least 30 minutes. This will help you get a crisp crust.
  3. Mix the ricotta topping: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with fresh lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be the flavorful creamy layer on your pizza.
  4. Assemble the pizza: Brush your rolled-out dough with olive oil, then dollop the lemon ricotta mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
  5. Bake the pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the ricotta mixture has set slightly.
  6. Add fresh basil and finishing touches: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and an optional grating of Parmesan or Pecorino, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ricotta for easier spreading and better blending with lemon.
  • Balance the amount of lemon juice to avoid overpowering the delicate ricotta flavor.
  • Ensure your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet are thoroughly preheated for a crispy crust.
  • Add fresh basil only after baking to preserve its color and fragrance.
  • Drizzle olive oil sparingly to enhance flavor without making the pizza soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pizza, white pizza, summer pizza, basil pizza, fresh pizza, gluten-free pizza option

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/summer-lemon-ricotta-and-basil-white-pizza/