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Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza

Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free dough)

Description

The Summer Lemon Ricotta and Basil White Pizza is a light and refreshing pizza perfect for warm summer evenings. Featuring a crispy golden crust topped with creamy ricotta blended with zesty lemon and fragrant fresh basil, this white pizza delivers bright citrus notes balanced by smooth, aromatic flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, it is ideal for casual dinners, entertaining, or any time you want a vibrant taste of summer on your plate.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for one 12-inch pizza)

Ricotta Topping

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, room temperature
  • Zest of 1 lemon (finely grated)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Toppings & Finishing

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or whole
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your preferred thickness. For an extra crispy crust, roll it thin and even. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or as high as safely possible to ensure a quick, crispy bake.
  2. Mix the Ricotta Topping: In a bowl, combine the room temperature ricotta cheese with freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and minced garlic if using. Stir until smooth and well blended to create a zesty, creamy base.
  3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Drizzle olive oil over the top to add richness and promote browning. Scatter fresh basil leaves generously across the ricotta layer for fresh herbal brightness.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pizza to a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake in the hot oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the ricotta mixture is just beginning to set. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking — you want a soft, creamy topping.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and add a final squeeze of lemon juice along with a light drizzle of olive oil for extra fresh flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with additional basil leaves or freshly cracked black pepper. Slice and serve warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ricotta for easier spreading and better flavor blending.
  • Preheat your baking surface such as a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet for a crispier crust.
  • Zest lemons finely to evenly distribute citrus notes without overpowering.
  • Keep toppings minimal to maintain a balanced flavor and prevent sogginess.
  • For brighter basil flavor and color, add some basil leaves after baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/3 of pizza
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: summer pizza, lemon ricotta pizza, basil pizza, white pizza, easy pizza recipe, gluten-free pizza, fresh herb pizza

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