Lemon Cheese Thyme Pizza (Print-Friendly Version)

Zesty lemon and creamy cheeses pair with fresh thyme and honey for a delightfully bright pizza.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Dough

01 - 250 g all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 120 ml warm water
05 - 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
06 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

→ Topping

07 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
08 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 60 g ricotta cheese
10 - 60 g mozzarella cheese
11 - 25 g Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling
14 - 1 tablespoon honey
15 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Mix gently and let stand for about 5 minutes, until the surface is frothy.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt.
03 - Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir until a coarse dough forms.
04 - Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, until doubled in volume.
06 - While the dough is rising, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice until fully combined. Set aside.
07 - Preheat the oven to 245°C. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat as the oven preheats.
08 - Punch down the risen dough, then place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a round approximately 30 cm in diameter.
09 - Carefully transfer the dough round onto parchment paper or a pizza peel. Evenly spread the cheese-lemon mixture over the surface, leaving a small border. Scatter fresh thyme leaves on top.
10 - Transfer pizza onto the preheated stone or tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
11 - Remove pizza from the oven. Drizzle the top with olive oil and honey. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Adjust the quantity of lemon zest and juice to personalise the intensity of citrus flavour.
02 - Select rennet-free cheeses for strict vegetarian preparation.
03 - Pair with a light green salad or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

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