This pizza is made with a combination of tangy lemon and sweet cheese. Similar to how a first love makes one's heart flutter, the mildly sourness of the lemon balances the cheese's sweetness. In this coming spring, reminisce your first goodness with pizza.

A whole cheese pizza, sliced into 8 pieces, on a wooden board with a red and white napkin, peppercorns, and kitchen utensils in the background.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons) 
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting hands and work surface
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup torn mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 

Directions

Step 1: Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator 1 hour before starting.

Step 2: Preheat the Pizzello oven to 450℉.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, lemon zest, oregano and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Using a touch of flour to prevent sticking, stretch out the pizza dough into an 11-by-16-inch oval. Coat a baking sheet with the olive oil. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and spread evenly with the ricotta mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the ricotta.

Step 5: Bake for 20 minutes until deep golden brown. Remove the pizza to a cooling rack and sprinkle with the Parmesan, basil and pepper flakes. Cut into pieces and serve.