White Clam Pizza is a unique and delicious twist on traditional pizza, hailing from the New Haven, Connecticut, style of pizza-making. This pizza features a crispy, thin crust topped with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of lemon, creating a savory and slightly briny flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The simplicity of the toppings allows the delicate flavor of the clams to shine, making this pizza a standout dish for seafood lovers. Perfect for a special dinner or a gourmet pizza night at home, White Clam Pizza is a delightful combination of flavors that you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing the crust
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup freshly shucked clams or canned clams, drained
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal or flour, for dusting the pizza peel or baking sheet
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as high as your oven will go. Place a pizza stone in the oven to heat up, if you have one. If not, use an inverted baking sheet.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.
- Make the Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Brush this mixture generously over the pizza dough, ensuring the garlic is evenly distributed.
- Add the Clams: Evenly distribute the clams over the pizza dough, making sure they’re spread out to cover the surface. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses over the clams.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve immediately, enjoying the fresh and savory flavors of the clams and garlic.
White Clam Pizza is a gourmet delight that brings the flavors of the sea to your table. It’s a must-try for pizza lovers looking for something new and exciting!
