When it comes to pizza, most people think of the classic toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage. But have you ever thought about topping your pizza with clams?
Yes, you read that right – clams! This unique twist on a traditional favorite may initially sound controversial, but trust me when I say that clam pizza is an absolute game-changer.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your usual Friday night dinner or hosting a fancy dinner party, this white clam pizza recipe is one you won’t want to miss out on. So get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a culinary adventure as we dive into the world of clam pizza!
About White Clam Pizza
Clam pizza, also known as “pizza alla vongole,” is an Italian-American dish that originated in the Northeastern United States. It first gained popularity in New Haven, Connecticut, and has since spread to other parts of the country.
The traditional recipe calls for freshly shucked clams on top of a thin-crust pizza with garlic, herbs, and grated cheese. Some pizzerias also use a white sauce instead of red and add other toppings like bacon or vegetables.
The key to making the perfect White Clam Pizza is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the clams.
Ingredients Used In White Clam Pizza Recipe
Now you have an overview of what White Clam Pizza is, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make it at home. The list may seem a little long, but trust me, it’s worth it.
1. Pizza Dough
2. Clams
3. White Sauce
4. Garlic
5. Herbs (Oregano, Thyme, Parsley)
6. Mozzarella Cheese
7. Grated Parmesan Cheese
8. Olive Oil
9. Flour (For Dusting The Pizza Dough)
10. Bacon (Optional)
In this recipe, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors:
The pizza dough acts as the base of our Clam White Pizza. It should be light and airy on the inside and crisp on the outside. You can either make it at home or get a pre-made one from the store.
Clams are the star of the dish, lending a unique, savory taste. Fresh clams are ideal, but in their absence, canned clams can be a practical substitute.
The white sauce, often a rich, creamy béchamel, adds an exquisite richness that beautifully complements the clams.
Garlic imparts a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. This adds a depth of flavor to the pizza.
Herbs such as oregano, thyme, and parsley contribute a fresh and aromatic note to the pizza. These herbs pair wonderfully with seafood and enhance the overall flavor.
Mozzarella cheese is known for its great stretchiness, making it perfect for pizza. It melts beautifully and complements the taste of clams without overpowering them.
Parmesan cheese gives a slightly nutty and fruity taste. Its hard texture and sharp flavor add a gourmet touch to the pizza.
Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and herbs. It imparts a distinct, fruity flavor and creates a crispy texture in the cooked dough.
Finally, flour is used to dust the pizza dough. This helps in handling the dough, prevents it from sticking, and gives the crust a rustic look.
How To Prepare Clams For Pizza?
We have provided you with a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious White Clam Pizza, but we didn’t mention how to prepare the clams. Here’s how it’s done:
To prepare the clams, start by giving them a good rinse under cool running water. Be sure to discard any clams that are already open or have cracked shells.
Next, place the clams in a large pot, add about a half-inch of water, and cover the pot. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and steam the clams until they open.
Once the clams are open, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Once cool, remove the clams from their shells and chop them into small pieces.
Be sure to reserve the liquid left in the pot, known as clam juice, as it can be used to enhance the flavor of your pizza sauce. With your clams prepared and ready, you can move on to the next step in the recipe.
How To Make White Clam Pizza?
Are you clams ready? Here’s how to make this tasty White Clam Pizza:
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Before we begin assembling our White Clam Pizza, preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
A hot oven (and pizza stone) is key to achieving a perfectly crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare The Garlic and Herb Mixture
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
Then, add your herbs (oregano, thyme, and parsley) and sauté for a couple more minutes. This mixture will be used to flavor our pizza.
Step 3: Roll Out The Pizza Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a thin circle. Make sure it’s even all around to ensure even cooking.
When utilizing a pizza stone, it’s helpful to arrange the rolled dough on parchment paper to facilitate easy shifting to the heated stone later.
Step 4: Apply The White Sauce
Apply the white sauce uniformly across the dough, preserving a narrow margin around the edges for the crust.
Use a generous amount of sauce, as it contributes significantly to the pizza’s moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Add The Toppings
First, distribute the garlic and herb mixture evenly over the sauce. Then, sprinkle the chopped clams, bacon (optional), and mozzarella cheese over the pizza.
Remember, the clams will shrink when cooked, so don’t be shy with them.
Step 6: Bake The Pizza
Place the pizza, along with the parchment paper if employed, onto the warmed pizza stone in the oven.
Cook for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles and starts to brown slightly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs if desired.
Slice and serve your homemade White Clam Pizza immediately for the best dining experience. Enjoy!
Common Mistakes When Making White Clam Pizza
Making White Clam Pizza can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you can make it like a pro. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Overcooking The Clams
Overcooking the clams can make them tough, rubbery, and unpalatable. These delicate shellfish require very little cooking time, and as they are already precooked before topping them on the pizza, they just need to be heated through in the oven.
To avoid overcooking, add the clams towards the end of the baking time or use larger clams that can withstand the heat better.
2. Using Too Few Clams
Clams are the star of the pizza and should be used generously. If you skimp on them, you might end up with a pizza that lacks the distinctive seafood flavor that makes it unique.
Don’t hesitate to add extra clams if you’re a fan of their flavor.
3. Skimping On The White Sauce
The white sauce is another key component of the Whtie Clam Pizza. It adds creaminess and helps to balance the strong flavor of the clams.
Make sure you spread a generous, even layer on the dough to ensure every bite is flavorful.
4. Not Preheating The Oven Sufficiently
A hot oven is critical to achieving a crispy, golden crust, and properly melted cheese. Always preheat your oven to the right temperature before baking your pizza.
5. Using Dough, That’s Too Thick
A thick pizza dough can result in a pizza with a doughy, undercooked center. Roll your dough out as thin as possible without tearing it for the best results.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a Whtie Clam Pizza that’s savory, satisfying, and sure to impress your guests.
Conclusion
In short, now you have a white clam pizza recipe, you can impress your family and friends with this unique and delicious dish. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, especially the clams, for the best flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and toppings to make it your own. With a little bit of practice, you’ll master this pizza recipe and be able to enjoy homemade White Clam Pizza anytime you want.
Happy cooking!
Homemade White Clam Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (you can make your own or buy from the store)
- 1 cup white sauce (recipe provided in this document)
- 1/2 pound cooked clams, chopped into small pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese for garnish
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as well to preheat.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
- Add in oregano, thyme, and parsley and sauté for another minute. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle.
- Apply the white sauce uniformly across the dough, preserving a narrow margin around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the garlic and herb mixture over the sauce.
- Add the chopped clams and bacon (optional) on top of the herbs, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone (or baking sheet if not using a pizza stone).
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with grated parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately for the best flavor.