Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that marries the bold flavors of the Northeast coast with the iconic New York pizza tradition! This isn't just another pizza recipe – it's a gourmet masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Manhattan and the pristine seafood markets of Long Island. Imagine a perfectly crispy crust topped with succulent clams, vibrant broccoli rabe, and a melty cheese blend that will make your mouth water before you even take the first bite. Get ready to elevate your home cooking game with this show-stopping pizza that's guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian-American
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 2 pizza doughs
- 1 cup clams, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli rabe, blanched
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or large baking sheet inside to ensure maximum heat retention.
- Remove pizza dough from refrigeration and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to improve elasticity and make stretching easier.
- Prepare the broccoli rabe by blanching in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then immediately transferring to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Drain chopped clams and pat dry to remove excess moisture, which prevents soggy pizza crust.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and gently stretch each pizza dough into a 12-inch round, being careful not to tear the dough.
- Brush each stretched dough with olive oil, ensuring even coverage to promote golden browning.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Distribute chopped clams and blanched broccoli rabe uniformly over the cheese layer.
- Dust the top with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Carefully transfer pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is scorching hot (500°F) before baking to achieve that perfect crispy crust.
- Moisture Management: Always pat your clams and broccoli rabe dry to prevent a soggy pizza base. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crisp crust!
- Dough Prep Matters: Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching. This makes the dough more pliable and easier to work with.
- Invest in a Pizza Stone: If possible, use a pizza stone to mimic professional pizzeria results. It helps distribute heat evenly and creates a crispier crust.
- Don't Overload: While it's tempting to add tons of toppings, restraint is crucial. Too many toppings can prevent your crust from cooking properly.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest clams and broccoli rabe you can find for maximum flavor impact.
- Serve Immediately: Pizza is always best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Time your serving perfectly to capture that perfect cheese pull and crispy texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
