New Haven Clam Pizza

Kick off your meal with the delightful flavors of New Haven Clam Pizza. This appetizer, known as the white clam pie, has become a beloved dish among family and friends. Susan Seymour from Valatie, New York, shares this recipe that captures the essence of this popular pizza, featuring chopped clams, bacon, garlic, and a medley of cheeses.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cans (6½ ounces each) chopped clams, drained
• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add sugar and let it stand for 5 minutes. Then, add the flour, salt, and canola oil. Beat the mixture until smooth. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Punch the dough down and press it onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 14-inch pizza pan, slightly building up the edges. Prick the dough several times with a fork.
3. Bake the crust at 425°F for 6-8 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients over the crust in the following order: chopped clams, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake the pizza for an additional 13-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. Cut the pizza into wedges and serve.

YIELD: 8 servings

PREP: 20 minutes + rising time BAKE: 20 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ensure the yeast is dissolved properly in warm water to activate it for the dough to rise.
• Adjust the baking time as needed to achieve the desired crust goldenness and melted cheese.

TIPS:

• Customize the toppings by adding additional ingredients such as red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for added flavor.
• Serve the New Haven Clam Pizza as an appetizer or as part of a casual gathering with family and friends.

New Haven Clam Pizza, also known as the white clam pie, is a beloved appetizer that captures the hearts of both family and friends. Susan Seymour from Valatie, New York, shares this delightful recipe that brings the authentic flavors of this classic pizza to your table. With its combination of chopped clams, bacon, garlic, and a medley of cheeses, this pizza is sure to impress.

To prepare this appetizer, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it stand until activated. Combine the yeast mixture with flour, salt, and canola oil, then let the dough rise until doubled in size. Press the dough onto a pizza pan and pre-bake it to create a golden crust.

Once the crust is partially baked, sprinkle it with drained chopped clams, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Customize the New Haven Clam Pizza by adding additional toppings like red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for extra flavor and spice. Serve this appetizer at gatherings or as a starter to any meal, and watch it disappear quickly as everyone enjoys the delicious combination of flavors.

Indulge in the flavors of New Haven Clam Pizza and experience the classic white clam pie that has become a favorite in Connecticut and beyond. The simplicity and elegance of this appetizer will make it a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.