Name: Clam Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Europe, Italian, North America, New England
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1 teaspoon sugar; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 2 cans (6-1/2 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 shredded mozzarella cheese

Transport yourself to New Haven, Connecticut, with this white clam pizza recipe. The combination of smoky bacon, briny clams and bold garlic is nothing short of perfection!

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)

1 teaspoon sugar

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 cans (6-1/2 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 shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1 Make the pizza dough

2 Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, and let stand for five minutes. Add the flour, salt and oil. Beat until smooth. Cover the dough, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, 15 to 20 minutes. Editor's Tip: If you substitute quick-rise or instant-rise yeast, you don't need to proof the yeast in water. The tiny granules can be mixed directly into the flour. However, you will want to increase the water's temperature to between 120° and 130°.

3 Shape the dough

4 Punch the dough down. Press it into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 14-inch pizza pan. Build up the edges slightly. Prick the dough several times with a fork.

5 Bake the dough for six to eight minutes.

6 Add the toppings

7 Sprinkle the remaining ingredients over the crust in the following order: clams, bacon crumbles, garlic, grated Parmesan, oregano and shredded mozzarella. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges. Editor’s Tip: Drizzle the pizza with olive oil before baking to boost its richness. You can also finish clam pizza with fresh chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.