Connecticut White Clam Pizza

Connecticut White Clam Pizza is a beloved regional staple, especially in the coastal areas of Connecticut, where fresh clams are abundant. Known for its unique, sauce-based approach rather than the typical tomato sauce, this pizza features a creamy clam sauce that highlights the natural brininess of the clams.

With its rich, flavorful toppings and crispy, golden crust, it’s a true taste of New England, perfect for seafood lovers and anyone wanting to experience a local favorite!

Connecticut White Clam Pizza

A a local New England favorite, known for its creamy clam sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce. A true coastal staple, it highlights the fresh, briny flavor of clams, making it a must-try for seafood lovers!

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Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Total Time:5 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Keyword: homemade, made from scratch, pizza

Servings: 4

Author: Hailey McCluskey

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1½ cups warm water
• 1½ tbsp dry active yeast
• 2 tsp granulated sugar (or honey)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cups flour all purpose
• 1 tsp salt

For the clam sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 sweet onion finely chopped
• 5 garlic clioves minced
• ⅔ cup clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cans chopped clams
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese + more for topping

For the pizza topping:

• blend of mozzerela, parmesan until the pizza is coated
• 1 sprig fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

• Combine warm water, sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Mix to combine and let proof for about 5 mins, until foamy. Add salt and flour and stir until a dough begins to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-10 mins to form your dough ball. Add more flour if too sticky. Transfer to a bowl coated in olive oil and cover with towel or plastic wrap and let it rise on the countertop for 1 hr.

Make the clam sauce:

• while the dough rises, heat a medium saucepan on medium heat and melt butter. Once frothy, add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 mins. Add minced garlic, pepper & cook for a few more minutes. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and add clam juice. Allow it to simmer and reduce by half. About 10 mins. Whisk in heavy cream, clams & Parmesan.

Assemble your pizza:

• preheat oven to 450 F. Prepare pizza dough on the baking stone/ tray you plan to bake it on, dusted with cornmeal. Roll and stretch out your dough to form a pizza. Ladle on the clam sauce and spread up to the edges. Add mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 20-25 mins until golden brown and bubbly.

Video

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A post shared by Hailey Pipher (@shelikesmilk)

Notes

I like to top mine with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey! 

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