New Haven Style White Clam Pizza

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Place a pizza stone or inverted rimmed baking sheet on the bottom rack.

Step 2

Stat by making the pizza dough, combine 1 cup flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the water and oil; mix until well blended, about 1 minute. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.  The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl to form a ball and will be slightly sticky. Gently knead on a well floured surface, adding some flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes.  Let  the dough ball rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Once rested, roll the dough on the floured counter to create a 12-inch circle.

Step 4

Generously sprinkle some corn meal on your pizza peel. Transfer the pizza dough to the pizza peel.

Step 5

Sprinkle the cheese on the dough, leave a 3/4" edge to form the crust. Then, sprinkle the clams, garlic, and oregano on the pizza.

Step 6

Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 7

Immediately, sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley on the pizza. Brush the crust with the extra virgin olive oil. Let cool for 2 minutes, prior to cutting and enjoying.