White Pizza with Shellfish 🍤🍕
Overview:
This delightful White Pizza with Shellfish recipe is a lifesaver for those busy weekdays when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s a blend of flavors that will transport you to coastal bliss, with tender scallops, succulent shrimp, and a medley of cheeses on a golden crust. 🌊🍴
Time Table:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 15 minutes | 35 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza crust
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheese (like mozzarella or Gouda), shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large scallops, thawed and excess moisture squeezed out
- 4 large shrimp, thawed and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven:
- Heat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
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Prepare the Pizza Crust:
- Place your pizza crust on a greased baking sheet. You want it to be ready to receive all that deliciousness!
- Brush the crust lightly with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps the toppings stick.
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Layer on the Cheeses and Aromatics:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of Monterey Jack cheese over the oiled crust. This cheese will melt beautifully, creating a creamy base.
- Now, sprinkle on the minced garlic. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, promising a flavorful bite in every slice.
- Next, layer on the mild cheese. This adds a gooey, stretchy texture that complements the seafood perfectly.
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Add the Seafood Sensation:
- Scatter those tender scallops over the cheese. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for a taste of the sea in every bite.
- Now, it’s time for the plump shrimp. Nestle them among the scallops, adding a burst of flavor and texture.
- Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes and green peppers on top. These veggies not only add color but also freshness to each slice.
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Season and Bake:
- Season your pizza masterpiece with a sprinkle of salt and a grind of black pepper. This enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Carefully transfer your pizza to the bottom rack of the preheated oven. This allows the seafood to cook gently and the cheeses to melt into bubbly goodness.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through, and the cheese is gloriously bubbly and golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy!
- Once out of the oven, let your White Pizza with Shellfish cool for a minute or two. This allows the flavors to settle and the cheese to set slightly.
- Slice into generous portions and serve hot. This pizza is perfect as a main course alongside a fresh green salad, or cut into squares for a delightful appetizer at your next gathering.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Seafood: Use fresh or thawed seafood for the best results. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Cheese Galore: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Add a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor, or go bold with some blue cheese crumbles.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies. Mushrooms, spinach, or even artichoke hearts would be delicious additions.
- Crispy Crust Trick: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This ensures a sturdy base for all your ingredients.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this White Pizza with Shellfish with a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Leftovers? Reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes to revive that crispy crust and gooey cheese.
Conclusion:
With its flavorful seafood, melty cheeses, and aromatic garlic, this White Pizza with Shellfish is a winner for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite! 🌟🍕
