Lobster Pizza Recipe
Indulge in a luxurious culinary experience with this exquisite Lobster Pizza. Featuring succulent, sweet lobster meat atop a crispy, golden crust infused with garlic and fresh thyme, this dish elevates pizza to gourmet status. It's a surprisingly simple yet impressive creation perfect for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight treat.
Prep Time
20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Elevates a classic comfort food to a gourmet masterpiece.
- Features sweet, tender lobster meat for a luxurious flavor.
- Quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.
- Customizable with a hint of spice or extra herbs.
- Offers a unique, unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients
- 1 ball (approximately 300-350 g or 10-12 oz) fresh pizza dough
- 3 tablespoons (approximately 30 g or 1 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (approximately 100 g or 3.5 oz) freshly grated Fontina cheese
- 1 cup (approximately 100 g or 3.5 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon (approximately 5 g) fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons (approximately 30 ml or 1 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon (approximately 1 g) red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 large lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
- 1 1/2 cups (approximately 200-250 g or 7-9 oz) cooked lobster tail meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- Allow your pizza dough to come to room temperature and rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which typically takes about 1 hour. This crucial step ensures a light and airy crust.
- Preheat your oven to a blazing 230°C (450°F). If you're using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure it gets exceptionally hot, which is key for a crispy crust.
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. On a well-floured surface or pizza peel, hand-stretch or gently roll the dough into a roughly 30 cm (12-inch) circle. Transfer it to your well-floured pizza peel or a pizza pan.
- Prepare the aromatic garlic oil. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil. Spread this fragrant mixture evenly over the stretched pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. This infusion will create a flavorful base.
- Create the cheese foundation. In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan, Fontina, and mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle half of this cheese mixture evenly over the garlic-infused dough. This layer provides a rich, gooey base.
- Arrange the star ingredient. Distribute the cooked lobster meat evenly over the layer of cheese. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves and red pepper flakes (if using) over the lobster. Finally, top with the remaining half of the cheese mixture, ensuring the lobster is nestled securely.
- Bake the pizza to perfection. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven, either directly onto the pizza stone or onto the oven rack if using a pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly caramelized.
- Finish and serve. Remove the lobster pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright, refreshing finish that perfectly complements the rich lobster.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
- Small bowl for garlic oil
- Medium bowl for cheese mixture
- Pizza peel (optional, but recommended for a stone)
- Pizza pan or pizza stone
- Oven
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated, especially if using a pizza stone. A hot oven is crucial for a crisp crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pizza with toppings. Too much lobster or cheese can make the crust soggy.
- Use high-quality, cooked lobster meat. Freshly cooked and picked lobster will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Don't skip the lemon wedges! The acidity brightens the rich flavors of the lobster and cheese.
- Let your dough rise sufficiently at room temperature. This develops flavor and creates a much better texture for your crust.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an even richer flavor, lightly sauté your cooked lobster meat in a tablespoon of butter with a pinch of garlic powder before adding it to the pizza.
- Consider pre-baking your pizza crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings if you prefer an ultra-crispy base, especially if you don't have a pizza stone.
- To achieve a truly restaurant-quality char, use a broiler for the last minute or two of cooking, watching very closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover lobster pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven for best results.
- Variations: For an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the crust with a garlic herb butter just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh chives or dill can also add another aromatic dimension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen lobster for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. You'll need to cook them before adding them to the pizza; steaming or boiling for 5-7 minutes is usually sufficient.
What kind of pizza dough works best?
A good quality, fresh store-bought pizza dough or homemade dough works wonderfully. Look for dough that feels soft and elastic. Letting it rise properly is key to a great texture.
Can I add a sauce to this pizza?
While the garlic-infused olive oil provides a beautiful base, a very light white sauce (like a béchamel or a ricotta base) could be used. Avoid heavy tomato sauces as they might overpower the delicate lobster flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving, Protein: 25-30g, Fat: 20-25g, Carbohydrates: 35-40g (estimates based on 6 servings).
Allergy Information
Contains shellfish (lobster), dairy (cheeses), and gluten (pizza dough). For a gluten-free option, use a certified gluten-free pizza crust.
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