Lobster Pizza Recipe
Elevate your pizza night to a gourmet experience with this exquisite Lobster Pizza. Featuring succulent lobster meat atop a bed of three rich cheeses, infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of spice, this dish is a true showstopper. It's an unexpectedly delightful fusion that brings the elegance of a fine dining restaurant right to your kitchen table.
Prep Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Transforms an ordinary pizza night into an extraordinary gourmet experience.
- Combines the delicate sweetness of lobster with rich, savory cheeses for an unforgettable flavor profile.
- Impressively elegant, yet surprisingly straightforward to prepare at home.
- Perfect for special occasions or when you simply crave something truly unique and delicious.
- Offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the crispy crust to the tender lobster and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 ball (approximately 450 grams or 1 pound) fresh pizza dough
- 30 grams (3 tablespoons) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 120 grams (1 cup) freshly grated Fontina cheese
- 120 grams (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 5 grams (1 tablespoon) fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 grams (1/2 teaspoon) red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
- 360 grams (1 ½ cups) cooked lobster meat (from tails or claws), cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your pizza dough. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring it's turned to coat all sides, then cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rest in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which typically takes approximately 1 hour. This resting period is crucial for developing a light and airy crust.
- While the dough rests, preheat your oven. Position an oven rack in the middle and preheat to 230°C (450°F). If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during the preheating phase to ensure it gets sufficiently hot for a crispy crust.
- Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly flour a pizza peel or a pizza pan. Hand-stretch the dough into a circular shape, aiming for a thickness of about 3-5 millimeters (1/8-1/4 inch). Be careful not to overwork the dough; if it resists stretching, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before continuing. Transfer the stretched dough onto your prepared pizza peel or pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Evenly spread this aromatic mixture over the surface of the stretched pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. This garlic oil forms a flavorful base for the other toppings.
- In a medium bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan, Fontina, and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle half of this luxurious cheese blend evenly over the garlic-infused dough.
- Arrange the cooked lobster meat uniformly over the layer of cheese. Distribute the fresh thyme leaves and red pepper flakes over the lobster. Finally, sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese mixture over the entire pizza, ensuring good coverage.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza directly onto the hot stone. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for a minute or two before slicing. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the rich flavors of the lobster and cheese. Enjoy your decadent lobster pizza!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Medium bowl
- Pizza peel (or baking sheet)
- Pizza stone (optional, but recommended)
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for cheeses
- Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping thyme
Essential Success Tips
- For the best crust, ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature before stretching. Cold dough is harder to work with and more likely to snap back.
- Don't overcrowd the pizza with toppings. A thin layer allows for even cooking and a crisper crust.
- If you don't have a pizza stone, a heavy-duty baking sheet preheated in the oven will also work well for achieving a good crust.
- Freshly grated cheeses melt more smoothly and taste superior to pre-shredded varieties.
- A light dusting of semolina flour on your pizza peel can help the dough slide off more easily onto the hot stone.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To intensify the lobster flavor, quickly sauté the cooked lobster meat in a tablespoon of butter with a pinch of garlic powder before adding it to the pizza. This also adds richness and a beautiful golden hue.
- For an even more aromatic base, lightly toast the minced garlic in the olive oil for 30 seconds before spreading it on the dough, then let it cool slightly. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Consider a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze over the finished pizza just before serving for an unexpected touch of tangy sweetness that complements the lobster beautifully.
Notes
- Leftover lobster pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven for best results.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1 full teaspoon.
- If fresh lobster is unavailable, high-quality frozen cooked lobster meat can be used. Ensure it is fully thawed and gently patted dry before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made pizza crust?
While a fresh dough yields the best results, a good quality pre-made pizza crust or flatbread can be used for a quicker preparation. Adjust baking times as per package instructions.
What kind of lobster should I use?
Cooked lobster meat from either tails or claws works perfectly. Make sure it's fresh or properly thawed if frozen, and cut into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Can I prepare this pizza in advance?
It's best to assemble and bake this pizza just before serving to ensure the freshest flavor and best texture. However, you can prepare the garlic oil and grate the cheeses a few hours ahead of time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 550, Protein: 40g, Fat: 30g, Carbs: 35g (per serving, based on 4 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains shellfish (lobster), dairy, and gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free pizza dough. For a dairy-free option, substitute with plant-based cheeses, though the flavor profile will significantly change.
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