Crab Pizza

Crab Pizza

Crab pizza is a unique and luxurious twist on traditional pizza. The sweetness of fresh crab meat, combined with a rich, creamy sauce and mozzarella cheese, creates a delightful and indulgent pizza that’s perfect for seafood lovers.

With a light and crispy crust, this pizza is topped with succulent crab, a blend of herbs, and a creamy sauce, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a special gathering, crab pizza is sure to impress with its delicate yet bold flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a familiar, comforting way.

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp active dry yeast

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup warm water (110°F)

1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the Crab Topping:

1/2 lb fresh or canned crab meat, drained and flaked

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pizza:

1/2 cup pizza sauce (preferably white sauce or garlic butter)

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil, for brushing

How to Make:

Prepare the Pizza Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together. If desired, add garlic powder to the mixture for extra flavor. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Crab Topping: While the dough is rising, prepare the crab mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix gently until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab too much. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Set aside.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

Shape the Pizza Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle or your desired shape. If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or another floured surface. If you’re using a baking sheet, place the dough directly on the sheet.

Assemble the Pizza: Brush a thin layer of olive oil over the pizza dough to ensure a crisp crust. Spread a layer of the white pizza sauce (garlic butter or cream sauce) over the base. Evenly distribute the crab mixture on top, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the crab topping. Add thin slices of red onion on top for extra flavor.

Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Finish and Serve: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice and serve immediately.

Chef’s Note:

For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before baking for a slight kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses, such as goat cheese or ricotta, for a richer, more complex flavor profile. If you want to make the pizza more substantial, try adding some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to the topping.

If you’re using canned crab meat, choose high-quality, lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Fresh crab is ideal, but canned crab works just as well for a more affordable option. For a healthier crust, you can opt for whole wheat flour or even a gluten-free pizza crust.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 4 servings total):

Calories: 420

Protein: 30g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 21g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 85mg

Sodium: 550mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 4g

Crab pizza offers a luxurious combination of rich, creamy crab and melty cheese, all served on a crisp, homemade pizza crust. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this unique seafood pizza is sure to become a favorite. With its delicious flavors and satisfying texture, crab pizza is the perfect way to enjoy seafood in a new, exciting form.