Ocean Harvest Pizza

Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean coast with this exquisite **Seafood Pizza** recipe, often revered in Italy as **Pizza Frutti di Mare**. Imagine a truly exceptional pizza featuring a perfectly soft and delightfully chewy crust, generously adorned with a medley of scrumptious seafood toppings. This particular recipe highlights succulent shrimp (or prawns) and tender scallops, all nestled within a luscious, creamy white sauce infused with fragrant garlic and fresh tomatoes.

Whether you opt for the ultimate convenience of store-bought pizza dough or choose to create a truly homemade masterpiece using a reliable easy homemade pizza dough recipe, this dish promises a delectable dinner idea that can be ready in around 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

If you’re a fan of creating fantastic bases at home, you’ll know that a great dough is paramount. My popular naan recipe can also be ingeniously adapted to form a unique and delicious pizza base, offering an intriguing twist to your pizza night. For those who adore Italian seafood creations, be sure to explore my Seafood Pasta with Cream Sauce and the decadent Lobster Ravioli Sauce – recipes designed to bring gourmet flavors right to your dining table. Now, let’s dive into the simple yet sophisticated process of crafting the perfect seafood pizza!

Why You’re Going to Love This Irresistible Seafood Pizza

This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this particular seafood pizza recipe is destined to become a firm favorite in your kitchen:

• A Unique and Delicious Topping Sensation: Forget pepperoni! Seafood on pizza is a surprisingly delightful and sophisticated choice. This shrimp and scallop pizza recipe is generously loaded with plump, tender prawns and perfectly seared scallops. They are beautifully complemented by the freshness of ripe tomatoes and a rich, aromatic garlic-infused white pizza sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that stands out from typical pizza offerings.
• Elegance Made Effortless: While this pizza tastes and looks incredibly fancy, its preparation is surprisingly straightforward. Elevate your creation with a simple drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh oregano or fragrant basil leaves, a dusting of finely grated Parmesan cheese, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A few vibrant lemon wedges artfully arranged on the side for presentation provide that extra “chef’s kiss” touch, making it perfect for impressing guests without the stress.
• Incredibly Versatile for Seafood Lovers: This scallop and prawn pizza recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to incorporate a variety of your favorite fish and seafood ingredients. From plump shrimp (Psst! For another fantastic shrimp dish, you must try this delicious Boom Boom Shrimp recipe!) to sweet crab meat, tender calamari, or even flaky white fish, the possibilities are vast. Feel free to customize it to your taste, making it a different adventure every time you prepare it.
• Special Occasion Worthy, Yet Weeknight Friendly: Due to its elevated ingredients and impressive presentation, this Pizza Frutti di Mare feels luxurious enough for a special celebration or an intimate dinner party. However, don’t let its glamor fool you – the recipe is incredibly easy and quick to assemble, making it perfectly suitable for a satisfying weeknight meal. Be prepared for love at first bite!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Seafood Pizza

Crafting a memorable seafood pizza begins with selecting the finest ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each component:

• Bread Flour: While all-purpose flour can certainly work, bread flour is highly recommended for achieving a pizza crust that is both crisp on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside. Its higher protein content contributes to a more robust and satisfying texture.
• Yeast: Essential for that perfect rise! Use active dry or instant yeast (sometimes labeled “rapid-rise”). These types of yeast are designed to activate quickly, helping your dough double in size efficiently and creating a light, airy base for your toppings.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only adds a lovely depth of flavor to your dough but also contributes to its tenderness and a beautiful golden crust. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, avocado oil can be a suitable alternative.
• Butter: This is the secret to a rich and flavorful white sauce. Whether you opt for dairy butter or a plant-based alternative, its creamy texture is key. It also serves as the base for sautéing the garlic and searing the seafood, capturing all those delicious flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable for this recipe. Minced fresh garlic provides an incomparable aromatic foundation for both the seafood and the white sauce, elevating the entire dish with its pungent and sweet notes.
• Shrimp or Prawns: For the most visually appealing and texturally satisfying shrimp pizza, choose the largest, plumpest, and freshest-looking shrimp or prawns you can find. Peeled and deveined, with tails removed, they will cook quickly and distribute beautifully across the pizza.
• Scallops: These delicate, buttery morsels elevate this seafood pizza to something truly special. While you could substitute with extra shrimp or crab meat, scallops add a touch of gourmet elegance and a unique sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Milk: Whole milk is preferred for the white sauce as its higher fat content yields a creamier, richer consistency. However, any milk you have on hand will work, though the final sauce might be slightly less decadent.
• Mozzarella Cheese: What’s a pizza without gooey, melted mozzarella? This classic pizza cheese provides the perfect stretchy, savory layer that binds all the delicious seafood and sauce together.
• Tomatoes: Use lovely, ripe red tomatoes that are bursting with color and natural sweetness. Diced small, they add a fresh, juicy element that brightens the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
• Onions: Thinly sliced white or red onions add a mild sharpness and a delightful crunch. Red onions, in particular, offer a beautiful color contrast and a slightly sweeter, less pungent flavor when baked.
• Parsley: Fresh Italian parsley is the ideal garnish, providing a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich seafood and sauce. Fresh basil or cilantro are also excellent alternatives, each offering a slightly different aromatic profile.

How To Make Seafood Pizza: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Creating a gourmet seafood pizza at home is simpler than you might think. The key to success lies in building layers of flavor, starting with a fantastic crust. Luckily, this recipe ensures a soft, tender, and incredibly tasty base with minimal effort.

To Make the Perfect Pizza Dough:

The foundation of any great pizza is its crust. This recipe provides an easy, reliable method for a chewy and delicious dough.

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook attachment, combine the bread flour, instant or rapid-rise yeast, and coarse salt. Mix these dry ingredients briefly.
2. Gradually add the olive oil and warm water to the dry mixture. Begin mixing on low speed until all the ingredients come together to form a shaggy dough. Increase the speed slightly and continue to knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes. The dough should transform into a smooth, elastic ball. If the dough appears too sticky, you can add a tiny bit more flour, spoonful by spoonful, until it sticks slightly to the bottom of the bowl but easily pulls away from the sides.
3. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Transfer the kneaded dough into this bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise until it has visibly doubled in size, which typically takes between 1 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on your room temperature.
4. Once risen, gently turn the dough out onto a lightly flour-dusted counter. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth, round ball. Allow these individual dough balls to rest for about 20 minutes; this relaxation period makes the dough much easier to roll out thinly.
5. Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball into your desired thickness and shape (round is traditional, but any shape works!). Carefully transfer these dough rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets or a dedicated pizza pan, ready for toppings.

To Prepare the Flavorful Seafood Toppings:

Properly cooking the seafood is crucial to ensure it remains tender and flavorful on your pizza.

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add the minced fresh garlic and stir constantly until it becomes fragrant, which typically takes about one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. While the garlic infuses the butter, pat your shrimp (or prawns) and scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step prevents them from steaming and helps achieve a beautiful sear. Season the dried seafood generously with approximately ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt.
3. Add the seasoned shrimp and scallops to the garlic butter in the saucepan. Sear them on the first side until they develop a light golden color, then flip them over. Continue cooking for only 1-2 minutes more, until the seafood is just opaque throughout. It’s vital not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp and scallops from the pan, but importantly, leave the wonderfully garlicky, seafood-infused butter in the saucepan. This flavorful butter will become the foundation of your creamy white sauce.

To Craft the Velvety White Sauce for the Pizza:

This garlic cream sauce is the perfect complement to the delicate seafood.

1. In a separate medium bowl, place the all-purpose flour. Gradually whisk in about 2 tablespoons of the milk to create a smooth, lump-free paste. This technique prevents flour lumps from forming in your final sauce. Continue to gradually whisk in the remaining milk until the mixture is completely smooth.
2. Return to the saucepan with the reserved garlicky butter. Over medium heat, slowly whisk the flour-milk mixture into the butter, ensuring it’s fully incorporated. Add ⅓ teaspoon of salt and continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, coating the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it slightly with a splash more milk.

To Bake Your Delicious Seafood Pizzas:

The final step brings all the incredible flavors together.

1. Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450ºF (230ºC). This high heat is crucial for a crisp crust and perfectly cooked toppings.
2. Evenly divide the prepared white sauce among your rolled-out pizza dough rounds, spreading it gently to the edges. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
3. Arrange the cooked shrimp, scallops, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions over the cheese. Don’t overload the pizza, as too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
4. Transfer the baking sheets or pizza pans to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. For even browning, rotate the pans halfway through the baking time.
5. Once baked to perfection, remove the pizzas from the oven. Sprinkle generously with fresh minced parsley before slicing and serving immediately. Enjoy your homemade gourmet seafood pizza!

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Seafood Pizza

A gourmet seafood pizza deserves equally delightful accompaniments. Here are some fresh, light, and flavorful ideas to round out your meal:

• Fresh Peach Caprese Salad: The sweetness of peaches, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze, offers a beautiful contrast to the savory pizza.
• Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese, Watercress, and Mint: A refreshing and unexpected combination of sweet watermelon, tangy goat cheese, peppery watercress, and cool mint provides a vibrant palate cleanser.
• Strawberry Salad with Rhubarb Dressing: The bright, fruity notes of strawberries and a tart rhubarb dressing can cut through the richness of the pizza, adding a sophisticated touch.
• Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Sometimes, the simplest option is the best. A crisp green salad dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette provides a light and refreshing counterpoint that won’t overshadow the pizza’s flavors.
• Crisp White Wine: Consider pairing your seafood pizza with a dry, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light Chardonnay. Their acidity and fruity notes beautifully complement the seafood and creamy sauce.

Make Ahead Instructions for Effortless Entertaining

Planning ahead can significantly reduce stress on pizza night. This seafood pizza recipe offers excellent make-ahead options:

You can prepare the pizza dough in advance, getting it ready before you even think about rolling it out and assembling the bases. Once the dough has completed its first rise, you have a few options:

• Refrigerate: Place the dough in a lightly oiled, airtight container or a bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, remove it from the fridge about an hour before rolling to allow it to come to room temperature.
• Freeze: For longer storage, tightly wrap the risen dough balls individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen dough to the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature on the counter before using.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover seafood pizza (a rare occurrence, we know!), proper storage ensures you can enjoy it again.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat your pizza in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a lid, or in a conventional oven at a low temperature (around 275-300°F or 135-150°C) until it’s warmed through and the cheese looks gloriously bubbly and melted. Avoid high heat, as seafood can easily become rubbery.
• Freezing Leftovers: You can also freeze individual slices of baked seafood pizza for up to two months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. This makes for a convenient, quick snack or meal when you’re short on time. Reheat from frozen in a low oven for a longer duration.

Creative Variations for Your Seafood Pizza Adventure

This seafood pizza recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for countless variations to suit your taste and pantry. Get creative with these delicious ideas:

• Lightning-Fast Weeknight Recipe: For those evenings when time is truly of the essence, consider these clever shortcuts. Substitute homemade dough with quality store-bought pizza dough, or even try my unique biscuit crust for pizza for a quicker, thicker base. You can also swap the homemade white sauce for a jarred alfredo or a good quality white pizza sauce for a secret shortcut – your secret is safe with me!
• Crab and Oyster Mushrooms: Elevate the earthy tones by sautéing some delicate oyster mushrooms with fresh garlic and a medley of herbs like thyme or rosemary. Fold this flavorful mushroom mixture into sweet, flaky crab meat for a luxurious and aromatic topping that perfectly complements the creamy base.
• Clams and Red Bell Peppers: Introduce a briny depth and vibrant color by topping your pizza with canned or fresh clams (steamed open) and thinly sliced red bell peppers. The clams add a distinct oceanic flavor, while the bell peppers offer a sweet crunch and beautiful visual appeal.
• Lemony Lobster Tail: For an ultimate gourmet indulgence, bake your pizza with succulent pieces of gently grilled or steamed lobster tail, tossed lightly with lemon zest and a touch of butter. The rich, sweet lobster meat pairs magnificently with the creamy sauce and crisp crust.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of heat by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes into your white sauce or sprinkling them over the finished pizza. You could also include thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra layer of spice.
• Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Besides parsley and basil, consider dill, chives, or even tarragon for a more pronounced seafood flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Pizza

Curious about the world of seafood pizza? Here are some common questions and answers to guide you.

Pro Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Seafood Pizza

Achieve seafood pizza perfection with these expert tips:

• Always Thaw and Pat Dry Seafood: Whether you’re using fresh or frozen seafood, if it’s frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water for an hour. Critically, always pat the shrimp, prawns, and scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels before searing. This crucial step removes excess moisture, preventing the seafood from steaming in the pan and allowing it to achieve a delicious, caramelized sear, which locks in flavor and improves texture.
• Reheat Gently to Preserve Texture: If you’re reheating leftover seafood pizza, be extremely mindful of the delicate seafood elements. High heat can quickly cause shrimp and scallops to turn rubbery and unappetizing. Instead of blasting it under a broiler or in a super hot oven, opt for a “low and slow” approach with the oven (around 275-300°F or 135-150°C) or reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. This ensures the pizza warms through without compromising the seafood’s tender texture.
• Resist the Urge to Overload: While it might be tempting to pile on every delicious topping, too many ingredients can weigh down the pizza crust, leading to a soggy middle. Keep the toppings minimal and balanced, allowing each component—especially the star seafood—to shine. A well-proportioned pizza cooks more evenly and results in a superior crust.
• Whisk Flour into Cold Milk: When making the white sauce, always whisk the flour into a small amount of cold milk first to create a smooth paste before adding it to the warm butter and remaining milk. This technique ensures a silky-smooth sauce, preventing any lumps from forming.
• The Finishing Touches Matter: To truly elevate your pizza, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil immediately after baking. A sprinkle of fresh oregano, fresh basil leaves, or even some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes can add layers of flavor and visual appeal. Serving with a few lemon wedges on the side not only looks elegant but also allows for a squeeze of fresh citrus, which brightens the seafood flavors beautifully.

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Seafood Pizza (Pizza Frutti di Mare) Recipe

By: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

An easy Seafood Pizza recipe with shrimp (or prawns) and white sauce. Also known as pizza frutti di mare or fish pizza, seafood lovers will swoon.

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

For Pizza Dough:

• 4 cups bread flour all-purpose works too, but the crust will be less crisp and chewy
• 1 envelope 2 1/4 tsp instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 1 ½ tsp coarse salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ¾ cups warm water

For Pizzas:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large clove garlic minced
• 8 oz peeled deveined shrimp or prawns tails removed
• 8 oz scallops
• kosher salt
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups grated pizza mozzarella
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup thinly-sliced red onion
• 2 tbsp minced parsley

Instructions

For Pizza Dough:

• Combine the flour, yeast and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook. Add the oil and water and mix on low speed until dough comes together, then continue on low speed to knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it forms a smooth ball. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky — it should stick a bit to the bottom of the bowl, but not to the sides.
• Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place till doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Turn dough out onto a flour-dusted counter and cut into 4 even pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth, round ball and let rest for about 20 minutes (this makes it easier to roll out thinly). Use a rolling pin to roll out each ball into a circle of desired thickness and place dough rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

For Pizzas:

• Preheat oven to 450ºF (230°C).
• Melt the butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about a minute.
• Pat dry shrimp and scallops and season with ¾ tsp salt. Sear on first side, then flip and continue cooking until just opaque, 1-2 minutes. Remove shrimp and scallops and keep the garlicky butter on the stove.
• Place the flour in a medium bowl and whisk in about 2 tbsp the milk to make a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the rest of the milk, then whisk the flour-milk mixture into the garlic butter on the stove. Add ⅓ tsp salt and simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
• Divide sauce between the prepared pizza dough rounds and top first with cheese, and then shrimp, scallops, tomatoes and onions. Bake until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly, 15-20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through for even browning. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

• You can make the dough from scratch using the provided recipe or opt for the convenience of store-bought pizza dough.
• Pat the shrimp/prawns and scallops thoroughly dry before searing them. This vital step will prevent them from steaming in the pan, allowing them to achieve a superior sear and flavor.
• For the best eating experience, choose plump, large shrimp/prawns. Their size and texture contribute significantly to the overall gourmet feel of the pizza.
• When preparing the white sauce, whisk the flour into a small amount of milk off the heat first to create a smooth paste. This technique is essential to ensure a silky-smooth sauce and to avoid any lumps from forming.
• To finish: Elevate the presentation and flavor with a final drizzle of good quality olive oil, and/or a sprinkle of fresh oregano, fresh basil leaves, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you enjoy a touch of heat! A few lemon wedges served on the side also add a lovely fresh tang and professional presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 836kcal |
Carbohydrates: 102g |
Protein: 45g |
Fat: 27g |
Saturated Fat: 11g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 0.2g |
Cholesterol: 159mg |
Sodium: 1504mg |
Potassium: 585mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 747IU |
Vitamin C: 6mg |
Calcium: 355mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.