Crab & Artichoke Delight Pizza
Transform your appetizers into a culinary masterpiece with our Crab & Artichoke Delight Pizza. This enticing dish combines the creamy essence of artichoke dip and the succulent flavors of crabmeat, all atop a perfectly baked thin and crispy pizza crust. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, enhanced by the tang of kalamata olives and the sweetness of red bell peppers. Whether served at a cocktail party or as a unique starter for dinner, this pizza is sure to impress and satisfy any palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
thin prepared pizza crust
1 (baked until light golden brown)
artichoke hearts, water-packed
14 ounces (drained and chopped)
lump crabmeat
4 ounces (drained)
grated parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (none)
light mayonnaise
2/3 cup (none)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
pitted kalamata olives
1/4 cup (sliced and drained well)
finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions. Bake the thin prepared pizza crust until it is light golden brown, then remove and set aside, keeping the oven on.
2
Prepare the filling by finely chopping the drained artichoke hearts. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped artichokes with the lump crabmeat, grated parmesan cheese, light mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined and a creamy mixture forms.
3
Spread the crab and artichoke mixture evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust. Ensure that it covers the crust all the way to the edges for maximum flavor.
4
Sprinkle the top with the sliced kalamata olives, adding a rich and briny flavor to the pizza.
5
Place the topped pizza back in the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
6
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle the finely chopped red bell pepper over the top for a fresh crunch.
7
Slice into small squares and serve warm. For an extra touch, pair with a side of remoulade sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crab & Artichoke Delight Pizza?
It is a gourmet appetizer pizza that combines a creamy artichoke and lump crabmeat mixture on a thin, crispy crust.
What kind of crust is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a thin prepared pizza crust that is pre-baked until light golden brown.
How many ounces of artichoke hearts are needed?
You will need 14 ounces of water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
The recipe recommends using 4 ounces of drained lump crabmeat for the best flavor and texture.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the topping mixture.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light?
Yes, while the recipe specifies light mayonnaise, regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.
What seasonings are used in the crab and artichoke blend?
The mixture is seasoned with one teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What flavor do the kalamata olives add?
The pitted and sliced kalamata olives provide a rich, briny flavor to the pizza.
When should I add the red bell peppers?
The finely chopped red bell peppers should be sprinkled over the top immediately after the pizza is removed from the oven.
How long does the pizza bake after the toppings are added?
The pizza bakes for an additional 12 to 15 minutes after being topped.
How do I know when the pizza is finished baking?
The pizza is done when the top is golden brown and the edges of the topping are bubbling.
Should the artichoke hearts be drained before chopping?
Yes, it is important to drain the water-packed artichoke hearts thoroughly before chopping them.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the pizza crust?
Yes, pre-baking the crust until it is light golden brown helps ensure a crispy texture under the creamy toppings.
How should I slice the pizza for a party?
The recipe suggests slicing the pizza into small squares for easy serving as an appetizer.
What dipping sauce pairs well with this pizza?
A side of remoulade sauce is recommended for dipping to enhance the seafood experience.
Can I use marinated artichoke hearts instead of water-packed?
While the recipe specifies water-packed, you can use marinated hearts if they are drained very well to prevent excess oil.
Is the crabmeat drained before use?
Yes, ensure the lump crabmeat is well-drained before mixing it with the other topping ingredients.
How much minced garlic is needed?
One teaspoon of minced garlic is required for the topping mixture.
What occasions are best for serving this pizza?
This pizza is perfect for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or as a gourmet dinner starter.
How many kalamata olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of pitted kalamata olives, sliced and drained well.
What is the texture of the pizza topping?
The topping has a creamy and savory texture with tender chunks of crab and chopped artichokes.
Should the red bell peppers be cooked?
No, they are added fresh after baking to provide a crisp crunch and bright color.
Can I substitute the parmesan cheese with another variety?
You could substitute other hard, salty cheeses like Romano or Asiago if you prefer.
Is this pizza recipe spicy?
No, this is a savory and mild recipe, though the black pepper provides a very subtle heat.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The profile is savory and creamy with briny accents from the olives and sweetness from the crab.
Can I use frozen crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, as long as the frozen crabmeat is fully thawed and patted dry to remove moisture.
Does the recipe require any added oil?
No additional oil is needed, as the mayonnaise and cheese provide sufficient moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for a thin-crust pizza?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed to be served on a thin and crispy pizza crust.
Can I add extra herbs to the mixture?
While not in the recipe, fresh herbs like parsley or chives would be a great addition to the crab blend.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best reheated in the oven.