Elevate Your Pizza Night with Garlic Shrimp and Three Cheeses

Posted on 10/26/2024

by Harold

Elevate Your Pizza Night with Garlic Shrimp and Three Cheeses

Garlic Shrimp Pizza is a pizza lover’s delight that is perfect for a casual family meal or for weekend get-togethers with friends! This dish features a deliciously chewy, homemade crust that is topped with a flavorful blend of oil, garlic, lemon zest, and lots of tender shrimp, all crowned with three types of melted cheeses. The combination of these ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to impress everyone at the table.

If you’re interested in making your own pizza at home, check out this How to make Homemade Pizza post for detailed instructions and recipes that will help you create pizzeria-quality pizza right in your own kitchen. Making pizza from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it allows you to customize your toppings to suit your taste.

I absolutely L-O-V-E creating new pizza flavors! There’s something so satisfying about experimenting with different ingredients and combinations. For this particular recipe, I wanted to create a really easy-to-prepare pizza that you could throw together any night of the week, without it being too complicated. This is “that” pizza! It’s simple yet packed with flavor, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

One of the best things about this garlic shrimp pizza is that we are not cooking the shrimp in a pan ahead of time. Instead, the shrimp goes on raw and cooks perfectly in the oven, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the garlic and lemon zest. There is no sauce needed for this pizza; the lemon zest, garlic, and cheeses do the job beautifully, creating a fresh and vibrant taste that is simply irresistible.

What you will need

To make this delightful garlic shrimp pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

Prepared pizza dough – It is best to make your dough a day or two in advance so the dough has time to relax and rise properly. I used my favorite Italian Pizza Dough for this recipe, which gives the crust a wonderful texture and flavor.
Olive oil – This adds richness and helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined. Look for wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and quality. If necessary, defrost the shrimp the day before to ensure they are ready to use.
Lots of fresh cloves of garlic – Garlic is the star of this dish, providing a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Lemon zest – This adds a bright, citrusy note that elevates the overall taste of the pizza.
Grated gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses – These three cheeses melt beautifully together, creating a creamy and delicious topping for the pizza.
Chopped Italian parsley and crushed red pepper flakes to finish off your pizza before serving. These add a pop of color and a hint of heat that complements the other flavors.

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.

How to make garlic shrimp pizza

Follow these simple steps to create your own garlic shrimp pizza:

Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone on the lowest oven rack and heat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. This high temperature is essential for achieving a crispy crust. While the oven is heating, allow the pizza dough to rest covered on the counter. This resting period helps the dough relax, making it easier to stretch later.
Prepare the pizza dough: Pat and stretch the pizza dough to form a circle. Aim for a thickness that suits your preference, whether you like it thin and crispy or a bit thicker. Once shaped, place the dough on a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel to prevent sticking. Prick the surface of the dough all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This step is crucial for preventing the dough from puffing up too much. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil to add flavor and help the cheese adhere.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle the grated gruyere and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This border will become the crust. Drizzle with additional olive oil for extra flavor. Carefully slide the pizza onto the heated baking stone and bake for about six minutes. The goal here is to get the cheese melted and the crust slightly golden.
Top with shrimp and seasonings: After six minutes, remove the pizza from the oven. Lay the raw shrimp on top of the melted cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle the lemon zest, minced garlic, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. The garlic will infuse the shrimp with flavor as it cooks, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness.
Finish baking: Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the shrimp is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and puffy, which should take about four more minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the shrimp doesn’t overcook; they should be pink and opaque when done.
Serve and enjoy: Once the pizza is finished baking, carefully place it on a cutting board. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil to give it a nice sheen. Sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top for added flavor and color. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. For an extra kick, offer additional grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on the side for those who like a bit of heat.

This garlic shrimp pizza is not only delicious but also a fun dish to share with family and friends. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for any pizza night. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy weeknight or serving it at a gathering, this shrimp pizza recipe is sure to be a hit.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a pizza that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the process of making this garlic shrimp pizza, and don’t forget to share your experience with others. Happy cooking!

So much flavor in every bite! This garlic shrimp pizza is a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with a nice glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, adding a special touch to your meal. The combination of the rich flavors from the shrimp and the cheeses, along with the refreshing notes of lemon, makes it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Feel free to use store-bought dough if you prefer a quicker option. It can save you time and still yield a delicious pizza.

Keep in mind that all ovens cook differently, so cooking times may vary. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

If you want to change things up a bit, consider topping your garlic shrimp pizza with a tomato-based pizza sauce. This can add a different flavor profile and make the dish even more enjoyable!

Tools used to create this recipe

You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets on my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, which helps me keep bringing you more delicious recipes! Your support means a lot and allows me to continue sharing my passion for cooking.

Additional Pizza Recipes

If you love this garlic shrimp pizza, you might also enjoy trying out some of these other fantastic pizza recipes:

Shrimp Scampi Pizza – 244k people can’t be wrong! This recipe combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with a pizza twist.
Lobster Pizza – oh, so amazing! This luxurious pizza is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
Shrimp Pesto Pizza – a delightful combination of shrimp and fresh pesto that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Prosciutto-Arugula Pizza – a fresh and savory option that balances the saltiness of prosciutto with the peppery flavor of arugula.
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza – a classic favorite that never goes out of style. Perfect for pizza night with the family.
Eggs Benedict Pizza – perfect for breakfast or brunch, this pizza combines all the flavors of the beloved brunch dish.
Steakhouse Pizza – creamy white pizza sauce, thinly sliced steak, gorgonzola butter, and crispy onion rings come together for a hearty meal.
Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza for dessert! – a sweet treat that will satisfy your dessert cravings.

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Garlic Shrimp Pizza

Equipment

Baking Stone

Ingredients

1 pound pizza dough
0.5 cup olive oil (you may not need all of it)
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 pound raw shrimp (medium or large – peeled, deveined, and rinsed)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley to garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone on the lowest oven rack and heat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. This high temperature is essential for achieving a crispy crust. While the oven is heating, allow the pizza dough to rest covered on the counter. This resting period helps the dough relax, making it easier to stretch later.
Prepare the pizza dough: Pat and stretch the pizza dough to form a circle. Aim for a thickness that suits your preference, whether you like it thin and crispy or a bit thicker. Once shaped, place the dough on a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel to prevent sticking. Prick the surface of the dough all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This step is crucial for preventing the dough from puffing up too much. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil to add flavor and help the cheese adhere.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle the grated Gruyere and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This border will become the crust. Drizzle with additional olive oil for extra flavor. Carefully slide the pizza onto the heated baking stone and bake for about six minutes. The goal here is to get the cheese melted and the crust slightly golden.
Top with shrimp and seasonings: After six minutes, remove the pizza from the oven. Lay the raw shrimp on top of the melted cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle the lemon zest, minced garlic, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. The garlic will infuse the shrimp with flavor as it cooks, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness.
Finish baking: Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the shrimp is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and puffy, which should take about four more minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the shrimp doesn’t overcook; they should be pink and opaque when done.
Serve and enjoy: Once the pizza is finished baking, carefully place it on a cutting board. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil to give it a nice sheen. Sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top for added flavor and color. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. For an extra kick, offer additional grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on the side for those who like a bit of heat.

Return the pizza to the oven and bake it until the shrimp is fully cooked, and the crust achieves a beautiful golden brown color and puffy texture, which should take about four minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the garlic and lemon, enhancing the overall taste of the shrimp pizza.

Once the baking time is complete, carefully place the pizza on a cutting board. To add a touch of richness, lightly brush the crust with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also gives the crust a lovely sheen. Next, sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds a burst of color and freshness to your pizza with shrimp.

Slice the pizza into wedges and serve it immediately while it’s still hot and delicious. For those who enjoy a little extra flavor, consider offering additional grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on the side. This allows everyone to customize their slice to their liking, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or pizza night.

Notes