Grilled Connecticut White Clam Pizza: A New Haven Classic on the Arteflame

There is perhaps no pizza more legendary in the American culinary canon than the New Haven-style white clam pie. Originating from the coal-fired ovens of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, this Connecticut delicacy strips away the tomato sauce to focus entirely on the briny sweetness of fresh clams, the punch of garlic, and the earthy aroma of oregano. It is a sophisticated yet rugged dish that captures the essence of coastal dining. While few of us have a century-old coal oven at home, the Arteflame grill is uniquely suited to recreate this masterpiece. The high heat of the center grate provides that essential char on the crust, while the solid steel plancha offers the perfect surface to steam open fresh littleneck clams in their own juices.

Making this pizza on the Arteflame transforms dinner into an interactive experience. You aren't just baking a pie; you are searing fresh seafood and managing live fire to create a smoky, salty, and savory flavor profile that a standard kitchen oven simply cannot replicate. The combination of the crispy, charred dough with the tender, garlic-infused clams creates a texture and flavor contrast that is truly addictive. This recipe honors the tradition of New Haven while leveraging the versatility of modern outdoor grilling.

Ingredients

• 1 ball of fresh Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade, approx. 12-16 oz)
• 12-15 Fresh Littleneck Clams, scrubbed clean
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced finely
• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality)
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves)
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cornmeal or Semolina flour (for dusting the peel)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center using charcoal or wood. You want a high, consistent heat.
2. Allow the flat steel cooktop (plancha) to heat up. Aim for a temperature range where water beads and sizzles instantly (approx. 400°F - 450°F on the flat top, with higher heat at the center grate).
3. Scrub your cooktop clean and season it lightly with oil to ensure a non-stick surface for the dough and clams.

Step 2: Steam the Clams

1. Place the scrubbed littleneck clams directly onto the flat steel cooktop of the Arteflame, arranging them in a circle near the hotter inner edge.
2. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them. As the clams heat up, they will release their liquor and pop open.
3. As soon as a clam opens, remove it immediately using tongs to prevent the meat from becoming rubbery. Discard any clams that refuse to open after 5-8 minutes.
4. Once removed and slightly cooled, remove the meat from the shells and chop roughly. Save the meat in a small bowl with a little bit of the released juices mixed with minced garlic and oregano.

Step 3: Grill the Dough

1. Stretch your pizza dough out on a surface dusted with cornmeal to your desired thinness. New Haven style is traditionally thin and oblong.
2. Brush one side of the dough generously with olive oil.
3. Place the dough, oil-side down, directly onto the flat steel cooktop (or the grill grate for more char). Grill for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and grill marks appear.
4. While the first side cooks, brush the top (raw side) with olive oil.

Step 4: Top and Finish

1. Flip the crust over using a pizza peel or large spatula. Now, working quickly, top the grilled side.
2. Scatter the chopped clam meat (tossed with the garlic and oregano) evenly over the crust.
3. Sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano cheese generously over the top. Add red pepper flakes if using.
4. Move the pizza closer to the fire to melt the cheese and crisp the bottom crust, rotating frequently to prevent burning. If you want a smokier finish, slide it briefly over the center grill grate.
5. Remove from heat once the cheese is softened and the crust is charred to perfection.

Tips for Success

Mastering a white clam pizza on the grill requires timing and temperature management. The most crucial tip is to ensure your dough is at room temperature before stretching; cold dough will snap back and result in a thick, chewy crust rather than the desired thin and crispy base. When working with fresh clams, do not overcook them during the steaming phase; they will cook slightly more once they are on the pizza, so pull them the second they pop open.

• Dough Thickness: Stretch the dough as thin as possible without tearing. The toppings are heavy, and a thin crust ensures a good crunch.
• Heat Zones: Utilize the different heat zones of the Arteflame. Cook the dough on the medium-heat area of the plancha to ensure it cooks through without burning the bottom before the cheese melts.
• Freshness Matters: Avoid canned clams if possible. The brine and texture of fresh littlenecks steamed directly on the grill make all the difference in flavor intensity.

Variations

While the traditional Connecticut recipe is purist regarding ingredients, cooking is about personalization. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different palates without losing the spirit of the dish. However, be careful not to overload the pizza with heavy sauces, as the delicate flavor of the fresh clams should remain the star of the show.

• The Bacon Twist: Add crispy, crumbled bacon bits to the topping. The smokiness of the bacon pairs beautifully with the clams and the grill flavor.
• White Sauce Base: If you prefer a creamier pie, spread a very thin layer of garlic cream sauce or crème fraîche on the crust before adding the clams.
• Spicy version: Increase the heat by using sliced fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil instead of dry red pepper flakes.
• The "Mootz": While traditional Pepe's style uses mostly Pecorino, you can add fresh mozzarella for a gooier, stretchier cheese experience.
• Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest over the pizza right after taking it off the grill for a bright, citrusy aromatic pop.

Best Pairings

A salty, briny pizza like this demands a beverage that can cut through the richness of the olive oil and garlic while complementing the seafood. High-acid white wines are the gold standard here. A crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc or a mineral-forward Italian Pinot Grigio works wonders to cleanse the palate between bites. If you prefer red wine, stick to a very light, chilled Pinot Noir, though white is traditionally preferred.

For beer lovers, you cannot go wrong with a light Lager or a Pilsner. The clean, refreshing carbonation balances the saltiness of the clams and Pecorino. Avoid heavy stouts or overly bitter IPAs, which can overpower the delicate sweetness of the clam meat. As for side dishes, keep it simple: a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan echoes the flavors of the pizza without competing with them.

Conclusion

The Grilled Connecticut White Clam Pizza is more than just a meal; it is a homage to American pizza history, brought to life through the primal element of fire on your Arteflame. By moving this recipe out of the kitchen and onto the grill, you achieve a depth of flavor—marked by smoke, char, and brine—that turns a simple dinner into a gourmet event.

Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this recipe delivers bold, sophisticated flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients. The crunch of the crust, the bite of the garlic, and the tender clams create a symphony of textures that will have your guests asking for seconds before the first slice is finished.