Boston Royal Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with the all-purpose flour to prevent sticking.

Stretch or roll the prepared pizza dough to a 14-inch round on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the stretched dough to the prepared peel or baking sheet. Brush the outer 1/2-inch rim lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to help it brown.

Make the sauce

In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds (do not brown). Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste and stir to combine. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, granulated sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.

Prepare shrimp and vegetables

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced mushrooms, green pepper, and onion with any remaining oil and a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. (This step helps reduce excess moisture on the pizza and seasons the toppings.)

Assemble the pizza

Spread an even layer of the prepared signature sauce over the dough, leaving the oiled rim exposed (about 1/2-inch). Sprinkle 1 3/4 cups of the shredded pizza mozzarella evenly over the sauce, reserving about 1/4 cup for finishing. Distribute the smoked ham pieces and pepperoni slices over the cheese. Arrange the seasoned shrimp across the pizza so they are spaced out (they will cook quickly). Scatter the sliced olives, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms evenly. Finish with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella shredded on top for a light melt layer.

Bake

Slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 8–12 minutes, depending on oven and stone; watch for the crust to be golden and the cheese to be bubbling and lightly browned. If using a baking sheet, you may need the full 10–12 minutes; on a stone expect closer to 8–10 minutes.

Finish and serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges on the side so diners can squeeze a little lemon over the shrimp. Slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.