If you are a pizza lover and a grilling enthusiast, you might want to try grilled pizza! Cooking pizza on the grill is not only fun, but it also adds a unique smoky flavor to the crust and imparts grill marks that make it look and taste amazing.
In this section, we will guide you through the process of grilling pizza to perfection. We will provide you with tips and tricks for preparing your grill, making pizza dough, and adding toppings. By the end of this section, you’ll be ready to impress your friends and family with your grilled pizza skills!
Key Takeaways:
- Grilled pizza is a fun and unique way to cook pizza.
- Grilling adds a smoky flavor and grill marks to the crust.
- Preparing the grill, making pizza dough, and adding toppings are essential steps for perfect grilled pizza.
- With our tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to impress your friends and family with your grilled pizza skills!
Why Grill Pizza?
If you’re looking for a new way to make homemade pizza, look no further than the grill. Not only does grilling pizza add a unique smoky flavor to the crust, but it also imparts those coveted grill marks that make your pizza look and taste restaurant-quality. Plus, grilling allows you to experiment with different toppings and crust styles to make your perfect pie.
When grilling pizza, there are a few different methods to consider. Some people prefer to place the pizza directly on the grill grates, while others opt for using a pizza stone. If you have a gas grill, it’s easy to regulate the temperature for even cooking. However, charcoal grills can add a deeper smoky flavor to the pizza. Regardless of which method you choose, grilling pizza will elevate your homemade pizza game.
Essential Grill Tools for the Best Grilled Pizza
Before you start grilling your pizza, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. Below are some essential grill tools that will make the pizza grilling process easier:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Pizza Peel | A pizza peel is a large, flat wooden or metal paddle used to transfer pizza onto and off of the grill. It’s essential for easy handling of your pizza and preventing it from sticking to the grill grates. |
| Olive Oil | High-quality olive oil is essential for brushing on the pizza dough before grilling. It adds flavor to the crust and prevents it from drying out on the grill. |
| Pizza Sauce | Choose a flavorful pizza sauce as the base for your toppings. It’s essential for adding moisture to the pizza and bringing all the flavors together. |
With these essential grill tools and ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to grilling the perfect pizza.
Preparing the Grill for Grilled Pizza
Before you start grilling your pizza, it’s important to prepare your grill properly to ensure you get those coveted grill marks and a perfectly cooked crust. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, follow these steps for the best grilled pizza experience:
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Make sure your grill is hot before putting your pizza dough on the grates. For gas grills, turn all burners to high and close the lid for at least 10-15 minutes. For charcoal grills, light the charcoal and wait until the coals are ashed over before starting to cook.
Step 2: Clean the Grill Grates
Use a grill brush to remove any debris or leftover food particles from the grill grates. This will help prevent sticking and ensure your pizza gets those beautiful grill marks.
Step 3: Oil the Grill Grates
Use tongs to dip a folded paper towel in oil and rub it over the grill grates. This will help prevent sticking and ensure an even cook. Be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Step 4: Create a Two-Zone Fire
If you’re using a gas grill, turn off one or more burners to create a two-zone fire. This will create a cooler side for the toppings to cook without burning, while the crust cooks directly over the heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, pile the coals to one side to create the same effect.
Step 5: Use the Grill Lid
Using the grill lid while cooking your pizza will help trap the heat and cook your toppings more evenly. Be sure to keep an eye on the pizza and rotate it frequently to ensure even cooking.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare your grill for the perfect grilled pizza every time. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with your expert grilling skills!
Making Pizza Dough for Grilled Pizza Recipe
When it comes to making grilled pizza, the dough is a crucial element. You have the option to either make homemade pizza dough or to use store-bought dough. If you choose to make your own, here is a simple dough recipe:
Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup warm water
To make your dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add in the olive oil and warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Flour a flat surface and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, then cover it with a damp towel and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into individual pizza dough rounds. Stretch each round out to an even thickness and size.
If you choose to use store-bought dough, look for one that is fresh and pliable. Be sure to follow the package instructions for preparation and stretching.
Regardless of whether you use homemade or store-bought dough, stretching the dough evenly is crucial to achieving a crispy crust. Try to avoid thin spots in the dough, as they can burn on the grill. To achieve an even thickness, lightly flour a flat surface and use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch the dough.
Another important aspect of grilling pizza dough is flipping it over on the grill. It’s essential to flip the crust to cook both sides evenly and achieve a golden color. Use a pizza peel to transfer the dough onto the grill and carefully flip it over using tongs or a spatula.
Grilling the Pizza Dough
With the grill preheated and the pizza dough round ready, it’s time to grill the pizza. Carefully lift the dough round and lay it onto the grill, stretching the edges if necessary to ensure an even thickness. Let the dough cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear on the bottom.
Using a pizza peel, flip the crust over and quickly add the toppings to the grilled side. Place the pizza back onto the grill, cover with the grill lid, and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. If needed, rotate the pizza to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
When the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, it’s time to remove the pizza from the grill. Using the pizza peel, carefully lift the pizza from the grill and place it onto a cutting board. Let the pizza cool for a minute before slicing and serving.
Remember to keep a close eye on the dough as it grills to prevent burning. And if you’re grilling multiple pizzas, be sure to divide the dough and toppings accordingly and move the pizza on and off the grill as needed.
Adding Toppings to Grilled Pizza
One of the joys of making grilled pizza at home is the freedom to add your own toppings. Whether you prefer classic flavors or creative combinations, the top of the dough is your canvas.
When adding grilled pizza toppings, it is important to not overload the pizza. Too many toppings can prevent the pizza from cooking evenly and result in a soggy crust. Instead, choose a few key ingredients and distribute them evenly over the pizza.
For best results, start with a layer of pizza sauce or olive oil to ensure all the toppings stick to the crust. Then, add your desired toppings, such as fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves. If you are using meats like pepperoni or sausage, pre-cook them before adding them to the pizza.
Once you have added your toppings, place the pizza back on the grill and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure the crust doesn’t burn and rotate the pizza if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Experiment with different grilled pizza toppings and don’t be afraid to get creative. From classic pepperoni to pineapple and ham, the possibilities are endless. With grilled pizza, you can customize your pizza to your liking and enjoy restaurant-quality pizza at home.
Cooking and Serving Grilled Pizza
When the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, it’s time to remove the pizza from the grill. Use a pizza peel to carefully slide the pizza off the grill onto a cutting board or serving dish. It’s a good idea to rotate the pizza a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and create those coveted grill marks.
For a truly authentic grilled crust, it’s important to cook the pizza directly on the grates of the grill. However, if you prefer a softer crust, you can place the pizza on a pizza stone on the grill instead.
Once the pizza is off the grill, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the pizza into slices or squares.
For the perfect finish, garnish the pizza with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy your restaurant-quality grilled pizza in the comfort of your own backyard!
Tips for Grilling Multiple Pizzas
Grilling multiple pizzas can be a fun and efficient way to feed your entire family or a group of friends. Here are some tips to help you grill multiple pizzas at once:
- Divide the pizza dough into portions based on the number of pizzas you want to make and roll each portion into a pizza dough round.
- Make sure you have all your pizza toppings ready and easily accessible for quick and efficient assembly.
- Grill the first pizza as you normally would, flipping the crust and adding your desired toppings.
- Once the first pizza is cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board or pizza stone.
- Add the second pizza dough round to the grill and cook one side until grill marks appear.
- Flip the second pizza crust and add your desired toppings.
- Check on the first pizza to see if it’s cool enough to cut. If it is, use a pizza cutter to slice the pizza and serve.
- Rotate the second pizza as needed to ensure it cooks evenly and remove it from the grill once the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat steps 5 through 8 for any additional pizzas you want to make.
- Remember to maintain heat and timing throughout the grilling process to ensure each pizza is cooked to perfection.
- Once all pizzas are cooked, serve hot and enjoy!
With these tips, you can easily grill multiple pizzas at once and ensure that everyone gets their fill of delicious, grilled crust pizza. So, fire up your grill and get ready to impress your guests with a feast of freshly grilled pizzas!
Grilled Pizza Variations and Recipes
Grilling pizza is a great way to experiment with different toppings and flavors. Here are some delicious grilled pizza variations and recipes to try:
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This is a classic grilled pizza recipe that never disappoints. Start by grilling chicken breasts and brushing with your favorite BBQ sauce. Next, spread a layer of pizza sauce on the dough and add shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with the BBQ chicken and sliced red onions. Grill until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Homemade Margherita Pizza
For a simple yet delicious grilled pizza, try this homemade Margherita pizza recipe. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the dough and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. Add slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and drizzle with olive oil. Grill until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Grilled Vegetable Pizza
If you’re looking for a healthier pizza option, try grilling vegetables for a flavorful and colorful topping. Grill bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions until tender. Spread a layer of pizza sauce on the dough, add the grilled vegetables, and top with crumbled feta cheese. Grill until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
This grilled pizza recipe is perfect for those who love the combination of salty and fresh flavors. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the dough and add slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Top with prosciutto and grill until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. After removing from the grill, add a handful of fresh arugula and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a delicious finishing touch.
Best Grilled Pizza Recipe
For the ultimate grilled pizza recipe, try this one that combines the flavors of sausage, onion, and mushroom. Start by browning Italian sausage in a pan. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the dough and add sliced onions, mushrooms, and the cooked sausage. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grill until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cleaning and Maintaining the Grill
Once you’ve finished grilling pizza, it’s essential to clean and maintain your grill for future use. Not only will this help your grill last longer, but it will also ensure that your subsequent grilled pizzas are just as delicious as the first.
Use a Grill Brush
When cleaning your grill, it’s important to use a grill brush specifically designed for your grill type. While the grill is still hot, use the brush to remove any food particles or debris from the grates. This will help prevent any unwanted flavors or bacteria from transferring to your next pizza.
Cover the Grill
After cleaning the grill, it’s a good idea to cover it with a grill cover. This will protect the grill from the elements and prevent any unwanted debris or insects from getting inside. It’s especially important to cover the grill if you plan on storing it outside.
Keep the Grill in a Safe Place
When not in use, it’s important to keep the grill in a safe and secure location. Store it in a dry area with adequate ventilation that is away from any combustible materials. This will help prevent any accidents or damage to your grill.
By following these simple tips for cleaning and maintaining your grill, you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality grilled pizza at home for years to come.
Conclusion
We hope this article has inspired you to try grilling your own restaurant-quality pizza at home. By preparing your grill and following the techniques outlined in this article, you can achieve a perfectly grilled crust and delicious toppings that will impress your friends and family.
Remember to start with quality pizza dough and toppings, and to use a pizza peel for easy transfer onto and off of the grill. And don’t forget to experiment with different topping combinations to find your personal favorite!
Grilling pizza is a fun and easy way to enjoy homemade pizza with a unique smoky flavor. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can prepare your grill and achieve delicious results every time. So fire up your grill, prepare your favorite toppings, and enjoy a slice of freshly grilled pizza today!
FAQ
What is grilled pizza?
Grilled pizza is a pizza that is cooked on a grill instead of in an oven. It offers a unique smoky flavor and crispy crust.
How do I cook pizza on the grill?
To cook pizza on the grill, preheat the grill, place the prepared pizza dough directly on the grill grates, and cook until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Do I need any special tools to grill pizza?
While not necessary, using a pizza peel for easy transfer and a grill brush for cleaning are helpful tools when grilling pizza.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for grilling?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough can be used for grilling pizza if you’re looking for a convenient option. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
How do I know when the pizza is done?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden and has visible grill marks, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It should take around 8-10 minutes.
Can I grill multiple pizzas at once?
Yes, you can grill multiple pizzas at once. Just make sure to divide the dough into individual portions and rotate the pizzas for even cooking.
What are some popular grilled pizza variations?
Some popular grilled pizza variations include BBQ chicken pizza, margherita pizza, and veggie pizza. Get creative with your toppings!
How do I clean the grill after grilling pizza?
After grilling pizza, wait for the grill to cool slightly, then use a grill brush to remove any leftover dough or toppings. Keeping your grill clean will help maintain its performance.
