Quick and Easy Grilled Pizza Recipe
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for making delicious pizza on the grill:
- For batch grilling pizzas, wait 2 minutes or so between grilling crusts over direct heat to allow the grill grates to heat back up between pizzas.
- The easiest way to grill a pizza is by assembling it on a flour-dusted pizza peel, or cutting board beforehand. This makes it simpler to transport without making any mistakes.
- Use light toppings! Too many ingredients will weigh down the dough and result in either a soggy crust or an unevenly cooked pizza.
- The type of cheese you use is important for this grilled pizza recipe. Anti-caking agents in store-bought shredded cheese prevents it from melting correctly on grilled pizzas, so freshly grated cheese is best. For this dish, I recommend using part-skim mozzarella or provolone.
INGREDIENTS FOR GRILLED PIZZA
- 8 oz. pizza dough
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing and drizzling
- 1/2 lb. thinly sliced mozzarella
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 c. ricotta
- Freshly chopped basil, for serving
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED PIZZA
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cut pizza dough into 2 balls and use your hands to stretch it out until each one is 8" wide in circumference. Brush olive oil on both sides of the circles, then place directly on the grill grates.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown, then flip. Immediately top half of the crust with cheese, tomatoes, and ricotta, and continue cooking for about another minute or until the bottom of the pizza is again golden brown. Repeat the last 4 steps with the remaining dough circle.
- Top your dish with basil, red pepper flakes and a drizzle of oil to add flavor.
Tips for Grilling Pizza
- Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to a medium-high temperature before placing the pizza on it.
- Use a pizza stone or grill mat: This helps distribute heat evenly, prevents the pizza from sticking, and makes it easier to handle.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, and brush one side with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Grill one side first: Place the dough oiled-side down on the grill, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is slightly charred and crisp. Then, flip it over using a spatula or tongs.
- Add toppings quickly: Once you've flipped the dough, quickly add your sauce, cheese, and other toppings to the cooked side. Close the grill lid to help cook the toppings and melt the cheese.
- Monitor the heat: Keep an eye on the grill's temperature and adjust as needed to prevent burning the crust or undercooking the toppings.
- Rotate the pizza: To ensure even cooking, rotate the pizza 90 degrees halfway through grilling.
- Check for doneness: The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted, the toppings are cooked, and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and rest: Carefully remove the pizza from the grill using a large spatula or pizza peel, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Experiment with flavors: Grilled pizza is a great opportunity to get creative with your toppings and sauces. Try different combinations and enjoy the smoky, delicious results!
An alternative to Grilling Pizza
If you don't have access to a grill or want to try alternative methods for cooking pizza, consider these options:
- Oven-baked pizza: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F/260°C) and bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Stovetop pizza: Cook your pizza in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium heat. Start by cooking one side of the dough, then flip it, add your toppings, and cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt and the toppings to cook through.
- Cast iron skillet pizza: Preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven at 500°F/260°C, then carefully place the rolled-out dough onto the hot skillet. Add your toppings and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
- Pizza cooked on a griddle: Preheat an electric griddle to medium-high heat and cook your pizza similarly to the stovetop method. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature to prevent burning the crust.
- Air fryer pizza: Roll out the dough to fit your air fryer basket, and cook the pizza at 400°F/200°C for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Indoor grill pan pizza: If you have an indoor grill pan, you can use a similar method as outdoor grilling. First, turn the heat to medium. Put the dough on the grill pan and cook one side. Flip it over and put your toppings on top. Put a lid over the toppings so they can cook and also melt the cheese.
Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy a delicious homemade pizza!
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