Grilled Pizza

Grilled pizza is a delicious and creative twist on classic oven-baked pizza, offering a crispy, slightly charred crust with a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, this method transforms your favorite pizza ingredients into a rustic, flame-kissed dish perfect for summer cookouts or casual weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky, Crispy Crust: Grilling gives the crust a unique texture and flavor that an oven just can’t replicate.
• Quick and Easy: No need to preheat the oven for ages—your grill does the work in minutes.
• Customizable: Use your favorite toppings and sauces, from traditional to gourmet.
• Fun and Interactive: Great for pizza nights with friends or family—everyone can make their own personal pizza.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Olive oil
• Pizza sauce (tomato-based, pesto, or white sauce)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, basil, etc.)
• Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (around 450°F). Clean and oil the grates thoroughly.
2. Shape the Dough: Roll or stretch the dough into a thin, even round or rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Use cornmeal on a baking sheet or pizza peel to keep it from sticking.
3. Oil the Dough: Lightly brush one side of the dough with olive oil.
4. Grill One Side: Place the oiled side down directly on the hot grill grates. Close the lid and grill for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned and puffed up.
5. Flip and Add Toppings: Flip the dough with tongs or a spatula. Quickly add sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings to the grilled side.
6. Finish Grilling: Close the lid and grill another 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bottom is crispy with char marks.
7. Serve: Remove the pizza from the grill, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 2–4 individual pizzas (depending on dough size)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• White Pizza: Swap red sauce for olive oil, garlic, and ricotta or mozzarella.
• Pesto Pizza: Use pesto as a base, topped with chicken, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella.
• Spicy Pizza: Add jalapeños, hot honey drizzle, or crushed red pepper.
• Veggie Pizza: Use grilled veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and red peppers for a smoky, meat-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on a skillet or grill over medium heat for best texture, or use an oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving for optimal crispness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and makes the process faster and easier.

Do I need a pizza stone?

Nope. You can grill the dough directly on clean, oiled grill grates.

Can I use a gas or charcoal grill?

Both work great—charcoal gives a deeper smoky flavor, while gas allows better temperature control.

How do I keep the dough from sticking?

Use plenty of flour or cornmeal when shaping the dough, and oil the grill grates well before cooking.

Can I grill frozen pizza?

It’s best to thaw the pizza dough completely before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Can I make grilled pizza without cheese?

Absolutely. Go dairy-free or use a plant-based cheese alternative if desired.

What’s the best cheese for grilled pizza?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, goat cheese, or even blue cheese can add extra flair.

Can I cook the pizza indoors on a grill pan?

Yes, a cast iron grill pan can mimic grill marks, but you’ll miss out on the smoky flavor.

Is grilled pizza good for meal prep?

You can grill the dough ahead of time, then add toppings and reheat when ready to serve.

Can kids help with grilled pizza?

Definitely—let them add their own toppings while an adult handles the grilling part.

Conclusion

Grilled pizza is an exciting way to enjoy one of your favorite meals with a fun, flame-cooked twist. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or a casual night in. Once you try it, you might never go back to oven-baked again.

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