Description
Grilled Pizza is a delightful way to enjoy homemade pizza with a crisp, smoky crust and bubbling cheese. Cooking the dough directly on a medium-high grill imparts a unique charred flavor and allows fast cooking, making it ideal for outdoor meals. The recipe is versatile with customizable toppings, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare for any pizza lover.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Prepared pizza dough (enough for 4 individual pizzas)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, a handful
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes, sliced or diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Divide the pizza dough into portions if needed. Roll or stretch each piece into a thin round shape, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and then lightly oil them.
- Grill the Dough: Place the dough directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is lightly charred and grill marks appear, and the top starts to bubble.
- Flip the Dough: Carefully flip the dough using tongs or a large spatula. The grilled side will now be facing up.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Quickly spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the grilled side. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce. Add your choice of optional toppings, distributing them evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the crust is cooked through and crisp.
- Remove and Season: Remove the grilled pizza from the grill. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on top as a finishing touch.
- Serve: Allow the pizza to rest for a couple of minutes to let the toppings set slightly. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use medium-high grill heat to ensure quick cooking without burning the crust.
- Brush grill grates with olive oil before placing the dough to prevent sticking.
- Stretch dough thin for crispier crust, avoiding thick dough that may cook unevenly.
- Limit sauce and toppings to avoid soggy crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat pizza on a grill, skillet, or oven for best crispness, avoid microwaving alone.
- Experiment with various toppings such as grilled vegetables, cooked chicken, or different cheeses for variety.
- Bring refrigerated dough closer to room temperature before stretching for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
