How to Make Pizza on the Grill

Summer's here! Time to get grilling. And what's better than a smoky, charred grilled pizza? Forget delivery. You can make awesome pizza right in your backyard. I'll show you how to make grilled pizza. We'll cover everything from the dough to toppings and, of course, grilling! I'll even share some pizza recipes and grilling tips. Get ready to have the best summer recipes!

Why Grill Your Pizza?

Grilled pizza tastes different. In a good way! You just can't get this flavor from an oven. The grill makes the crust crispy and adds a smoky flavor. Plus, it's fun to cook outside! Here's why you should try it:

• Crispy Crust: The grill's heat cooks the crust super fast. It gets nice and crispy.
• Smoky Flavor: That smoky taste? It's amazing!
• Outdoor Fun: Enjoy the sunshine while you cook. Great for parties!
• Quick Cooking: Grilled pizza cooks faster than oven pizza. Perfect for busy nights.

Getting Your Dough Ready

Good pizza starts with good dough. You have a few choices for how to make grilled pizza:

1. Homemade Pizza Dough

Making your own dough means you control everything. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Wait 5-10 minutes. It should get foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until it forms a dough.
3. Put the dough on a floured surface. Knead it for 5-7 minutes. It should be smooth.
4. Put the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours. It should double in size.
5. Punch the dough down. Divide it into two pieces.

2. Store-Bought Pizza Dough

Want something faster? Use store-bought dough. Find it in the fridge section. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. It'll be easier to stretch.

3. Pre-Made Pizza Crusts

These are the easiest. But they might not taste as good. If you use them, get good quality ones. They need to be strong enough for the grill.

Grilling Tips You Need to Know

Grilling pizza takes some skill. But you can do it! Here are some grilling tips to make your summer recipes awesome:

1. Get Your Grill Ready

Gas or charcoal? Doesn't matter. You need to preheat. Medium-high heat (450-500°F) is good. Gas grill? Turn all burners on. Charcoal? Use one layer of coals.

2. Oil Those Grates!

Don't let the dough stick! Oil the grill grates really well. Use canola or vegetable oil. A cloth or paper towel works great.

3. Stretch and Shape the Dough

Flour your surface. Then, stretch or roll out the dough. Make it thin! It cooks faster that way. Don't worry about perfect circles. Rustic is cool.

4. Pre-Grill the Dough

This is super important! Pre-grilling cooks the dough and stops it from sticking. Put the dough on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. It should be lightly browned with grill marks. Watch it closely!

5. Add Toppings Fast

Take the pre-grilled dough off the grill. Put it on a clean surface. Now, add your toppings quickly. Sauce first, then cheese, then everything else.

6. Back to the Grill

Carefully slide the topped pizza back onto the grill. Close the lid. Cook for 3-5 more minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. The crust should be cooked. Turn the pizza sometimes.

7. Watch for Flames

Cheese and oil can drip and cause flames. Move the pizza to a cooler spot if this happens. Or, take it off for a minute.

8. Let It Rest

Pizza's done? Take it off the grill. Let it sit for a minute or two. This helps the cheese set. Otherwise, it will slide off when you cut it!

Yummy Grilled Pizza Recipes

Now you know how to make grilled pizza. Let's look at some delicious pizza recipes. These summer recipes are perfect for fresh, seasonal ingredients.

1. Classic Margherita Grilled Pizza

Ingredients:

• Grilled pizza dough
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions: Follow the grilling steps. Top the dough with sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until the cheese is melted.

2. Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

• Grilled pizza dough
• BBQ sauce
• Cooked chicken, shredded
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Cilantro, chopped

Instructions: Follow the grilling steps. Top with BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, and cheddar. Grill until the cheese is melted. Add cilantro before serving.

3. Grilled Vegetable Pizza

Ingredients:

• Grilled pizza dough
• Pesto sauce
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, peppers, eggplant, mushrooms)
• Goat cheese, crumbled
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions: Follow the grilling steps. Top with pesto, grilled veggies, and goat cheese. Grill until the cheese is soft. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

4. Grilled Prosciutto and Fig Pizza

Ingredients:

• Grilled pizza dough
• Fig jam
• Prosciutto, thinly sliced
• Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• Arugula
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions: Follow the grilling steps. Top with fig jam, prosciutto, and gorgonzola. Grill until the cheese is soft. Top with arugula and balsamic glaze before serving.

Help! My Pizza's Not Working!

Sometimes, things go wrong when you how to make grilled pizza. Here's how to fix common problems:

• Pizza Sticking: Oil the grates well. Pre-grill the dough.
• Crust Burning: Lower the heat. Or move the pizza to a cooler spot.
• Toppings Not Cooking: Close the grill lid.
• Dough Not Cooking: Pre-grill longer. Or lower the heat.

Mix It Up!

Grilled pizza is flexible! Try these ideas:

• Different Sauces: Pesto? Garlic sauce? Spicy marinara?
• Seasonal Stuff: Peaches? Corn? Tomatoes?
• New Cheeses: Fontina? Provolone? Smoked mozzarella?
• Dessert Pizzas: Grill the dough. Then add Nutella, fruit, and whipped cream!

Enjoy That Pizza!

Now you know how to make grilled pizza! You have tips and pizza recipes. Get grilling! Have fun with friends and family. Grilling pizza is a great way to enjoy summer recipes. Happy grilling!