Grilled pizza is a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional oven-baked pizza. The smoky char from the grill adds a unique touch to the crust, while the toppings can be customized to suit your preferences. Here’s a simple and mouthwatering recipe for the best pizza on the grill:
Grilled Pizza Recipe:
Ingredients:
– Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– Olive oil
– Tomato sauce or pizza sauce
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s essential to have a well-heated grill for a crispy crust and even cooking.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
– On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Thinner crusts will cook faster and yield a crispier texture, while thicker crusts will be chewier.
3. Brush with Olive Oil:
– Brush one side of the rolled-out dough with olive oil to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
4. Grill the Dough:
– Place the oiled side of the dough directly onto the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom becomes golden brown and has grill marks.
5. Flip the Crust:
– Carefully use tongs to flip the crust onto the other side. This is where the fun part begins – the toppings!
6. Add the Toppings:
– Quickly spread the tomato or pizza sauce over the grilled side of the dough.
– Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Remember to leave some space around the edges for the crust.
– Add your favorite pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
7. Close the Grill Lid:
– Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts, and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
8. Remove and Serve:
– Using the tongs, carefully remove the pizza from the grill once the cheese is bubbly and the crust is cooked to your desired crispness.
– Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing it into wedges.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
– Before serving, you can add some fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for extra flavor and aroma.
Tips:
– Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s on the grill to prevent burning. The cooking time may vary based on your grill’s heat and the thickness of the crust.
– If you’re using a lot of toppings, pre-cook them slightly before adding them to the pizza to ensure they are fully cooked by the time the crust is ready.
– Don’t overload the pizza with toppings as it might make the crust soggy and difficult to handle.
Grilled pizza is a delightful way to enjoy a summer evening with family and friends. The crust’s smoky flavor combined with the gooey cheese and your favorite toppings will undoubtedly make this recipe a hit at any gathering!