Grilled pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, offering a unique smoky flavor and crispy crust that you can’t achieve with a conventional oven. This recipe will guide you through making grilled pizza from scratch, including preparing the dough, grilling the pizza, and adding your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a delicious homemade pizza, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Grilled Pizza
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)
- Olive oil, for brushing
How to Make Grilled Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 or 4 equal portions, depending on the desired size of your pizzas.
- Roll out each portion of dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Step 4: Grill the Dough
- Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place it oil-side down on the grill.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the dough is lightly charred and starting to bubble.
- Brush the top side of the dough with olive oil, then flip it over.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
- Spread pizza sauce over the grilled side of the dough.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and your choice of toppings.
Step 6: Finish Grilling
- Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is crispy.
- Remove the pizza from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
About the Main Ingredients
Pizza Dough
The pizza dough is the foundation of this recipe, providing the base for your grilled pizza. Making your own dough allows you to customize the thickness and flavor to suit your preferences. The yeast adds a light and airy texture, while the olive oil contributes to a crispy crust.
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce adds flavor and moisture to the pizza. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza sauce, depending on your preference. The sauce should be spread evenly over the dough to ensure a flavorful bite in every slice.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for pizza due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. Shredded mozzarella is easy to sprinkle over the pizza and melts beautifully, creating that signature stretchy cheese pull.
Toppings
The toppings are where you can get creative and customize your grilled pizza to your liking. Popular options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives. Choose your favorite toppings or mix and match for a unique flavor combination.
Grilled pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy homemade pizza with a unique smoky flavor. By following this recipe, you can create your own grilled pizza dough and add your favorite toppings for a personalized culinary experience. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or a cozy night in, grilled pizza is sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!
