How to Grill Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grilling pizza is an art that combines the best of both worlds---the smoky flavors of a grill and the crispy texture of a perfectly cooked pizza. Whether you're an experienced griller or a newbie, grilling pizza at home can elevate your cooking game and bring a unique twist to your traditional pizza-making methods. With the right techniques, tools, and toppings, you can master the grill and create a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria.

This guide will take you through the essential steps to grill a pizza, from preparing the dough to achieving the perfect crispy crust. We'll discuss the necessary tools, provide tips for getting the best flavor, and share some delicious topping ideas to help you make your pizza a true masterpiece.

Choosing the Right Dough for Grilled Pizza

The key to a successful grilled pizza starts with the dough. While you can buy pre-made dough from the store, making your own from scratch is highly recommended for the best results. Homemade dough has the perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness, making it ideal for grilling. However, if you're pressed for time, store-bought dough can still work well.

Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water (about 100°F/38°C), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until the dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
5. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into smaller portions (about 2-3 balls for individual pizzas). Let them rest while you prepare the grill.

Tip:

If you're using store-bought dough, you'll want to roll it out thin and let it come to room temperature before grilling.

Preparing the Grill

Before you start grilling, it's essential to set up your grill properly. Whether you're using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, you need to ensure that the heat is at the right level for cooking the pizza.

Charcoal Grill:

For a charcoal grill, you'll need to create two zones: a direct heat zone for cooking the pizza and an indirect heat zone for maintaining the temperature. Here's how to do it:

1. Set Up the Coals: Light your charcoal and let it burn until it's covered with gray ash. Then, push the coals to one side of the grill to create a hot zone.
2. Preheat the Grill: Close the lid and let the grill heat up for about 10-15 minutes. The grill should reach a temperature of 500-600°F (260-315°C).

Gas Grill:

For a gas grill, preheat your grill to high heat (about 500-600°F or 260-315°C). You'll want to keep one side of the grill hotter than the other, so set your burners accordingly to create a direct and indirect heat zone.

Tip:

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before grilling. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the grill.

Preparing the Pizza Toppings

When it comes to grilling pizza, you can get creative with your toppings. The beauty of grilling pizza is that the high heat will caramelize and enhance the flavors of the toppings, giving them a rich, smoky flavor.

Essential Toppings:

• Sauce: A simple tomato sauce works well, but you can also use pesto, barbecue sauce, or olive oil as a base.
• Cheese: Fresh mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheeses are excellent choices. Be sure to use cheese that melts well.
• Vegetables: Sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives are common choices. Grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant add a nice smoky flavor.
• Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, chicken, or bacon can add richness and flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or arugula can be added after the pizza is cooked to give it a fresh, vibrant taste.

Tip:

Pre-cook any meats or vegetables that take longer to cook, like sausage or mushrooms, to ensure that they are fully cooked by the time your pizza is ready.

Shaping the Pizza Dough

Once your dough has risen and rested, it's time to shape it into a pizza. The key here is to avoid using a rolling pin, as it can deflate the dough and make it less airy. Instead, use your hands to stretch and shape the dough.

How to Shape Pizza Dough:

1. Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and your hands.
2. Stretch the Dough: Place the dough ball in the center and gently stretch it with your fingers, working from the center outwards. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes and then try again.
3. Form a Crust: If you want a thicker crust, leave the outer edges of the dough a little thicker while stretching the center thinner.
4. Size: The dough should be thin but not too thin to handle the toppings. Aim for about 10-12 inches in diameter.

Tip:

If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour it. If it's too dry or tearing, add a small amount of water and continue stretching.

Grilling the Pizza

Once the grill is preheated, it's time to cook your pizza. The process of grilling involves a few steps, so you'll need to work quickly.

Step-by-Step Grilling Process:

1. Place the Dough on the Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates and place the dough directly over the hot zone (direct heat). Grill the dough for about 2-3 minutes, or until the underside is golden brown and crispy.
2. Flip the Dough: Using tongs or a large spatula, flip the dough over to the other side. The cooked side should have nice grill marks.
3. Add the Toppings: Quickly spread your sauce over the grilled side of the dough. Add the cheese and other toppings. Be sure not to overload the pizza, as it could make it hard to handle.
4. Cook the Pizza: Move the pizza to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is crispy.

Tip:

If you want a more charred crust, leave the pizza on the direct heat for an extra minute before flipping it. This will give the bottom a nice crispy texture.

Serving and Enjoying the Grilled Pizza

Once your pizza is done, carefully remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute or two before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil, arugula, or any other herbs of your choice on top for a burst of flavor.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze can add a rich finishing touch.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan or grated mozzarella can enhance the flavor profile.

Tip:

Serve your grilled pizza with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips and Troubleshooting

While grilling pizza is relatively simple, there are a few common challenges that can arise. Here are some tips to troubleshoot:

Pizza Sticking to the Grill:

• Oil the Grill Grates: Make sure the grill grates are oiled before placing the dough on them.
• Preheat the Grill: A properly preheated grill helps prevent sticking and ensures an even cook.

Uneven Cooking:

• Monitor the Temperature: Ensure that your grill is consistently at the right temperature (500-600°F). Too low and the crust won't crisp up; too high and the toppings will burn before the crust is cooked.
• Rotate the Pizza: If you notice one side of the pizza is cooking faster than the other, rotate it halfway through the cooking process.

Dough Not Cooking Properly:

• Stretch Evenly: If your dough is too thick, it might not cook all the way through. Make sure the center of the dough is not too thick.
• Use Indirect Heat: If the crust is burning too quickly, move the pizza to the indirect heat zone to finish cooking without burning the toppings.

Conclusion

Grilling pizza at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With the right dough, proper grilling techniques, and creative toppings, you can create a delicious and crispy pizza with a smoky flavor that you won't get from an oven. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to make restaurant-quality grilled pizza right in your own backyard. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite ingredients, and enjoy the process of making a truly unique pizza that will impress your friends and family!

View Product