Grilled Pizza Recipes That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Grilling pizza combines the smoky flavors of the outdoors with the crispy, cheesy goodness we all love. Whether you’re a pizza connoisseur or a casual cook, grilling your pizza is a fun and easy way to take your homemade pies to the next level. In this post, we’ll share a few unique and delicious grilled pizza recipes that you can try this weekend!

Why Grill Pizza?

Grilling pizza gives it a beautifully crispy crust and that irresistible charred flavor that can’t be replicated in the oven. Plus, grilling keeps your kitchen cool on warm summer nights! By cooking the pizza directly on the grill, you get a lovely smokiness and a delightful crunch in every bite.

Grilled Pizza Dough: A Simple Recipe

Before we dive into the toppings, let’s talk about the dough. For a perfect grilled pizza, you'll need a dough that can hold up to the heat and create that crispy crust. Here’s a quick and easy dough recipe you can whip up ahead of time:

Ingredients for Grilled Pizza Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp active dry yeast

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp sugar

• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring to combine.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Punch the dough down, divide into 3-4 equal portions (depending on pizza size), and shape each piece into a ball. Let it rest while you prepare the grill.

Grilled Pizza Recipes: Flavor Combinations You’ll Love

Now that you have the dough ready, it's time to get creative with your toppings! Here are four pizza ideas, each offering a unique flavor profile:

1. Classic Margherita Grilled Pizza

The simplicity of a Margherita pizza is enhanced when grilled, with the mozzarella perfectly melting and the tomatoes slightly charred. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of pizza dough

• ½ cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade)

• 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 2-3 ripe tomatoes, sliced

• Fresh basil leaves

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the dough with olive oil on both sides.

2. Place the dough on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and slightly charred.

3. Flip the dough, then quickly spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on top.

4. Add the mozzarella and tomato slices, season with salt and pepper, and close the lid of the grill.

5. Grill for another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little more olive oil before serving.

2. Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

If you're a fan of smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, this pizza is for you! The grilled chicken combined with barbecue sauce makes for an unforgettable flavor combination.

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of pizza dough

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the dough with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until the crust has grill marks.

2. Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.

3. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the grilled dough.

4. Add the BBQ chicken, red onions, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.

5. Grill with the lid closed for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Remove from the grill, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and top with fresh cilantro. Slice and enjoy!

3. Grilled Veggie and Goat Cheese Pizza

For a lighter, more refreshing pizza, the combination of grilled veggies and tangy goat cheese is the perfect choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of pizza dough

• 1 zucchini, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled

• 1 cup fresh arugula

• Balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

2. Grill the veggies on the grill for about 3-4 minutes until tender and lightly charred.

3. While the veggies are grilling, brush the pizza dough with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.

4. Top the grilled dough with the grilled veggies and crumbled goat cheese.

5. Grill for another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

6. Remove from the grill and top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

4. Grilled Breakfast Pizza

Start your morning with a delicious, savory breakfast pizza. Think crispy bacon, eggs, and creamy cheese!

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of pizza dough

• 4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

• Fresh chives, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the dough with olive oil.

2. Grill the dough for about 3 minutes until golden brown.

3. Flip the dough and quickly crack the eggs on top, being careful not to break the yolks.

4. Sprinkle the mozzarella, parmesan, and crumbled bacon over the eggs. Close the lid and grill for 4-5 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh chives.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Pizza

• High Heat: Grilling pizza requires a high heat to get that crispy, bubbly crust. Aim for about 450-500°F.

• Preheat the Grill: Be sure your grill is fully preheated before placing the dough on it.

• Use a Pizza Stone or Direct Grill Grates: A pizza stone can help with an even bake, but grilling directly on the grates creates that lovely char.

• Keep Toppings Simple: Overloading the pizza can make it soggy. Stick to 3-4 toppings to maintain that crispy texture.

Conclusion: Fire Up the Grill!

Grilled pizzas are an easy and delicious way to elevate your pizza game. With a bit of preparation, you can create custom pies that rival your favorite pizzeria, all while enjoying the great outdoors. So, fire up that grill, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy the perfect summer pizza night!