Sizzling Homemade Grilled Pizza Recipe: Backyard Magic On A Plate

Crafting a homemade grilled pizza sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Flames dance beneath crispy dough, creating magical charred edges that store-bought versions never achieve.

Summer evenings call for outdoor cooking adventures with simple ingredients.

Neighbors always peek over the fence, curious about the enticing aromas wafting through backyard spaces.

Unexpected techniques turn ordinary pizza-making into an interactive grilling experience you’ll absolutely love.

Assembling fresh toppings becomes a playful ritual that connects people around delicious shared meals.

This recipe promises to revolutionize your cooking approach and inspire weekend gatherings.

Elements In A Homemade Grilled Pizza

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop dough texture, best at body temperature range.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and enhances fermentation process, helps with golden crust color.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light, airy texture, fresh yeast works best.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, improves overall dough structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for pizza dough, white wheat flour provides good gluten development.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and rich flavor, helps with dough brushing and preventing sticking.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic pizza base with tomato flavor, homemade or high-quality store-bought recommended.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides creamy texture, fresh varieties offer best flavor.

• Pepperoni, Other Toppings: Adds protein and extra flavor, can customize based on personal preference. Thinly sliced meats and pre-cooked vegetables work best for grilling.

Homemade Grilled Pizza Process

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Create a frothy yeast base by mixing warm water and sugar.

Sprinkle yeast into the liquid and allow it to sit until bubbles form and the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2: Develop Pizza Dough

• Flour
• Salt

Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients.

Knead the dough thoroughly until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.

The texture should be soft and pliable.

Step 3: Allow Dough to Expand

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Place in a warm location and let it rise until the volume doubles, typically 1-2 hours.

The dough will become puffy and soft.

Step 4: Prepare Dough Rounds

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into individual portions.

Roll each portion into circular shapes using a rolling pin.

Aim for thin, even pizza crusts.

Step 5: Warm the Grilling Surface

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Grill the Pizza Base

Brush one side of the dough with olive oil.

Carefully place the oiled side onto the hot grill.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until light grill marks appear and the bottom becomes crispy.

Step 7: Layer Delicious Toppings

• Marinara sauce
• Cheese
• Preferred toppings

Quickly spread marinara sauce on the grilled side of the dough.

Sprinkle cheese and add desired toppings.

Close the grill lid and cook until the cheese melts and toppings heat through.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Remove the pizza from the grill using a large spatula.

Transfer to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Grilled Pizza – Handy Advice

• Ensure water is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, creating a frothy and active mixture for optimal dough rise.
• Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to easily handle and shape the pizza dough without frustrating stickiness.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve beautiful grill marks without burning the pizza crust, creating a crispy and golden base.
• Add toppings swiftly after flipping the dough to prevent burning and ensure even melting of cheese and heating of ingredients.
• Try different flour types like whole wheat or gluten-free for alternative crusts, and explore unique topping combinations to personalize your grilled pizza experience.

Grilled Pizza Tastes Fresh Again When Stored Properly

• Store leftover grilled pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place parchment paper between pizza slices to prevent sticking and preserve texture when storing multiple pieces together.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, place pizza slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy crust and melted cheese texture.
• Skip microwave reheating as it can make the crust soggy and compromise the pizza's original grilled crispiness.

Good Choices with Homemade Grilled Pizza

• Pair with Crisp Italian White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that cuts through the pizza's richness and complements its smoky grilled flavor.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pizza's hearty character and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Match with Spicy Red Sangria: Craft a summer sangria with red wine, citrus fruits, and a hint of cayenne to mirror the pizza's bold grilled notes and add a festive touch.
• Complement with Chilled Antipasto Plate: Serve a selection of cured meats, marinated olives, and pickled vegetables that echo the pizza's Mediterranean inspirations and offer delightful texture variations.

Breakfast Pizza Edits

• Gluten-Free Pizza: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free pizza dough mix to maintain similar texture and flavor.
• Vegan Pizza Alternative: Replace cheese with dairy-free mozzarella made from cashews or soy. Add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh crumbles as topping substitutes.
• Low-Carb Pizza Crust: Create a cauliflower or zucchini-based crust instead of traditional dough. Use grilled vegetable slices as base for lighter, nutrient-dense option.
• Mediterranean Herb Pizza: Infuse dough with oregano and rosemary. Top with feta cheese, olives, and sundried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired grilling experience.

FAQs

• Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading, cover and refrigerate. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and grilling.

• What type of grill works best for pizza?

Both gas and charcoal grills work great. The key is maintaining a medium-high heat around 400-450°F for perfect crust and crispy edges.

• How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the grill?

Brush the dough with olive oil and ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. This creates a non-stick surface and helps achieve beautiful grill marks.

• Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works well. Just bring it to room temperature and follow the same grilling techniques for a delicious result.

Homemade Grilled Pizza That Brings Smoky Crust To Life

Boost Your Cooking Confidence: Master a Gourmet Technique that Makes Homemade Pizza Incredibly Easy

• Quick and Customizable: Unleash your creativity by adding any toppings you love, transforming each pizza into a personalized culinary masterpiece.
• Impressive Grilling Skill: Elevate your backyard cooking with a restaurant-quality technique that turns ordinary pizza into a smoky, crispy delight in just minutes.
• Family Fun Meal: Engage everyone in the pizza-making process, letting kids and adults choose their favorite ingredients and participate in grilling together.
• Time-Efficient Dinner Solution: Prepare fresh, delicious pizzas in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Homemade Grilled Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful homemade grilled pizza brings Italian charm right to backyard cookouts with crispy crusts and melted cheese. Grill masters and home cooks alike can savor this simple yet impressive dish that turns ordinary ingredients into a memorable summer meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni

Dough Components:

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (95–110 degrees F / 35–43 degrees C)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for brushing)

Sauce and Additional Topping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast on top and allow to bloom until foamy and fragrant.
2. Create a flour mixture with salt, forming a well in the center to incorporate the activated yeast mixture. Gently knead the dough until it transforms into a smooth, elastic texture.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm environment until it expands to double its original volume.
4. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into individual portions for personal-sized pizzas.
5. Roll out each dough section into thin, uniform circles using gentle, outward motions with a rolling pin.
6. Prepare the grill by heating it to medium-high temperature, ensuring even heat distribution across the cooking surface.
7. Brush one side of each dough round with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor during grilling.
8. Carefully place the oiled dough directly onto the grill grates, cooking for 2-3 minutes until distinct grill marks appear and the surface becomes lightly crisp.
9. Quickly flip the dough and immediately spread marinara sauce, sprinkle cheese, and arrange selected toppings across the surface.
10. Close the grill lid to create an oven-like environment, allowing the cheese to melt and toppings to heat through.
11. Remove the grilled pizza when the cheese is perfectly melted and the crust achieves a golden-brown crispness.
12. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating perfect dough rise.
• Preheat grill thoroughly to prevent sticking and achieve those desirable crispy grill marks on pizza crust.
• Keep toppings light and pre-cooked to prevent soggy centers and ensure quick melting during grilling process.
• Consider alternative flour options like whole wheat or gluten-free for dietary modifications without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg