Grill Like a Pro: How to Cook Pizza on the Grill in 6 Easy Steps

Paul West/ Backyard Food And Cooking

Cooking pizza on the grill might sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer for pizza lovers looking for that perfect, crispy crust with a smoky flavor you can’t get from an oven. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, mastering the art of grilling pizza can elevate your outdoor cooking game and impress your guests with restaurant-quality pies right from your backyard.

In just 6 easy steps, you’ll learn how to transform your grill into a pizza-making powerhouse. From preparing your dough to the final, delicious slice, we’ve got you covered with simple, actionable tips to ensure your grilled pizza is a hit every time. Get ready to wow your taste buds and add a new favorite to your grilling repertoire.

Preparing the Grill

Before you jump into the world of grilling pizza, it’s crucial to set up your grill correctly. Proper preparation can make the difference between a smoked, crispy delight and a charred disappointment. Getting the grill ready is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail.

Clean the Grate

First and foremost, start with a clean grill. Residual grease and food particles from previous cookouts can affect the flavor and texture of your pizza. Use a grill brush to scrub the grates clean, then wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any loose debris.

Preheat the Grill

Preheating is essential. For pizza, you’ll want to create a cooking environment that mimics a traditional pizza oven. If you’re using a gas grill, set it to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 475°F to 500°F. For charcoal grills, distribute the coals evenly to achieve a consistent temperature across the grill. Use a grill thermometer to check the heat level – accuracy matters here.

Create Direct and Indirect Heat Zones

To cook your pizza evenly, establish direct and indirect heat zones on your grill. For gas grills, turn on half of the burners. With charcoal grills, heap the coals on one side of the grill. This setup allows you to initially cook the pizza over the direct heat to crisp the bottom, then move it to the indirect heat zone to melt the cheese and toppings without burning the crust.

Oil the Grate

Before placing your pizza on the grill, lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking. Use a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil and a set of tongs to rub oil over the bars. This step ensures your pizza slides off the grill with ease, preserving that perfect crust you aim for.

By following these preparatory steps, you’ll transform your grill into an optimal pizza-cooking arena. Ensuring your grill is clean, preheated, and properly set up not only improves the quality of your grilled pizza but also enhances your overall grilling experience.

Making the Pizza Dough

Before diving into the culinary adventure of grilling a pizza, you’ll need to prepare the most crucial component: the pizza dough. Perfecting your homemade pizza dough not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that your base can withstand the direct heat of the grill.

Start with Quality Ingredients

First things first, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• High-protein flour (like bread flour) for that ideal chewy texture
• Instant yeast to help the dough rise
• Warm water to activate the yeast
• Salt for flavor
• Olive oil to add tenderness to the dough

The Perfect Mix

Mixing your dough is more than just combining ingredients; it’s about creating the perfect texture. Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes until it begins to foam—a sign that it’s active. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. This process develops the gluten, which gives the crust its structure and chewiness.

Letting it Rise

Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, usually between 1 to 2 hours. This step is crucial as it develops the dough’s flavor and texture.

Dividing and Shaping

After rising, divide the dough into balls—each enough for one pizza. Flatten each ball into a disk and then stretch it out from the center. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch, keeping the edges slightly thicker to form a crust. Remember, the dough should not be too thick, as you want it to cook through easily on the grill.

By handling the dough carefully and following these steps, you’re setting the stage for a memorable grilled pizza. With your dough prepared, you’re now ready to add your favorite toppings and bring your creation to life on the grill.

Prepping the Toppings

When embarking on the journey of grilling pizza, the adventure truly begins with prepping the toppings. This is where creativity meets the canvas of dough, and the array of choices can be both exhilarating and slightly overwhelming. Here’s how to navigate this flavorful terrain, ensuring each pizza is a masterpiece of taste.

Choose Fresh Ingredients

Opt for fresh vegetables, high-quality meats, and whole cheeses to elevate the flavors of your pizza. Fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and artisan pepperoni make a world of difference compared to their processed counterparts. The high heat of the grill will magnify the freshness, rewarding you with a burst of flavor in every bite.

Pre-Cook Certain Toppings

While some toppings thrive on the grill, others require a bit of precooking to achieve perfection.

• Sausage and bacon, for instance, should be cooked to at least a semi-crisp state before topping your pizza; their fat renders out, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
• Dense vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower benefit from a quick blanch or sauté before grilling, softening them just enough to complement the crispy crust.

Thinly Slice for Even Cooking

Thickness matters. Thinly slicing your toppings ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly on the grill. This is especially critical for root vegetables and thicker cuts of meat. A mandoline slicer can be your best friend here, achieving consistent thickness for items like potatoes, zucchini, and onions.

Layer Wisely

The order in which you layer toppings on your pizza affects the final outcome. Start with a thin layer of sauce to prevent soggy dough, followed by cheese to act as a barrier between the sauce and your toppings. Finally, distribute your prepped ingredients evenly, allowing each piece to cook without overcrowding. This strategic layering guarantees every slice is laden with toppings, without compromising the integrity of your crispy crust.

With your toppings prepped and ready, you’re one step closer to enjoying that smoky, grilled pizza bliss. Remember, the key to a memorable grilled pizza lies not just in the preparation of the dough or the grill but in the care and choice of each topping that adorns your creation.

Shaping and Rolling the Dough

Perfecting the pizza dough is key to achieving that delicious, crispy crust that’s so beloved on grilled pizzas. Understanding how to shape and roll your dough is critical in this try. Here’s how you can do it easily.

First, make sure your dough has properly risen and is at room temperature. This makes it easier to work with and ensures it will stretch without snapping back. To start shaping, gently punch down your dough to release any air bubbles formed during the rising process. This step is crucial for a uniform texture in your crust.

Next, divide the dough into equal portions. If you’re aiming for individual-sized pizzas, you might want to divide it into 4-6 pieces, depending on the size you prefer. Uniformity is key here, as it helps in even cooking.

Flour your working surface and your hands lightly. This prevents sticking and makes it simpler to shape your dough. Pick up one portion of the dough and start by pressing it into a flat disk using your fingertips. Avoid using a rolling pin as it can compress the dough too much, which isn’t ideal for a light, airy crust. Instead, use your hands to gently stretch the dough outwards from the center, rotating it as you go to maintain a circular shape. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, a little thicker at the edges to create a nice crust.

If the dough begins to resist or shrink back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape.

Transferring your shaped dough to the grill requires delicacy. One effective method is to lightly flour a pizza peel or an upside-down baking sheet. Gently place your rolled dough on the surface and give it a little shake to ensure it’s not sticking. This preparation ensures a hassle-free transfer to the grill, where your pizza adventure continues.

Grilling the Pizza

Once your grill is hot and your dough and toppings are prepped, it’s time to grill your pizza. This step transforms your dough into a wonderfully crispy crust with a smoky flavor you can’t achieve in a standard oven. Here’s how you can master the art of grilling pizza in just a few steps.

Lay the Dough on the Grill

First, gently place your dough directly on the clean, oiled grate over direct medium heat. Keep the lid open as you do this. You’ll want to grill the dough for about 2 to 3 minutes. Look for it to puff slightly and for grill marks to form on the bottom. This means it’s time to flip your crust.

Flip and Top Your Pizza

Using a pair of tongs and a spatula, carefully flip the dough over to the other side. Now, it’s time to quickly add your toppings. Start with a sauce, then cheese, followed by your pre-prepped vegetables or proteins. Remember, less is more; you don’t want to overload your pizza and make it soggy.

Finish Grilling

After topping, close the grill lid to simulate an oven environment. This helps to melt the cheese and cook the toppings whilst the bottom of the pizza finishes crisping up. Keep an eye on your pizza; depending on the heat of your grill, this can take anywhere from 5 to 7 minutes. Use the spatula to lift the pizza occasionally to ensure the bottom isn’t burning.

Transfer and Serve

Once the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden and charred to your liking, use your spatula to carefully transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Wait a couple of minutes for the pizza to cool slightly before slicing. This waiting period allows the cheese to set a bit, which makes slicing easier.

Remember, grilling pizza involves some trial and error. Each grill behaves differently, and external temperatures can affect cooking times. Start with a simple cheese pizza to get the hang of the process before moving on to more complex toppings. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy a new twist on pizza night that brings everyone together around the grill.

Enjoying the Perfect Grilled Pizza

Now that you’ve mastered the art of grilling pizza, it’s time to jump into the most rewarding part: enjoying your culinary creation. Grilled pizza brings a unique blend of flavors and textures that set it apart from its oven-baked counterpart. Here’s how you can elevate your experience to make every bite more memorable.

Gather the Right Tools

First, ensure you have the right tools on hand. A pizza cutter or a sharp chef’s knife is essential for cutting your pizza into slices with precision, maintaining the integrity of your toppings. Serving spatulas or wide-blade knives will help you serve slices effortlessly without disrupting the beautiful layer of cheese and toppings you’ve worked so hard to perfect.

Pair with Refreshing Beverages

The right beverage can complement your grilled pizza’s rich flavors. If your pizza features classic flavors such as tomato, mozzarella, and basil, a glass of chilled Sangiovese or a crisp lager might be the perfect match. For pizzas with a more robust flavor profile featuring meats and a variety of cheeses, consider a full-bodied red wine or a dark ale to enhance the dining experience.

Create a Cozy Ambiance

Don’t underestimate the power of the right ambiance. Whether you’re enjoying your grilled pizza outdoors under a starlit sky or inside at a cozy dinner table, adding some ambient lighting or soft music can transform your meal into a memorable experience. Comfortable seating and a table set with outdoor-friendly dinnerware will invite you and your guests to relax and enjoy the fruits of your grilling labor.

Sharing is Caring

One of the joys of grilled pizza is sharing it with friends and family. The informal, hands-on nature of serving and eating pizza makes it an excellent choice for gatherings. Encourage your guests to try their hand at grilling a pizza, choosing their toppings and participating in the cooking process. This not only makes the meal more interactive but also adds a personal touch to every slice.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the art of cooking pizza on the grill, remember the experience doesn’t end when the pizza comes off the heat. Equipping yourself with the right tools like a sharp pizza cutter ensures every slice is perfect. Don’t forget to enhance your dining experience by pairing your pizza with refreshing drinks and setting the mood with ambient lighting and soft music. Most importantly, making grilled pizza is a chance to bond with friends and family. Inviting them to join in on the cooking adds a personal touch that makes every pizza unique. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy a memorable meal that goes beyond just great taste.