Grilled Pizza Recipe & Suggested Menu
Have you ever eaten grilled pizza? Have you ever made grilled pizza? During spring and summer these days just about anything and everything is grilled but some things are better grilled than others and I have found that grilled pizza is pretty darn good. A few years ago I came across a grilled pizza recipe somewhere (probably on a cooking show or in a lifestyle magazine) and fell hard for the idea. Since that time my family and friends have had many an opportunity to enjoy my super quick and easy grilled pizza. We have even had a build your own grilled pizza party which is like the traditional build your own pizza party only the pizza gets cooked on the grill. So grab a glass of wine and enjoy the novelty and the pizza.
GRILLED PIZZA RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
Pizza dough– purchase one already made (but not cooked) from your favorite pizzeria or at your specialty grocer. I often purchase mine from Trader Joes.
Sauce– either homemade or pre-made. Find a good one in a can or jar or freeze some of your own and you have yourself a “pantry” appetizer or meal anytime you want or need.
Cheese—I always use fresh mozzarella and often some other cheese or two or three. I have even used cheddar.
Any pizza toppings of your choice. The BBQ chicken pizza and the Margarita pizza are two of my favorite grilled pizzas. But we have made them with everything from artichoke hearts, goat cheese & pine nuts to pepperoni. You can be as gourmet or traditional as you wish. *Tip: add any fresh herbs at the very end or near the end so they don’t burn or get bitter.
DIRECTIONS:
Clean grill. Brush olive oil onto grill. Warm up your grill, medium to medium high heat is best. Roll out pizza dough no more than a ¼” thick (grilled pizza is much better on a thin crust than a thick one; if it is too thick then it often is doughy in the middle or burned on the edges). Leave pizza dough rustic in shape and make sure that it fits the shape of your grill. Place pizza dough on grill and cover for about 8 minutes or until it firms up but does not brown on top. Flip your pizza over and cover with sauce, cheese and any toppings of your choice. Cover the grill and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top. Watch your toppings also–some cook more quickly than others. When it is done remove it to a large butcher block and cut it into slices. I like to serve the pizza on the butcher block as I like the way the rustic pizza looks on the wood surface.
SUGGESTED MENU
A nice glass of wine or a cold beer and a fresh salad are the perfect accompaniment. Pizza party, Garden Party, Saturday lunch or Sunday brunch grilled pizza is super easy and a real crowd pleaser for any occasion or celebration.
Enjoy,
Tricia
