Sizzling Homemade Grilled Pizza Recipe: Backyard Magic on a Plate

Pizza nights just got a delicious upgrade with this homemade grilled pizza that promises to revolutionize your summer cooking.

Crispy crusts and melted cheese await your culinary adventure.

Backyard barbecues never looked so appetizing with these perfectly charred slices.

Summer ingredients like fresh basil and ripe tomatoes add vibrant flavors to each bite.

Mastering the grill becomes an art form when you learn these simple techniques.

Surprising your dinner companions with restaurant-quality pizzas straight from your own grill feels incredibly satisfying.

You’ll want to fire up those coals and start experimenting right away.

FAQs

• What type of yeast works best for pizza dough?

Active dry yeast or instant yeast are perfect. Both create great texture and help the dough rise consistently. Just ensure the yeast is fresh and not expired.

• Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough 1-2 days in advance. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and grilling.

• How thin should I roll out the pizza dough?

Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. Thin dough ensures crispy edges and even cooking on the grill. Use a rolling pin and work from the center outwards for best results.

Discover the Magic of Homemade Grilled Pizza

• Create Memorable Meals: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality pizza that brings everyone together around the grill for a fun, interactive cooking experience.
• Master Grilling Skills: Learn a versatile technique that transforms ordinary pizza-making into an exciting outdoor culinary adventure, boosting your confidence in grilling techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor: Unleash creativity by experimenting with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings, making each pizza a unique and personalized masterpiece that suits every taste preference.
• Quick and Fresh Preparation: Enjoy a speedy cooking process that delivers crispy, smoky-flavored pizza with fresh ingredients in just a few simple steps, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Pizza

• Active Dry Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that creates the pizza crust structure.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and provides a subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pizza dough.

• Crushed Tomatoes: The main base for creating a rich and flavorful pizza sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and adds richness to the sauce.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic herbs that give the sauce an authentic Italian taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the sauce's flavor.

• Cheese: Adds creaminess and a delicious melted layer to the pizza.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A fresh garnish that brings a bright, herbal finish to the grilled pizza.

Stepwise Instructions for Grilled Pizza Success

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, sprinkle yeast into warm water and let it bubble and wake up for 5 minutes.

This magical process helps the yeast come alive and start working its magic.

Step 2: Craft the Pizza Dough

• Flour
• Olive oil
• Sugar
• Salt

Knead the mixture thoroughly until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

Work those muscles and give the dough some love!

Let the dough rest and rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, allowing it to become puffy and soft.

Step 3: Simmer Tangy Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium flame.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance and become fragrant.

• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment.

Step 5: Shape Pizza Foundations

Divide the risen dough into portions and roll each piece into thin, round circles.

Make them as uniform or rustic as you prefer.

Step 6: Grill the Dough Base

Brush one side of each dough circle with olive oil.

Place the oiled side directly on the grill grates.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until beautiful golden marks appear.

Step 7: Layer Delicious Toppings

Remove the grilled dough, flip it over.

Spread tomato sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add your favorite toppings.

Return to the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the pizza off the grill, scatter fresh basil leaves on top.

Slice into wedges and serve piping hot.

Enjoy your homemade grilled pizza masterpiece!

Insider Tips to Nail Your Grilled Pizza Every Time

• Ensure a smooth, elastic dough by kneading for the full 10 minutes, which develops gluten and creates a better pizza texture.
• Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to keep the dough from clinging and tearing during shaping.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a crispy crust without burning, using indirect heat zones if possible.
• Pre-cook dense vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to prevent releasing excess moisture and making the pizza soggy.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano leaves right before serving to boost the pizza's aroma and flavor profile.

Flavor Variations to Try on Your Grilled Pizza

• Gluten-Free Pizza: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour. Use cornstarch or xanthan gum for binding. Ensure all toppings are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Pizza: Swap dairy cheese with cashew or coconut-based mozzarella. Use plant-based protein toppings like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Replace traditional sauce with roasted vegetable puree.
• Low-Carb Pizza: Create cauliflower or zucchini crust instead of traditional dough. Use light marinara sauce. Top with lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni.

Serving Ideas for Grilled Pizza Gatherings

• Pizza Party Platter: Create a colorful spread with various pizzas, offering guests multiple flavor options and encouraging sharing.
• Summer Backyard Feast: Pair the grilled pizza with fresh salads, chilled sangria, and grilled summer vegetables for a complete outdoor dining experience.
• Family Pizza Night: Set up a topping station where everyone can customize their own pizza section, making mealtime interactive and fun for all ages.
• Gourmet Slice Presentation: Arrange slices on a wooden cutting board, garnish with fresh herbs, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle grated parmesan for an elegant touch.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Pizza

• Store leftover grilled pizza in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap slices individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Carefully place pizza slices in freezer-safe bags or containers. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the crust to restore crispiness and prevent dryness.

Homemade Grilled Pizza Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade grilled pizza delivers a crispy crust with smoky flavors from Italian culinary traditions. Summer cookouts become more delicious when fresh ingredients and creative toppings bring friends together around the grill.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Dough Base):

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in lukewarm water, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Create a soft, elastic pizza dough by combining flour, olive oil, sugar, and salt, thoroughly mixing until a cohesive texture develops.
3. Knead the dough vigorously for 10 minutes, then let it rest and rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until it doubles in volume.
4. Craft the tomato sauce by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until aromatic, releasing its essential flavors.
5. Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, incorporating oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
6. Heat the grill to medium-high temperature, ensuring an even cooking surface around 400-450°F.
7. Portion the risen dough and roll into thin, uniform circular shapes, preparing them for grilling.
8. Brush one side of each pizza dough with olive oil and carefully place the oiled side directly on the preheated grill grates.
9. Grill the first side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and light char marks appear.
10. Flip the partially grilled dough, then immediately layer with prepared tomato sauce, cheese, and desired toppings.
11. Return the topped pizza to the grill, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts completely and edges become crisp.
12. Remove the grilled pizza, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice into wedges, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Flour your surface generously to prevent the dough from sticking and tearing when rolling out thin pizza bases.
• Keep all ingredients at room temperature to ensure even cooking and better dough elasticity.
• Use a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet on the grill to create a more even heat distribution and crispier crust.
• Experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends for dietary preferences without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 170 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg