Grilled Pizza Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite Way to Enjoy the Classic — Perfect for Father’s Day
Plus, how to prevent a burned and sticky dough
Summer nights on the patio are my favorite for many reasons. But one I’ve been missing lately is pizza night. And I don’t mean delivery, rather my dad’s homemade pizza fresh off the grill. Ever since he started grilling pizza years ago, my family hasn’t missed the oven once. That slightly charred crust, gooey cheese and smoked toppings makes all the difference. This base recipe is so easy to make in 25 minutes (with pre-made dough!) without any the fancy tools. Plus, I got the 411 on the best dough to use and expert tricks so it doesn’t stick or burn. This is everything you need to know to make grilled pizza and impress any dad out there.
Your guide to perfect grilled pizza
Grilling pizza is easier than you think. It just requires a little attention since pizza cooks quickly. But if I can do it, so can you. Follow these expert tips below for best results.
1. Dough 101
“I love using store-bought pizza dough to eliminate extra time in the kitchen,” says Alyssa Rivers, CEO and founder of The Recipe Critic. “You can buy it ahead of time, and the pizza will come out just as good!”
Rivers adds: “If you want a crispy pizza crust, roll the dough out on the thinner side. Be careful not to make it too thin, as you don’t want it to fall apart when you add the toppings.”
2. Watch your temp
“When grilling pizza crust, start with a very hot grill, which will help prevent sticking,” says Chef-instructor Olivia Roszkowski of Plant-Based Culinary Arts at the ICE. Aim for a high heat on your grill, no less than 450°F. This ensures a crispy crust without burning your pizza.
Additionally, Rivers likes to place a layer of aluminum foil under her pizza when grilling so you can easily take it on and off the grill. “It also prevents any dough from sticking onto the grates or toppings falling into the coals,” she notes
3. Work quickly
Grilling requires being quick on your feet. Have all your ingredients within arm’s reach and keep a close eye on your pizza, rotating it frequently for even cooking. “It is much easier to use a closed grill, such as a cast iron grill pan, to grill as they retain heat well and allow you to place more oil on the grill pan without igniting,” adds Chef Roszkowski.
4. The right toppings
Less is more when it comes to grilled pizza toppings. Chef Roszkowski says, “most toppings will work well on a grilled pizza, but the easiest ones to work with are ones that do not take too long to cook or melt.” She suggests fresh herbs, cured lean meats and grilled vegetables.
Have a dirty pizza stone? Learn how to clean it!
Easy grilled pizza recipe
This was by far the easiest recipe from Ambitious Kitchen with pre-made dough and no fancy tools — just parchment paper. Remember, let your dough come to room temp before cooking so it’s easier to work with.
Margherita Grilled Pizza
Ingredients:
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 lb. pizza dough
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced into ⅛-inch thick rounds
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves
- 2 Tbs. grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Active Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Preheat your grill to 425°F. Then, place parchment paper on a hard surface and spread olive oil onto parchment paper using your hands. Add your pizza dough onto the parchment paper and stretch it out into a rectangle or circle until the dough no longer pulls back.
- Transfer your pizza dough to your grill by taking your parchment paper and flipping it upside down so that the dough lands safely on top of the grates. Then, peel your parchment paper off the dough.
- Close the lid of your grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s golden brown on the bottom. After 2-3 minutes, carefully check the underside using tongs. When ready, use your tongs to flip your pizza.
- Quickly and carefully top your pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella slices and basil leaves (or whatever toppings you are using). Then, close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes more until the cheese is melted.
- Slide your pizza onto a cutting board with your tongs. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, cut into 16 slices and serve.
Storage + reheating
Leftover grilled pizza can be stored for up to 2-3 days in the fridge. But remember to wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. To reheat, preheat your grill over medium heat until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.
Fun grilled pizza topping ideas
With this base recipe, you can make any type of grilled pizza your heart desires. This is why it makes the perfect dinner for a summer dinner party. Turn your kitchen into a DIY pizza station and try some of these toppings below.
1. Mediterranean
Take your pizza to Greece with marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
2. BBQ Chicken
I personally love chicken on pizza. Use precooked chicken, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce and mozzarella cheese.
3. Breakfast Pizza
Yes, even for dinner! Add scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, caramelized onions and also a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
For more trendy pizza recipes, read through these stories below:
Chef’s Secret to Your Best-Ever Pizza: Bake It in Cast Iron for a Crispy Crust — Easy Recipe
Pizza Toast Recipe Is the Perfect Treat That’s So Easy + Indulgent With Creamy Burrata on Sourdough
