Savor the Summer Nights with Grilled Pizza

• 27 May 2023

As the sun sets on a warm summer evening, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family around the flickering flames of a backyard barbecue. The scent of sizzling burgers and juicy steaks fills the air, inviting everyone to reminisce and unwind after a long day. However, why not switch things up and elevate your next barbecue night by introducing the crowd to the smoky, mouthwatering flavors of Grilled Pizza?

When it comes to summer cooking, grilling and pizza might not be the first pairing that comes to mind; however, this unexpected combination is a match made in culinary heaven. The high heat of the grill gives the pizza dough an irresistibly crispy texture, while the smoky flavor from the flames infuses every bite with a unique, tantalizing taste that is impossible to achieve in a traditional oven.

Grilled pizza is also a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in the meal preparation. Encourage your guests to customize their pizzas with their favorite toppings or experiment with different flavor combinations. Whether it’s classic pepperoni and cheese or a gourmet medley of sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, and arugula, there’s no limit to the delicious possibilities.

Moreover, the versatility of grilled pizza means it can easily cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions. Opt for gluten-free or alternative flour dough, vegan cheese, or an array of colorful veggies to keep things fresh and inclusive for everyone. This way, no one has to miss out on the delectable experience of enjoying pizza fresh off the grill.

So, as the sun dips below the horizon and the warm glow of the grill lights up the night, surprise your loved ones with a unique twist on a beloved classic: Grilled Pizza. Gather around the barbecue, roll up your sleeves, and create unforgettable memories and mouthwatering meals that everyone will be talking about long after the embers have cooled.

Get started with this delicious Grilled Pizza recipe, perfect for those warm summer evenings when you’d rather be outside enjoying the weather than stuck in the kitchen. Happy grilling!

This Grilled Pizza recipe is perfect for those warm summer evenings when you'd rather be outside enjoying the weather than stuck in the kitchen. The dough grills up crispy and smoky, giving your pizza a unique flavor that's impossible to replicate in a conventional oven.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

• 1 cup sliced bell peppers

• 1/2 cup sliced red onion

• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the dough from sticking.

• Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough out into a thin circle or rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.

• Brush one side of each pizza dough with some of the olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Carefully place the oiled side of the dough down onto the grill grates. Close the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the dough starts to puff up and the bottom has grill marks.

• Brush the top of the dough with more olive oil and carefully flip each pizza over using a spatula or tongs.

• Quickly spread a thin layer of pizza sauce onto the grilled side of each pizza. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives among the pizzas.

• Close the grill lid again and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pizza crust is cooked through.

• Use a spatula or tongs to carefully remove the pizzas from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two, then sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

• Slice each pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious grilled pizza!

• Feel free to customize your grilled pizza with your favorite toppings or try different combinations.

• If using a charcoal grill, be sure to keep a close eye on the heat, as it can fluctuate more than a gas grill. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.

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