Best Grilled Pizza
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Best Grilled Pizza
Grilling pizza transforms an ordinary homemade pizza into something extraordinary. The intense heat creates a beautifully blistered crust with irresistible smoky flavor while keeping the inside tender and chewy. Whether you're cooking outdoors for a summer gathering or simply want restaurant-quality pizza at home, this recipe is incredibly easy and endlessly customizable.
The crust cooks in minutes, making grilled pizza much faster than traditional oven-baked versions while delivering incredible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni (optional)
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat the Grill
Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 450–500°F / 230–260°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
2. Prepare the Dough
Divide and stretch the pizza dough into a 10 to 12-inch round. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
3. Grill the First Side
Place the dough directly onto the hot grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until grill marks appear and the bottom is lightly charred.
4. Flip and Add Toppings
Carefully flip the crust using tongs. Quickly spread pizza sauce over the grilled side, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, and your favorite toppings.
5. Finish Cooking
Close the grill lid and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is fully cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the grill, top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, slice, and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Keep all toppings prepared before placing the dough on the grill because everything cooks quickly. Avoid overloading the pizza to ensure the crust stays crisp. Use medium-high heat rather than high heat to prevent burning before the cheese melts.
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on a grill, skillet, or air fryer to restore the crispy crust. Freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Caesar salad, grilled vegetables, garlic knots, fresh fruit salad, antipasto, or homemade lemonade. Pair with marinara or garlic butter for dipping the crust.
Recipe Variations
Try BBQ chicken pizza, Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil, Hawaiian pizza, veggie supreme, buffalo chicken pizza, pesto chicken pizza, or white garlic pizza with ricotta and spinach. Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, fontina, smoked gouda, or goat cheese for unique flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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