Grilled pizzas are a wonderful way to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the warm weather in your backyard! The smoky flavor from the grill adds a unique touch to this classic dish, making it a favorite among family and friends. Plus, you can customize each pizza to suit everyone’s tastes, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for gatherings or casual nights at home. With the right technique and a few simple ingredients, you can create mouthwatering grilled pizzas that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Grilled Pizzas
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, basil)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, making sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Divide the pizza dough into individual portions, depending on how many pizzas you want to make. Roll out each portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, keeping in mind that thinner crusts will cook faster on the grill.
3. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the rolled-out dough directly onto the grill grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the dough begins to puff up and develops grill marks. Use tongs to flip the dough over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove the partially cooked dough from the grill and place it grilled-side up on a cutting board or baking sheet. Keep the grill on, but reduce the heat to low.
5. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the grilled side of the dough, leaving a border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by your chosen toppings.
6. Carefully return the topped pizza to the grill, close the lid, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the crust is crispy. Keep an eye on the pizzas to prevent burning, rotating them if necessary for even cooking.
7. Once the pizzas are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the grill using a large spatula, and transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before slicing them into wedges or squares.
Grilled pizzas are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, while the cheese is still gooey and the toppings are hot and flavorful. Serve them with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together with friends or simply craving a cozy night in with your family, grilled pizzas are sure to be a hit. Experiment with different toppings, sauces, and cheeses to create your own signature pizzas that will have everyone coming back for more. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite ingredients, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade grilled pizzas in the comfort of your own backyard.
