Pizza on Grill

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, smoky flavor you can’t get from the oven
  • Perfect for outdoor gatherings and summer meals
  • Quick cooking time
  • Customizable with endless toppings
  • No need to heat up the kitchen
  • Fun and interactive cooking method

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound pizza dough
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cooked toppings (pepperoni, grilled chicken, vegetables, etc.)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400–450°F / 200–230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
  2. Divide the pizza dough into two portions for easier handling. Roll or stretch each portion into a thin round or oval shape.
  3. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil.
  4. Place the dough oil-side down directly onto the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and grill marks appear.
  5. Brush the top side with olive oil and carefully flip the crust using tongs or a spatula.
  6. Quickly spread pizza sauce over the grilled side, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, and your cooked toppings.
  7. Close the lid and grill for another 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bottom is crisp.
  8. Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Margherita Style: Use fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil.

BBQ Chicken: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add grilled chicken and red onion.

Veggie Grilled Pizza: Top with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.

White Pizza: Use olive oil and garlic instead of tomato sauce, then add ricotta and mozzarella.

Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover grilled pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. You can also reheat on the grill over low heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crust.

Grilled pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap slices tightly and reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works very well and saves time.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grates are clean, preheated, and lightly oiled before placing the dough down.

Should toppings be cooked beforehand?

Yes, most toppings should be pre-cooked since grilling time is short.

What if I don’t have a thermometer for the grill?

Preheat for about 10–15 minutes on medium-high heat and test by holding your hand several inches above the grates—it should feel very hot.

Can I use a pizza stone on the grill?

Yes, a grill-safe pizza stone can help create a more evenly cooked crust.

How thin should the dough be?

Stretch it to about 1/4 inch thick for best results. Thinner dough cooks more evenly on the grill.

Can I make individual pizzas?

Absolutely. Smaller pizzas are easier to handle and customize.

What type of cheese works best?

Low-moisture mozzarella melts evenly and prevents excess moisture.

Can I make grilled pizza without sauce?

Yes, olive oil-based or white pizzas work beautifully on the grill.

Why did my crust burn?

The grill may have been too hot or the pizza cooked too long. Lower the heat slightly and monitor closely.

Conclusion

Pizza on the grill is a flavorful and exciting way to enjoy homemade pizza with a smoky, crispy finish. Quick to cook and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for outdoor entertaining or relaxed family dinners. Once you try grilled pizza, it just might become your new favorite way to make it.

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Pizza on Grill

Pizza on Grill

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Grilled pizza delivers a crispy, smoky crust with beautiful char marks and melted cheese, all without turning on the oven. Cooked directly on the grill, this quick and flavorful pizza is perfect for summer cookouts and casual outdoor meals.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cooked toppings (pepperoni, grilled chicken, vegetables, etc.)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F / 200–230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
  2. Divide dough into two portions and stretch each into a thin round or oval (about 1/4 inch thick).
  3. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil.
  4. Place dough oil-side down on the grill. Close lid and cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and grill marks appear.
  5. Brush top with olive oil and carefully flip the crust.
  6. Spread pizza sauce over the grilled side, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cooked toppings.
  7. Close lid and grill 3–5 minutes until cheese melts and bottom is crisp.
  8. Remove from grill, rest a few minutes, garnish with basil if desired, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  • Pre-cook most toppings since grill time is short.
  • Stretch dough thinly for even cooking.
  • Monitor closely to avoid burning.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
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