Grilled Margherita Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Smoky Crust: Grilling imparts a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate in a conventional oven.

• Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s ideal for busy days.

• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or keep it traditional.

• Perfect for Entertaining: Impress guests with this gourmet-style pizza made right on the grill.

Ingredients

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

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• Olive oil

• Tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

• Fresh basil leaves

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

3. Grill One Side: Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place it oil-side down on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the bottom is golden.

4. Add Toppings: Flip the dough using tongs. Quickly spread tomato sauce over the grilled side, add sliced mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper.

5. Finish Grilling: Close the grill lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bottom is crisp.

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the grill, top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 8 minutes

• Total Time: 18 minutes

Variations

• Add Fresh Tomatoes: Slice fresh tomatoes and layer them with the mozzarella for added juiciness.

• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce before adding cheese.

• Herb Infusion: Mix chopped fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into the tomato sauce.

• Cheese Blend: Combine mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat slices on a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

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

Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Also, brushing olive oil on the dough before grilling helps prevent sticking.

Can I use a gas or charcoal grill for this recipe?

Yes, both types of grills work well. Just monitor the heat to prevent burning.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the dough before adding toppings?

Grilling one side of the dough before adding toppings ensures a crispy crust and prevents sogginess.

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before grilling.

What type of mozzarella is best for this pizza?

Fresh mozzarella provides a creamy texture and melts beautifully, making it ideal for Margherita pizza.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like mushrooms, olives, or pepperoni. Just be cautious not to overload the pizza.

How do I achieve grill marks without burning the crust?

Maintain medium-high heat and monitor the pizza closely, flipping as needed to avoid burning.

Is it possible to make this pizza without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Certainly. Store-bought dough is convenient and works well for this recipe.

How do I keep the basil from wilting?

Add fresh basil leaves after grilling to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled Margherita Pizza is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the authentic taste of Italy to your backyard. With its crispy crust, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil, it’s sure to become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this classic pizza, elevated by the smoky essence of the grill.

Grilled Margherita Pizza

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Grilled Margherita Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite, cooked on the grill to achieve a crispy, slightly charred crust, topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Olive oil

Tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Fresh basil leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place it oil-side down on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the bottom is golden.
4. Flip the dough using tongs. Quickly spread tomato sauce over the grilled side, add sliced mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Close the grill lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bottom is crisp.
6. Remove the pizza from the grill, top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Add fresh tomatoes by slicing and layering them with the mozzarella for extra juiciness.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce before adding cheese.
• Mix fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
• Use a cheese blend such as mozzarella, provolone, or fontina for a richer flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 25mg