Grilled Pizza Recipe

I absolutely love this grilled pizza recipe because it brings such an exciting twist to classic pizza night. There’s nothing like that smoky flavor and those irresistible char marks on your crust that you just can’t get from a regular oven. Whether you’re grilling outdoors in the summer or you’ve got a grill pan indoors, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it.

When I first tried this grilled pizza recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it comes together and how customizable it is — it’s perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekend gatherings. Plus, you’ll find that grilling the dough before adding toppings gives you the perfect crispy base that holds up well to all your favorite sauces and ingredients. Trust me, once you taste it, grilled pizza becomes your new go-to!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this grilled pizza recipe is how simple and adaptable the ingredients are; you likely already have most of these in your kitchen. I find that using good-quality olive oil and fresh dough really elevates the final result, so it’s worth paying attention here.

• Pizza dough: Homemade is my favorite for that fresh flavor and perfect texture, but store-bought works well too.
• Olive oil: Brushing the dough with olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds subtle richness.
• Pizza sauce: I love swapping between classic tomato sauce, white garlic sauce, or BBQ sauce depending on my mood.
• Desired toppings: Cheese, pepperoni, meats, veggies — really, anything you love on pizza will work wonderfully.

Variations

I love making this grilled pizza recipe my own depending on what ingredients I have or the occasion. You can easily switch up the sauces, toppings, or even try gluten-free dough for dietary needs.

• White Garlic Sauce: When I used white garlic sauce instead of pizza sauce, it created a creamy, delicious base that pairs so well with spinach and grilled chicken.
• Veggie Supreme: For lighter but hearty options, I pile on grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, which also gives a nice char flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Using BBQ sauce with shredded chicken and red onions quickly became a family favorite in my house.
• Gluten-Free Dough: I’ve had great success grilling gluten-free dough for friends who can’t have gluten, resulting in a crispy crust that doesn’t fall apart.

How to Make Grilled Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Dough

Start by making sure your grill is super clean and well oiled — this step is key to prevent sticking (I’ve learned this the hard way!). Preheat your grill to about 425°F (medium-high heat). Meanwhile, divide your pizza dough into 5 to 8 portions depending on how big and thick you want your pizzas. Roll or stretch each portion on a piece of parchment paper into your preferred size — thinner works better for that crispy crust I love!

Step 2: Grill the Dough

Brush the top of your dough with olive oil, then carefully flip the dough so the oiled side goes down on the grill (you can do this by lifting the parchment with the dough and flipping it onto the grates). Peel the parchment paper away after it’s on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until you see grill marks and a golden bottom. You want a nice, sturdy crust before adding toppings, so keep an eye on it and use tongs to check the color.

Step 3: Add Sauce & Toppings, Then Finish Cooking

Once the bottom is golden and has grill marks, remove the crusts and place them on a plate with the grilled side up. Now’s your chance to get creative — spread your sauce, then load on cheese and your favorite toppings. Lower your grill heat slightly (to prevent burning) and carefully slide your pizzas back onto the grill, sauce side up this time. Close the lid and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bottom is nicely browned.

How to Serve Grilled Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my grilled pizzas with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of good olive oil — it adds that fresh pop of flavor and brightens up the smoky taste from the grill. A crack of fresh black pepper or some chili flakes also works wonders for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often serve a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some grilled veggies like asparagus or corn on the cob. It keeps things light and complements the rich, cheesy pizza perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served grilled pizza is on wooden boards surrounded by little bowls of dipping sauces — it makes for a festive and interactive meal. For special occasions, slicing the pizzas into small, appetizer-sized pieces turned out to be a huge hit at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover grilled pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, and you can enjoy them cold or reheated.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze leftover grilled pizza, you absolutely can! Just wrap slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices back on a hot grill or under the broiler for just a few minutes — it revives that crispy crust and melty cheese better than the microwave every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This grilled pizza recipe quickly became one of my favorite ways to enjoy pizza — it’s fast, fun, and the flavor is unbeatable with that smoky grilled touch. I highly recommend giving it a try next time you want something easy yet impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, grilled pizza always brings the joy and gets everyone asking for seconds. Happy grilling!

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