The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Pizza on a BBQ Grill
If you’re a pizza lover and enjoy cooking outdoors, then you’ll love learning how to make pizza on a BBQ grill. Not only does grilling pizza give it a delicious, smoky flavor, but it also allows you to create a crispy crust that is hard to achieve in a traditional oven. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a pro at grilling pizza.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Before you start cooking pizza on your BBQ grill, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Pizza stone or pizza pan: A pizza stone is ideal for grilling pizza as it helps to distribute heat evenly and create a crispy crust. However, you can also use a pizza pan if you don’t have a pizza stone.
2. Pizza peel: A pizza peel is a long-handled tool that is used to transfer the pizza to and from the grill. It’s essential for preventing burns and ensuring your pizza stays intact.
3. BBQ grill: Any type of barbecue grill will work for grilling pizza, whether it’s gas, charcoal, or wood-fired. Just make sure it’s clean and well-oiled before you start cooking.
Preparing the Dough
The key to a delicious grilled pizza is a good dough. You can either make your own pizza dough from scratch or use store-bought dough. Here’s how to prepare the dough for grilling:
1. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle that is about 1/4 inch thick. You can also shape the dough into a rectangle or square if you prefer a different shape.
2. Transfer the dough to the pizza peel: Gently transfer the dough to a flour-dusted pizza peel to prevent it from sticking.
3. Brush the dough with oil: Brush the top of the dough with olive oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill.
Grilling the Pizza
Now that you have your equipment and dough ready, it’s time to start grilling the pizza. Follow these steps for a perfect grilled pizza:
1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat, around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Transfer the dough to the grill: Carefully transfer the dough to the preheated grill using the pizza peel. Cook for 2-3 minutes with the lid closed.
3. Flip the dough: Use the pizza peel to flip the dough over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
4. Add the toppings: Once the dough is cooked on both sides, quickly add your favorite toppings to the pizza. Be sure to work quickly to prevent the dough from burning.
5. Close the lid: Close the lid of the grill and cook the pizza for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove the pizza: Once the pizza is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the grill using the pizza peel.
7. Let it cool: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a store-bought pizza crust for grilling on a BBQ grill?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use a store-bought pizza crust for grilling on a BBQ grill. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.
Q: How do I prevent my pizza from sticking to the grill?
A: To prevent your pizza from sticking to the grill, make sure to brush the dough with olive oil before placing it on the grill. You can also use a well-floured pizza peel to transfer the dough to the grill.
Q: Can I add wood chips to my grill for a smoky flavor?
A: Yes, adding wood chips to your grill can enhance the smoky flavor of your grilled pizza. Just make sure to choose a hardwood like hickory or oak for the best results.
Q: How can I tell when my pizza is cooked?
A: You can tell when your pizza is cooked by checking the crust to make sure it’s golden brown and crispy. You can also lift up a corner of the pizza with a spatula to check the bottom for doneness.
In conclusion, cooking pizza on a BBQ grill is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this ultimate guide, you’ll be able to create a perfect grilled pizza every time. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound grilling skills.
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