It’s Time to Grill Your Pizza

This has been our new summer obsession. Rollin’ dough, getting the fire started and grillin’ that bad boy pizza.

Grill + Pizza, well..is pure magic. So, here are a few tips on how to cook a pizza on the grill without a pizza stone.

This won’t be a “recipe” post exactly, but more of a “run and do this now” kind of thing. You get it, right?

Grilling pizza is so easy, but you need to work FAST! During the rest of the year, we use our pizza stone, which I HIGHLY recommend!  We leave it at the bottom rack of our oven and it gives the pizza the crispiest crust ever. Really, invest in one and stop using your baking sheet. You’ll thank me later. .

For this grilled pizza, you’ll need a grill and to work fast! Get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Make your sauce and be sure it’s at room temperature! (We’ve learned from mistakes that hot sauce well…turns into a very messy calzone!)

So let’s break this down:

How to Cook Pizza on the Grill without a Stone

1) Get your grill SMOKING hot! Ours gets to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Allow your dough to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. We use about 6-8 ounces of dough per pizza. Make sure to roll your dough as thin as possible. You can make your own or buy it made at Whole Foods or Trader Joes (way easier).

3) Prep your toppings: sauce, cheese, sliced tomatoes, vegetables, meats, etc. Have it ready to go on a platter to place next to your grill.

4) Use a pizza peel to help transfer the pizza to the grill or, you can also use the back of a floured baking sheet. (See above photo).

5) Carefully place the dough on the hot grill and cook the dough on its first side for just 2-3 minutes. This happens very quickly and you’ll see the dough start to bubble.

6) Now here’s when to work fast. Turn the pizza dough over and place it on your cookie sheet or pizza peel. You want the cooked side up and facing you. Add your favorite pizza ingredients on, but don’t over-do it. A little goes a long way.

7) Carefully place your pizza back on the grill to cook on the other side. You can close the lid for 2 minutes so the cheese melts.

8) Keep an eye on your pizza. You will see the sides crisping up. When done, remove to a pizza pan (or baking sheet) and allow to rest for minute or so before cutting.

This post was originally published in July, 2013 and updated July, 2021 with tips and nutritional info.