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September 20, 2024
Are you tired of cooking pizza in the oven and looking for a new and exciting way to prepare this beloved dish? Look no further – cooking pizza on a BBQ is the perfect solution! Not only does it add a delicious smoky flavor to your pizza, but it also allows you to enjoy the outdoors while preparing your meal.
To cook a pizza on a BBQ, you will need a few key tools and ingredients. First and foremost, you will need a barbecue grill – preferably one with a lid. This will allow you to create an oven-like environment and cook your pizza evenly. You will also need a pizza stone or a baking sheet to place your pizza on.
Preparing the pizza dough and toppings is the next step. You can either make your own pizza dough from scratch or buy pre-made dough from a local grocery store. Once your dough is ready, it’s time to get creative with your toppings. Whether you prefer a classic margherita or a loaded meat lovers pizza, the choice is yours!
Pro tip: To enhance the flavor, consider marinating your toppings in olive oil and your favorite herbs and spices before adding them to your pizza.
Once your dough and toppings are prepared, it’s time to fire up the BBQ. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the pizza stone or baking sheet on the grill to heat up. Allow it to reach a temperature of at least 500°F (260°C) – this will ensure a crispy crust.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you can start cooking your pizza on a BBQ, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dough ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 package (7g) of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Topping ingredients:
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of toppings of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready and easily accessible before you start preheating the BBQ.
Gather the Dough and Toppings
Before you start cooking a pizza on a BBQ, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients for the dough and toppings. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Toppings:
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Any additional toppings you desire (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to use before you start making the dough. Once you have everything gathered, you can proceed to the next step in the pizza cooking process.
Preheat the BBQ
Before you start cooking your pizza on the BBQ, it is important to preheat the grill. Preheating ensures that the grill reaches the necessary temperature for cooking the pizza evenly and gives it a crispy crust.
Step 1: Clean the grill
Before preheating, make sure to clean the grill grates thoroughly. Use a grill brush to remove any leftover food particles and residue from previous use. Cleaning the grill not only improves the taste of your pizza but also prevents any unwanted flavors from transferring to your food.
Step 2: Check fuel levels
Make sure your BBQ has enough fuel to maintain the desired cooking temperature throughout the cooking process. Check the fuel levels, whether it’s charcoal or gas, and ensure you have enough to preheat the BBQ and cook the pizza without running out.
Step 3: Preheat the grill
For gas grills, preheat the grill with all burners on high for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the grill to reach a temperature of around 500°F (260°C), which is ideal for cooking pizza.
If you are using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until it turns ashy and gray. Spread the hot coals evenly across the bottom of the grill, making sure they cover the entire cooking area. Place the grill grates on top and close the lid. Allow the grill to preheat for about 15-20 minutes.
Ensure that the lid of the grill remains closed during the preheating process to maintain a consistent temperature.
Once the BBQ is preheated to the desired temperature, you are ready to start cooking your pizza!
Set Up the Grill for Indirect Cooking
Before you start cooking your pizza on a BBQ, you need to set up the grill for indirect cooking. Indirect cooking involves placing the pizza away from the direct heat source to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This will give you enough heat to cook the pizza without burning the crust.
Step 2: Create Two Heat Zones
To set up the grill for indirect cooking, you need to create two heat zones – one for direct heat and one for indirect heat. This can be done by turning off one of the burners or arranging the charcoal on one side of the grill.
| Gas Grill | Charcoal Grill |
|---|---|
| Turn off one burner. | Arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill. |
By creating two heat zones, you’ll have a hot side for searing and a cooler side for indirect cooking.
Note: If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the charcoal is fully lit and covered with white ash before placing the pizza on the grill.
Step 3: Place a Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
Once the grill is preheated and set up for indirect cooking, place a pizza stone or baking sheet on the cooler side of the grill. This will act as a heat barrier and help distribute the heat evenly to cook the pizza.
Make sure to preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before placing the pizza on it.
Now that the grill is set up for indirect cooking, it’s time to prepare the pizza and start grilling!
Roll Out the Dough
1. Begin by dusting your work surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Take the prepared pizza dough and place it on the floured surface.
3. Using a rolling pin, start at the center of the dough and roll outwards. Apply even pressure as you roll to ensure an even thickness.
4. Continue rolling the dough until it reaches your desired thickness. Thinner dough will result in a crispier crust, while thicker dough will be softer and chewier.
5. If the dough starts to stick to the surface or the rolling pin, add more flour as needed.
6. Once the dough is rolled out to the desired thickness, transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. If you prefer a rectangular-shaped pizza, you can shape the dough accordingly before transferring it to the peel or baking sheet.
8. At this point, you can proceed with adding your desired toppings to the pizza.
Flatten and Stretch the Dough
Once you have prepared your pizza dough according to your preferred recipe, it’s time to flatten and stretch it. This step is crucial to ensure that your pizza has the right texture and thickness.
To begin, lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the dough onto the floured surface and press it down gently with your fingertips to deflate any air bubbles.
Flattening the Dough
Using a rolling pin, start in the center of the dough and roll towards the edges. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and continue rolling towards the edges, working your way around the dough until you achieve the desired size and thickness.
Alternatively, you can also use your hands to flatten the dough. Begin by pressing down the center of the dough with your fingertips, working your way towards the edges. Gradually stretch the dough outwards, rotating it in a circular motion, until it reaches the desired size.
Stretching the Dough
To stretch the dough, place the flattened dough on your knuckles and gently stretch it by rotating your hands in opposite directions. The weight of the dough will help it stretch naturally. Be careful not to tear the dough as you stretch it.
If the dough starts to resist stretching, let it rest for a few minutes, allowing the gluten to relax. This will make it easier to stretch the dough without tearing it. Repeat the stretching process until the dough reaches the desired size.
Remember, the texture and thickness of the dough will affect the final result of your pizza. Take your time and be patient as you flatten and stretch the dough to ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked pizza.
Assemble the Pizza
Once you have prepped all of your ingredients, it’s time to assemble your pizza on the grill. Start by rolling out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it is the desired thickness. Place the rolled out dough onto a pizza peel or a flat, sturdy cutting board.
Next, brush the surface of the dough with olive oil. This will help to prevent the dough from sticking to the grill and will also add some extra flavor. You can also add some minced garlic or dried herbs to the olive oil for an extra kick.
Now it’s time to add the sauce. Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce onto the oiled dough and spread it out using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush. Leave a small border around the edges for the crust.
After the sauce, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering it evenly. You can also add some other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to add some extra flavor.
Now it’s time to add your desired toppings. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita pizza with fresh basil and sliced tomatoes or a meat lover’s pizza with pepperoni and sausage, the choice is up to you. Scatter your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese.
Finally, season your pizza with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings such as dried oregano or red pepper flakes. These seasonings will add depth and enhance the flavors of your pizza.
Once your pizza is assembled, carefully transfer it from the peel or cutting board onto the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When the pizza is done, use a pizza peel or a large spatula to carefully remove it from the grill. Transfer it to a cutting board and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Now that you know how to assemble a delicious pizza on the grill, get creative with your toppings and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Q&A
What is the best type of barbecue to use for cooking pizza?
The best type of barbecue to use for cooking pizza is a charcoal barbecue. The high heat produced by the charcoal helps to create a crispy crust and gives the pizza a smoky flavour.
Can I cook a pizza on a gas barbecue?
Yes, you can cook a pizza on a gas barbecue. However, it is important to use a pizza stone or a pizza pan to cook the pizza on. This helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents the crust from burning.
Do I need any special equipment to cook a pizza on a barbecue?
Yes, you will need a pizza stone or a pizza pan to cook a pizza on a barbecue. This helps to distribute the heat evenly and gives the pizza a crispy crust. You will also need a pizza peel or a large spatula to transfer the pizza to and from the barbecue.
How long does it take to cook a pizza on a barbecue?
The cooking time for a pizza on a barbecue can vary depending on the temperature of the barbecue and the thickness of the crust. On average, it takes about 8-12 minutes to cook a pizza on a barbecue.
Can I use a frozen pizza on a barbecue?
Yes, you can use a frozen pizza on a barbecue. However, it is important to thaw the pizza before cooking it on the barbecue. This helps to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Is it possible to cook a pizza on a bbq?
Yes, it is definitely possible to cook a pizza on a bbq. In fact, cooking pizza on a bbq can give it a delicious, smoky flavor that you can’t achieve in a regular oven.