Pizza on the BBQ – Easy Homemade Flatbread Pizza Recipes

Hello There, Pizza Lover!

If you’re anything like me, there’s something truly magical about firing up the grill and making pizza outdoors. It’s not just about the taste – although, trust me, this grilled pepperoni pizza recipe is absolutely mouthwatering – but also about the experience. The smell of fresh dough crisping over the hot grill, the melted cheese bubbling, and that hint of smoky char… it’s pure joy! I’m excited to share this easy recipe with you that turns your BBQ into the ultimate pizza party.

Why Grilled Pizza is So Special

Grilled pizza has this wonderful smoky flavor you just don’t get from the oven. Plus, it’s super quick once the grill heats up – perfect for casual evenings when you want something tasty without a ton of fuss. The dough crisps up beautifully, creating that perfect balance between crunchy and soft. I love using fresh basil at the end because it adds a pop of freshness that really brightens each bite.

Variations You Can Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the pepperoni and add grilled veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. It’s still hearty and flavorful!
• Different Cheeses: If you’re not a big fan of ricotta, try dollops of goat cheese or fontina instead. They melt differently but are deliciously creamy.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes on top or swap pepperoni for spicy sausage for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix; just be mindful to watch the grill closely to avoid burning.

Your Grilled Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup pizza or tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15-20 slices pepperoni
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (for dollops)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Activate Your Yeast: In a large bowl, stir the yeast into warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready!
2. Mix Dough: Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to your yeast water. Stir everything together until you have a rough dough.
3. Knead It Out: Flour your surface and knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This is the workout your pizza dough deserves.
4. First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, pop your dough in, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Heat the Grill: Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat (around 450-500°F or 230-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it on the grill to preheat, too.
6. Shape Your Dough: Punch down the risen dough and split it into one or two rounds, depending on how big you want your pizza. Roll each into a thin flatbread on a floured surface.
7. Grill the Base: Brush one side lightly with olive oil and put it oil-side down on the hot grill or stone. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until you see grill marks and the bottom feels set.
8. Flip and Top: Using tongs and a spatula, flip the dough so the cooked side is now facing up. Quickly brush this grilled side with olive oil.
9. Dress Your Pizza: Spread a thin layer of sauce, sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, then lay down those delicious pepperoni slices. Add dollops of ricotta here and there.
10. Finish Grilling: Close the lid again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts beautifully and the crust is crisp with a hint of char on the edges.
11. Final Touches: Carefully remove your pizza from the grill. Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh basil on top.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Let the pizza rest for a minute, then slice it up and enjoy that perfect grilled pizza experience!

Helpful Tips for the Best Grilled Pizza

• If your dough sticks to the grill, don’t worry! Just let it cook a bit longer before flipping – it will release naturally when it’s ready.
• Keep an eye on the grill temperature; if it gets too hot, reduce the heat to avoid burning the crust.
• To store leftovers, wrap pizza slices tightly in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep crust crispy.
• Want a crispier crust? After shaping the dough, let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes before grilling.
• If you’re in a hurry, quick-rise dough options can also work, but the taste and texture improve with good rising time.

What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon to dissolve yeast
• Floured surface for kneading
• BBQ grill (with lid)
• Pizza stone or grill-safe baking surface (optional)
• Spatula and tongs for flipping
• Pastry brush for olive oil
• Knife or pizza cutter

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes! Use about 2¼ teaspoons of instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving in water. You may find the rising time is a bit shorter.
2. What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
   No worries! You can place the dough directly on clean, oiled grill grates for good results. Just watch it carefully to avoid sticking.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Definitely. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and grilling.
4. How do I keep the toppings from falling off?
   Spreading a nice thin layer of sauce and not overloading your pizza helps. Dolloping ricotta in small amounts keeps it from sliding off during grilling.
5. Can I add other toppings?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or whatever you love on your pizza. Just be mindful not to overload it, as grilled pizza cooks quickly.

Ready to Grill Your Own Pizza?

Now that you have this recipe and my little tips tucked in your back pocket, it’s time to fire up your grill and have some fun. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like biting into homemade grilled pepperoni pizza that you created yourself!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see how your pizza turned out. You can share your photos or tips with me on Pinterest. Let’s swap some delicious ideas and get inspired together!