Cooking pizza on a gas grill can be a fun and delicious way to enjoy a crispy, wood-fired-like crust. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook pizza on a gas grill:
Ingredients and Supplies:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (or any other cheese you prefer)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, vegetables, cooked meats)
- Olive oil
- Pizza peel or a large flat, sturdy cutting board
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Grill brush
- Long-handled tongs or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your gas grill to high heat. Close the lid and let it reach a temperature of around 500-550°F (260-288°C). This high heat is necessary to get that crispy crust.
Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. You can make individual-sized pizzas or one large pizza, depending on your grill size.
Precook any toppings: If you have toppings that require precooking (like raw meats), it's a good idea to cook them partially before assembling the pizza. This will ensure they are fully cooked when the pizza is done.
Prepare the grill: Once the grill is hot, clean the grates with a grill brush to remove any debris. Then, turn off one of the burners (if you have multiple burners) to create an indirect heat zone.
Assemble the pizza: If you have a pizza peel, you can assemble the pizza directly on it. Alternatively, you can use a large flat, sturdy cutting board or a sheet of parchment paper. Brush the pizza dough with olive oil and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on top. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
Transfer the pizza to the grill: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated grill grates. If you're using parchment paper, you can place the pizza (with the parchment) directly on the grates. If not, you can use a pizza peel or a flat spatula to slide the pizza onto the grill.
Cook the pizza: Close the lid of the grill and let the pizza cook for about 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If you notice one side cooking faster than the other, you can rotate the pizza to ensure even cooking.
Check for doneness: The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use long-handled tongs or a spatula to remove the pizza from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
Serve and enjoy: Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing. Then, serve it up and enjoy your delicious grilled pizza!
Remember that grilling times can vary depending on your grill's heat output, so it's essential to keep an eye on the pizza while cooking. With some practice, you'll be able to master the art of grilling pizzas and create your favorite combinations of flavors.