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Flavorful Margherita Pizza on the Grill

Flavorful Margherita Pizza on the Grill - featured image

A quick and easy grilled Margherita pizza recipe featuring a perfectly charred crust, fresh basil, and simple, vibrant toppings. Ideal for outdoor gatherings and warm-weather nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 medium plum tomatoes, thinly sliced, or 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes halved
  • 6 ounces (170g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into chunks
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 450°F (230°C). If using charcoal, spread coals evenly for direct heat and let the grill grate heat up for 10-15 minutes.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the 12-ounce dough into a roughly 10-inch (25cm) circle. Brush one side with garlic-infused olive oil.
  3. Place the dough oil side down directly on the grill. Brush the top side with more olive oil. Grill uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the bottom has visible grill marks and starts to crisp. Watch carefully for flare-ups.
  4. Flip the dough using a pizza peel or spatula. Immediately add sliced mozzarella and tomatoes evenly over the grilled side. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
  5. Close the grill lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust cooks through. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
  6. Remove the pizza from the grill and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while the crust is warm and crisp.

Notes

Brush the grill grate lightly with oil before cooking to prevent sticking. Watch the heat carefully to avoid burning the crust. Add fresh basil after grilling to keep it vibrant. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free dough mix designed for grilling. Reheat leftovers on the grill or a hot skillet to maintain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pizza, margherita pizza, outdoor cooking, charred crust, fresh basil, mozzarella, easy pizza recipe