How to Grill Pizza
When you know how to grill a pizza and you have fresh or store-bought pizza dough on hand, an amazing grilled pizza is only minutes away – any way you like it.
Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
I’ve made grilled pizza at least a dozen times this summer, trying out different toppings (see below). They have been very popular, even when reheated the next day for an appetizer.
We’ve included a recipe for a roasted garlic tomato topping, but it’s the technique for how to grill a pizza that matters here. The toppings are completely up to you and we’ve suggested lots of options. Serve with a simple salad or a more substantial one like our Party Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa.
Steps for How to Grill Pizza
I love this technique because you can take a pause after grilling the first side of the dough for as long as you want, then calmly add the toppings and finish off the pizza.
- Bring the dough to room temperature to becomes soft, elastic and easy work with. About 30 minutes sitting on the counter should do it.
- Stretch or roll out your dough quite thin (it will puff up a bit). I like to make 4 smaller pizzas instead of 1 larger one because they are easier to handle.
- Brush oil one side of dough.
- Grill first side (oil side down) for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear. While grilling, spray or brush oil on the side facing up.
- Remove the pizzas (grilled on one side) to a cutting board or tray. Flip them so the cooked side is facing up. Make sure you remembered to oil the raw side. You can pause here and take your time.
- Add your toppings and grill the second side for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and dough is cooked through.
Shortcuts
- Buy a store bought pizza dough! You can, of course, make your own. Here’s Sally’s Baking Addiction homemade pizza dough recipe.
- Use pre-shredded cheese.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce instead of make roasted garlic tomatoes or your own pizza sauce.
Tailor to your Taste with Different Toppings
Here are a few combo ideas to get your imagination humming:
- tomato sauce, chopped olives and basil
- thinly sliced pepperoni or spicy sausage with tomato sauce and basil
- roasted garlic, arugula and brie cheese
- pesto, peach and mozzarella
- roasted garlic, chicken, peach, basil, mozzarella (pictured below)
- tomato sauce, basil, fresh mozzarella
- caramelized onions, chopped chicken, Mozarella
Tips for How To Grill Pizza
- Since you are only grilling for a few minutes, keep the toppings thin (don’t load them on).
- You can make one larger pizza, but I find smaller ones are easier to manage on the grill.
- You can make the crust quite thin (they puff up a bit on the grill), but make sure you oil them before grilling to avoid sticking.
- Note that the cheese will be melty but not browned.
Make Ahead
- Complete all but the final step ahead of serving time (step 6 listed above), meaning up to grilling the second side.
- Or, make the pizzas up to a day or two ahead and warm them in a 350F oven for 8-10 minutes before serving. Not quite as good as fresh, but still pretty good.
No grill?
Try our easy cast iron pizza that takes 22 minutes with a store-bough pizza dough.
How to make pizza on the grill
Roast tomatoes with garlic
How To Grill Pizza
Ingredients
Roasted garlic tomato topping - optional (note 1)
- 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- OPTIONAL: 1-2 teaspoons good Balsamic Vinegar
Alternative Toppings (note 2)
Pizza
- 1 fresh pre-made store-bought pizza dough (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- drizzle, olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or to taste)
- 8 basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- BRING DOUGH TO ROOM TEMPERATURE: Set dough on counter in it's bag (opened) or in a bowl. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- GATHER/MAKE TOPPINGS: Note 1 for roasted garlic tomatoes; Note 2 for other toppings
- Heat grill to MEDIUM HIGH.
- SHAPE DOUGH: Transfer dough to a lightly floured cutting board. Cut dough in half or in quarters. (I like to make 4 smaller pizzas). Flatten and spread out pizzas with your hands. If you like, use a rolling pin to make it thinner. Flatten to about 1/4-1/2 inch thick according to your preference (it will puff up when grilling). Drizzle or brush one side lightly with oil and spread to cover dough evenly (this will prevent sticking on grill).
- GRILL FIRST SIDE OF PIZZAS: Place pizzas - oil side down - directly on grill. Spray sides facing up with oil or drizzle on oil and spread evenly. Grill about 2 minutes until grill marks appear. Remove pizzas to tray covered in foil. (You can do everything up to this point ahead of time and then finish the last step just before serving).
- ADD TOPPINGS AND GRILL SECOND SIDE: Spread garlic tomatoes or other toppings (note 2) over the grilled side of pizzas. Sprinkle on Mozzarella cheese, then basil leaves if desired. Return to grill, uncooked side down. Close lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Shift pizzas around if needed to prevent burning in one spot. Transfer to cutting board, cut as desired and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- To make a roasted tomato garlic topping: Heat oven to 425F. Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Squeeze handfuls at a time over sink to get rid of most of the seeds and juice. In a bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar (if using). Line a pan with tin foil. Spread tomatoes on pan in a single layer. Roast in oven for 15 minutes until fragrant and withered. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Alternative toppings (instead of roasted tomato garlic topping):
- tomato or pizza sauce, Mozarella cheese and fresh basil
- tomato sauce, chopped olives and basil
- thinly sliced pepperoni or spicy sausage with tomato sauce and basil
- roasted garlic, arugula and brie cheese
- pesto, peach and mozzarella
- roasted garlic, chicken, peach, basil, mozzarella (pictured)
- caramelized onions, chopped chicken, Mozarella
- Make Ahead:
- Complete all but the final step ahead of serving time, meaning up to grilling the second side.
- Or, make the pizzas up to a day or two ahead and warm them in a 350F oven for 8-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This recipe was updated from the original June 2017 recipe called Grilled Roasted Garlic Tomato Pizza.