Grilled Margherita Pizza with BBQ Char
Grilled Margherita Pizza with BBQ Char
Elevate your pizza night with this grilled Margherita, infused with smoky flavor and irresistibly crispy char marks. The dough is grilled directly over flames, yielding a wonderfully chewy crust with a delightful outdoor-cooked essence. It's then topped with a bright, simple tomato sauce, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil, mirroring the classic Margherita profile. Grilling adds a unique textural contrast and a depth of flavor that baking alone can't achieve, distinguishing this Margherita pizza from its oven-baked counterparts. This method is surprisingly quick and creates a fantastic centerpiece for any summer gathering or casual weeknight meal, offering a fresh, flavorful, and slightly adventurous take on a beloved favorite.
- Preparation time
- 20 min
- Cooking time
- 10 min
- Total time
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
Instructions
Tomato Sauce
- 1In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
Grilling Pizza
- 1Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- 2Gently stretch or roll out the pizza dough into your desired shape (approximately 12-14 inches in diameter).
- 3Carefully transfer the dough to the hot grill. Grill for 2-4 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly browned and has prominent char marks, and the dough just begins to puff up.
- 4Using tongs, flip the pizza dough over. Quickly spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the grilled side, leaving a small border for the crust.
- 5Distribute the fresh mozzarella pieces over the sauce. Close the grill lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bottom crust is cooked through with nice char.
- 6Carefully remove the pizza from the grill using a pizza peel or large spatula.
Finishing and Serving
- 1Garnish the hot pizza with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil just before slicing.
- 2Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the smoky, charred crust characteristic of this Margherita.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 486 kcal
- Protein
- 19 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Carbs
- 58 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 486 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbs | 58 g |
Tips
- Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature before stretching to make it easier to work with and prevent snapping.
- Serve this grilled Margherita with a crisp green salad to complement the rich, smoky flavors of the pizza.