Grilled pizza offers a delightful smoky twist to the classic Italian favorite. While a dedicated pizza oven is ideal, a BBQ tray provides an excellent alternative for achieving that crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings right in your backyard. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the grilling technique, ensuring pizza perfection every time.
Choosing the Right BBQ Tray and Equipment
Selecting the appropriate BBQ tray is crucial for successful grilled pizza. Several factors influence the outcome, so consider these points before you begin.
Understanding Different Types of BBQ Trays
BBQ trays come in various materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Cast iron trays are excellent for heat retention and even heat distribution, resulting in a well-cooked crust. However, they can be heavy and require seasoning to prevent rusting. Stainless steel trays are durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean, but may not distribute heat as evenly as cast iron. Perforated trays allow for better airflow, contributing to a crispier crust. Consider the material and size of your grill when selecting your tray.
Essential Equipment for Grilled Pizza
Beyond the BBQ tray, you’ll need a few essential tools: a pizza peel (preferably wooden) for transferring the pizza to and from the grill, a pizza cutter or sharp knife, tongs for maneuvering ingredients, and a grill brush for cleaning the tray. A thermometer is also helpful for monitoring the grill’s temperature.
Preparing Your Pizza Dough and Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final product. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate your grilled pizza to a restaurant-worthy level.
Making Your Own Pizza Dough or Buying Pre-Made
You have two options: make your own pizza dough from scratch or purchase pre-made dough from a grocery store or pizzeria. Making your own dough allows for greater control over the ingredients and flavor. If you choose to make your own, ensure you have the necessary ingredients and allow ample time for proofing. Pre-made dough is a convenient option for a quicker meal. Regardless, ensure your dough is at room temperature before stretching it.
Selecting Your Toppings and Sauce
Choose your favorite toppings! Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach are excellent choices. Meats like pepperoni, sausage, and grilled chicken add protein and flavor. For the sauce, consider using a classic marinara or experimenting with pesto or a white garlic sauce. Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best melt and flavor. Remember to prepare all your toppings and sauce beforehand for easy assembly.
Setting Up Your BBQ for Grilled Pizza
Properly preparing your BBQ is essential for achieving consistent results. The goal is to create a stable and even heat source.
Choosing Your Heat Source: Gas vs. Charcoal
Both gas and charcoal grills can be used for making pizza. Gas grills offer precise temperature control, making it easier to maintain a consistent heat. Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor that many find desirable. If using charcoal, arrange the coals for indirect heat, creating a cooler zone in the center of the grill. Indirect heat prevents the crust from burning before the toppings are cooked.
Preparing Your Grill and BBQ Tray
Clean your grill grates thoroughly using a grill brush to remove any food residue. Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature (around 450-500°F or 230-260°C). Place the BBQ tray on the grill grates and allow it to preheat along with the grill. A preheated tray ensures a crispy crust.
The Art of Grilling Your Pizza
Now for the fun part: grilling your pizza! This process requires a bit of finesse and attention to detail.
Stretching and Shaping Your Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, stretch your pizza dough into your desired shape. Aim for a thin, even crust. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough. If you’re using a pizza peel, sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking.
Assembling Your Pizza on the BBQ Tray
Carefully transfer the stretched dough onto the preheated BBQ tray. Work quickly to prevent the dough from sticking. Brush the dough with olive oil and then spread your sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border for the crust. Add your cheese and toppings in your desired arrangement.
Grilling Your Pizza to Perfection
Close the grill lid and let the pizza cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Use tongs to rotate the pizza occasionally to ensure even cooking. The crust should be golden brown and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Removing and Serving Your Grilled Pizza
Once the pizza is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the grill using the pizza peel or a large spatula. Transfer it to a cutting board and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grilled Pizza
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve consistently excellent results:
Mastering the “Slide” Technique
Transferring the pizza from the peel to the grill can be tricky. The “slide” technique involves a quick, confident movement to deposit the pizza onto the hot tray. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries.
Dealing with Dough That Sticks
If your dough sticks to the peel, gently lift the edges with a spatula and sprinkle more cornmeal underneath. A well-floured peel is essential for a smooth transfer.
Preventing Burnt Crusts
If your crust is browning too quickly, reduce the grill temperature or move the pizza to a cooler zone on the grill. Indirect heat is your friend when it comes to preventing burnt crusts.
Achieving Evenly Melted Cheese
Ensure your cheese is evenly distributed over the pizza. If necessary, you can close the grill lid to trap heat and encourage melting. Avoid opening the lid too frequently, as this will lower the grill temperature.
Experimenting with Different Toppings
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses to find your perfect grilled pizza flavor profile. Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano after grilling for a burst of flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Grilled Pizza Problems
Even with careful preparation, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues.
Crust Sticks to the Grill Tray
This is a common problem, but easily solvable. Ensure your BBQ tray is well-preheated before placing the dough on it. Also, make sure to brush the tray with olive oil or sprinkle it with cornmeal before placing the dough. If the crust sticks during cooking, gently lift the edges with a spatula and add a little more oil or cornmeal underneath.
Crust Burns Too Quickly
If the crust is burning before the toppings are cooked, lower the grill temperature or move the pizza to a cooler zone on the grill. You can also try partially covering the pizza with aluminum foil to protect the crust from direct heat.
Toppings Don’t Cook Evenly
Unevenly cooked toppings can be frustrating. Ensure you’ve prepped your toppings beforehand by slicing them thinly and evenly. If necessary, you can partially cook some toppings, like mushrooms or onions, before adding them to the pizza. Closing the grill lid will also help to distribute heat and cook the toppings more evenly.
Pizza is Soggy
A soggy pizza is often the result of too much moisture. Avoid using too much sauce or toppings that release a lot of liquid. You can also try pre-cooking some of the wetter toppings, like tomatoes or mushrooms, to remove excess moisture. Make sure your grill is hot enough to quickly cook the crust and evaporate any excess moisture.
Pizza Falls Apart When Moving
This can happen when the crust is too thin or not cooked enough. Make sure your dough is strong enough to support the toppings. Cook the pizza until the crust is firm and golden brown. Use a large pizza peel or spatula to carefully transfer the pizza from the grill to the cutting board.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your BBQ Tray
Proper cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your BBQ tray and ensure it’s ready for your next pizza-making adventure.
Cleaning Your BBQ Tray After Use
After each use, clean your BBQ tray thoroughly to remove any food residue. For cast iron trays, scrape off any debris with a metal spatula and then wash with hot, soapy water. Dry the tray completely and season it with oil to prevent rusting. For stainless steel trays, you can use a grill brush or a scouring pad to remove stubborn residue.
Storing Your BBQ Tray Properly
Store your BBQ tray in a dry place to prevent rusting or corrosion. For cast iron trays, apply a thin layer of oil before storing. If you’re short on space, you can hang the tray on a hook or store it in a cabinet.
Advanced Techniques for Grilled Pizza Enthusiasts
Ready to take your grilled pizza game to the next level? Try these advanced techniques.
Experimenting with Different Doughs
Explore different types of pizza dough, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free. Each dough will impart a unique flavor and texture to your pizza. You can find recipes online or purchase specialty dough from a local bakery.
Creating Custom Sauce Combinations
Don’t limit yourself to traditional marinara sauce. Experiment with different sauce combinations, such as pesto and ricotta, white garlic sauce and spinach, or spicy arrabbiata sauce. You can also add herbs, spices, and other ingredients to your sauce to customize the flavor.
Smoking Your Pizza for Extra Flavor
If you’re using a charcoal grill, try adding wood chips to the coals to impart a smoky flavor to your pizza. Hickory, mesquite, and applewood are all excellent choices. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the coals to prevent them from burning too quickly.
Grilling Other Pizza Components
Consider grilling some of your pizza components before adding them to the pizza. Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, add a smoky flavor and tender texture. You can also grill chicken or sausage before adding it to the pizza for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Grilling pizza on a BBQ tray is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy delicious, smoky pizza in the comfort of your own backyard. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve pizza perfection every time. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find your favorite grilled pizza combinations and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
FAQ: Why use a BBQ tray instead of directly grilling the pizza dough?
Using a BBQ tray prevents the pizza dough from sticking to the grill grates, which can be a nightmare to deal with. Direct grilling often leads to uneven cooking and burnt spots before the toppings are adequately heated. The tray provides a consistent cooking surface, distributing heat more evenly and allowing the crust to crisp up nicely without charring too quickly.
Furthermore, a BBQ tray facilitates easier handling and transfer of the pizza. It allows you to assemble the pizza on the tray and then seamlessly move it onto the grill. This reduces the risk of toppings sliding off or the dough tearing during the transfer process, especially for pizzas with generous amounts of sauce and cheese.
FAQ: What type of BBQ tray works best for grilling pizza?
Perforated pizza trays are generally the best choice for grilling pizza. The perforations allow heat and smoky flavors to reach the dough, while still providing a stable cooking surface. Look for trays made from stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminum, as they are durable and conduct heat well. A tray with raised edges can also be helpful for preventing toppings from spilling off.
Avoid using trays with non-stick coatings, as high grill temperatures can damage these coatings and release harmful chemicals. Cast iron trays can also be used, but they require more preheating and can be quite heavy to handle. Ensure the tray fits comfortably on your grill with enough space around it for proper airflow.
FAQ: How do I prepare the BBQ tray before placing the pizza on it?
Before placing the pizza on the BBQ tray, it’s essential to properly prepare the surface to prevent sticking. Lightly oiling the tray with olive oil or cooking spray is a crucial step. This creates a barrier between the dough and the metal, ensuring the pizza slides off easily once cooked.
Consider preheating the tray on the grill for a few minutes before adding the pizza. This helps to create a slightly crispy base and ensures even cooking from the start. However, be careful not to overheat the tray, as this can lead to the dough burning quickly.
FAQ: What’s the ideal temperature for grilling pizza on a BBQ tray?
The ideal temperature for grilling pizza on a BBQ tray is typically medium-high heat, around 450-500°F (232-260°C). This temperature allows the crust to cook quickly and evenly, while also melting the cheese and heating the toppings without burning the crust. Monitor the grill’s temperature using a built-in thermometer or an oven thermometer placed inside the grill.
If your grill runs hotter, lower the heat slightly and keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning. You can also use indirect heat by turning off one or more burners to create a cooler zone on the grill. Experiment with different temperature settings to find what works best for your grill and desired level of crispness.
FAQ: How long should I grill the pizza on the BBQ tray?
Grilling time can vary depending on the temperature of your grill and the thickness of your crust, but generally, a pizza on a BBQ tray will take approximately 8-12 minutes to cook. Keep a close watch on the pizza during the grilling process. Lift the edge of the pizza with a spatula to check the bottom crust for doneness; it should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
The toppings should be melted and bubbly, and the cheese should be nicely browned. If the crust is cooking faster than the toppings, you can reduce the grill’s heat or move the pizza to a cooler part of the grill. Conversely, if the toppings are done before the crust, increase the heat slightly for the last minute or two of cooking.
FAQ: How do I prevent the toppings from sliding off while grilling?
Preventing toppings from sliding off starts with proper dough preparation. Ensure the dough is rolled out to the desired thickness and that it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings. Avoid over-saucing the pizza, as excess sauce can make the toppings slippery and prone to sliding.
When adding toppings, avoid overloading the pizza. A generous amount of toppings is desirable, but too much can destabilize the pizza and cause ingredients to slide off during grilling. Place heavier toppings closer to the center of the pizza to distribute the weight more evenly. After grilling, let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing to allow the toppings to set slightly.
FAQ: Can I use pre-made pizza dough for grilling on a BBQ tray?
Yes, using pre-made pizza dough is a perfectly acceptable and convenient option for grilling pizza on a BBQ tray. Many grocery stores offer fresh or frozen pre-made dough that can save time and effort. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before stretching or rolling it out, as this will make it more pliable and easier to work with.
When using pre-made dough, check the package instructions for any specific recommendations. Some doughs may require proofing before use, while others can be used immediately. Regardless of the type of dough, make sure it’s not too sticky or too dry before placing it on the BBQ tray. If it’s too sticky, lightly dust it with flour. If it’s too dry, add a little water and knead it briefly.