How To Grill Pizza With A Stone

Grilling Pizza with a Stone: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly grilled pizza. The smoky flavor, the crispy crust, and the gooey cheese all come together to create a mouthwatering experience. If you’re looking to take your pizza game to the next level, consider grilling it with a stone. Grilling pizza with a stone adds a unique char and depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with a traditional oven. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive way to cook with friends and family.

Why Use a Pizza Stone for Grilling?

Using a pizza stone on the grill helps to mimic the intense heat of a wood-fired oven, resulting in a perfectly crisp crust. The stone also absorbs moisture from the dough, ensuring that the bottom of the pizza cooks evenly and doesn’t become soggy. Additionally, the porous surface of the stone helps to create those coveted crispy, golden-brown spots on the bottom of the pizza.

Choosing the Right Pizza Stone

When it comes to selecting a pizza stone for grilling, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Material: Look for a stone made from cordierite or ceramic, as these materials can withstand the high heat of a grill without cracking.
• Size: Choose a stone that fits comfortably on your grill and can accommodate the size of pizza you want to make.
• Thickness: Opt for a thicker stone, as it will retain heat more effectively and result in a better crust.

Preparing the Pizza Stone

Before you start grilling, it’s important to properly prepare the pizza stone:

1. Place the stone on a cold grill and preheat it for at least 30 minutes to ensure that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature.
2. Lightly dust the stone with cornmeal or flour to prevent the dough from sticking.

Grilling the Pizza

Now that your stone is preheated and ready to go, it’s time to start grilling the pizza:

1. Stretch out your pizza dough to the desired size and thickness, then transfer it to a well-floured pizza peel.
2. Quickly add your toppings to the dough, as the longer it sits, the more likely it is to stick to the peel.
3. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone using quick, confident movements.
4. Close the grill lid and cook the pizza for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Using the pizza peel, carefully remove the pizza from the stone and transfer it to a cutting board.

Tips for Grilling Pizza with a Stone

Grilling pizza with a stone can take some practice, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time:

• Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain the high cooking temperature.
• Rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• Don’t overload the pizza with toppings, as this can weigh down the dough and make it difficult to transfer to the stone.
• Experiment with different dough recipes and topping combinations to find your perfect grilled pizza.

Conclusion

Grilling pizza with a stone is a fantastic way to elevate your pizza-making skills and impress your friends and family. With the right materials and a bit of practice, you can achieve that perfect crispy crust and smoky flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to create delicious grilled pizzas that will rival your favorite pizzeria.