How to Make a Grilled Pizza That’s So Good, You’ll Never Order Takeout Again

How to Cook Pizza on a Charcoal Grill

Pizza is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While it’s often thought of as a food that’s best cooked in a wood-fired oven, it’s actually possible to achieve great results by cooking pizza on a charcoal grill.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook pizza on a charcoal grill using a simple three-step process. We’ll also provide tips for making the best pizza possible, including choosing the right dough, toppings, and cooking temperature.

So whether you’re looking for a way to enjoy pizza at home without having to fire up the oven, or you’re simply curious about trying something new, read on for our guide to cooking pizza on a charcoal grill.

Step Instructions Image
1 Prepare your grill for indirect heat by banking the coals to one side.
2 Preheat the grill to 350 degrees F.
3 Roll out the dough and place it on a well-oiled baking sheet.
4 Top the dough with your favorite pizza toppings.
5 Place the pizza on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6 Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Choosing the Right Grill

The type of grill you choose will depend on your cooking needs and budget. If you’re only going to be using your grill for pizza, then a smaller, portable grill will be sufficient. However, if you plan on grilling other foods as well, then you’ll need a larger grill with more cooking space.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a grill for pizza:

  • Type of grill: There are two main types of grills: charcoal grills and gas grills. Charcoal grills are more traditional and produce a smoky flavor, while gas grills are more convenient and easier to use.
  • Size of grill: The size of the grill you need will depend on how many pizzas you plan on cooking at once. A small grill can cook one or two pizzas at a time, while a larger grill can cook multiple pizzas at once.
  • Fuel type: Charcoal grills require charcoal, while gas grills require propane or natural gas. Charcoal grills are more affordable, but gas grills are more convenient.

Here are some of the best grills for pizza, based on type, size, and fuel type:

  • Charcoal grills:
  • Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker: This is a classic charcoal smoker that can also be used to cook pizza. It has a large cooking surface and produces a delicious smoky flavor.
  • Char-Broil Kettle Charcoal Grill: This is a more affordable option that is still capable of producing great pizzas. It has a smaller cooking surface than the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, but it’s still big enough to cook two pizzas at once.
  • Gas grills:
  • Weber Genesis II Gas Grill: This is a high-quality gas grill that is perfect for cooking pizza. It has a large cooking surface and comes with a variety of features, such as a built-in thermometer and a rotisserie.
  • Char-Broil Performance Series Gas Grill: This is a more affordable option that is still capable of producing great pizzas. It has a smaller cooking surface than the Weber Genesis II Gas Grill, but it’s still big enough to cook two pizzas at once.

Preparing the Grill

Once you’ve chosen the right grill, it’s important to prepare it properly before cooking pizza. This includes cleaning the grill, preheating the grill, and adding charcoal.

Cleaning the grill: Before you cook pizza on your grill, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. This will help to prevent food from sticking to the grill and will also help to create a better cooking surface. To clean the grill, use a grill brush to remove any food residue. You can also use a degreaser to help remove stubborn stains.

Preheating the grill: Once the grill is clean, it’s time to preheat it. This will help to create a hot cooking surface and will also help to cook the pizza evenly. To preheat the grill, turn it on to high heat and let it heat for 15-20 minutes.

Adding charcoal: If you’re using a charcoal grill, you’ll need to add charcoal to the grill before you can start cooking. To do this, open the grill vents and pour the charcoal into the charcoal grate. Then, use a lighter or match to light the charcoal. Once the charcoal is lit, close the grill vents and let the charcoal burn for 15-20 minutes.

Cooking the Pizza

Now that your grill is prepared, it’s time to cook the pizza. Here are a few tips for cooking pizza on a charcoal grill:

  • Use a pizza baking stone: A pizza baking stone will help to create a crispy crust and will also help to prevent the pizza from sticking to the grill.
  • Preheat the pizza baking stone: Before you put the pizza on the grill, make sure to preheat the pizza baking stone. This will help to create a hot cooking surface and will also help to cook the pizza evenly.
  • Oil the pizza dough: Before you put the pizza on the grill, brush the dough with olive oil. This will help to prevent the dough from sticking to the grill.
  • Cook the pizza over indirect heat: When cooking pizza on a charcoal grill, it’s important to cook it over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the pizza from burning.
  • Rotate the pizza frequently: When cooking pizza on a charcoal grill, it’s important to rotate the pizza frequently. This will help to cook the pizza evenly.
  • Check the pizza frequently: When cooking pizza on a charcoal grill, it’s important to check the pizza frequently. This will help to ensure that the pizza is cooked all the way through.

Here are the steps for cooking

Cooking the Pizza

Once you have your grill and pizza stone ready, it’s time to start cooking! Here are the steps involved:

Preparing the dough

The first step is to prepare the dough. If you’re using homemade pizza dough, you’ll need to let it rise for a few hours before you can use it. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, you can skip this step.

Once the dough has risen, you’ll need to shape it into a circle. The size of the circle will depend on the size of your pizza stone.

Adding toppings

Once the dough is shaped, you can start adding toppings. You can use any toppings you like, but some popular options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheese.

Cooking the pizza

Now it’s time to cook the pizza! Place the pizza on the pizza stone and close the grill. Cook the pizza for 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving the Pizza

Once the pizza is cooked, it’s time to serve it! Cut the pizza into slices and enjoy!

Serving the Pizza

Once you’ve cooked your pizza, it’s time to serve it! Here are a few tips for serving pizza:

  • Cut the pizza into slices.
  • Serve the pizza with your favorite toppings, such as marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
  • Enjoy!

Here are some additional tips for making pizza on a charcoal grill:

  • Use a pizza stone. A pizza stone will help to create a crispy crust.
  • Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  • Cook the pizza for 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the grill. Only cook one pizza at a time.
  • Be patient. Pizza takes time to cook.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to make delicious pizza on your charcoal grill in no time!

Cooking pizza on a charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and home-cooked meal. With a few simple steps, you can make a pizza that everyone will love. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

How do I prepare my charcoal grill for pizza?

To prepare your charcoal grill for pizza, you will need to:

1. Light your charcoal in a chimney starter.
2. Once the charcoal is fully lit, spread it out evenly in the bottom of the grill.
3. Place a pizza baking stone on the grates of the grill.
4. Allow the grill to heat up for 15-20 minutes before cooking your pizza.

What type of charcoal should I use for pizza?

You can use any type of charcoal for pizza, but lump charcoal is preferred because it burns hotter and produces more heat. If you are using briquettes, make sure they are well-lit and evenly distributed before cooking your pizza.

How long does it take to cook a pizza on a charcoal grill?

The cooking time for a pizza on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the thickness of the pizza and the temperature of the grill. A thin pizza will cook in about 5-7 minutes, while a thicker pizza will take closer to 10-12 minutes.

How do I know when my pizza is done?

The best way to tell when your pizza is done is to look at the crust. The crust should be golden brown and cooked through. You can also check the internal temperature of the pizza with an instant-read thermometer. The pizza is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some tips for cooking pizza on a charcoal grill?

Here are a few tips for cooking pizza on a charcoal grill:

  • Use a pizza baking stone to help the pizza cook evenly.
  • Preheat the grill for 15-20 minutes before cooking your pizza.
  • Cook the pizza over indirect heat.
  • Don’t overload the grill with pizzas. Cook one pizza at a time.
  • Check the pizza frequently and rotate it as needed.
  • Remove the pizza from the grill when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking pizza on a charcoal grill?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking pizza on a charcoal grill:

  • Not preheating the grill.
  • Cooking the pizza over direct heat.
  • Overloading the grill with pizzas.
  • Not checking the pizza frequently.
  • Removing the pizza from the grill too early or too late.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can cook delicious, perfectly-cooked pizza on your charcoal grill.

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In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook pizza on a charcoal grill. We covered the different types of charcoal grills, the best wood to use for smoking pizza, and the steps involved in making a delicious pizza on your grill. We hope that you found this information helpful and that you will enjoy making pizza on your charcoal grill soon.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

  • The best type of charcoal grill for pizza is a kettle grill.
  • The best wood to use for smoking pizza is hickory or oak.
  • The steps involved in making pizza on your grill are:
  • Prepare the dough, sauce, and toppings.
  • Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  • Place the pizza on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the pizza from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

We hope that you enjoy making pizza on your charcoal grill!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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