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Grilled Pizza

A heart healthy pizza that the whole family can enjoy!

Preheat gas grill to 350 or prepare a hot charcoal fire.  A charcoal fire is best and gives your pizza a wood fired pizza flavor.

Make your crust in a heavy duty mixer or bread machine from the recipe on the website.   Or you can buy the ready made pizza crust in the frozen food section of the grocery store.  A thin crust is a must, 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch thick.  Personal pan pizza size is best for handling the pizza.  Other options for a crust are pita bread or a flour tortilla.

Sauces:  The secret is to use a thin layer of sauce.   Too much sauce and pizza will be soggy.

  • Marinara: Buy ready made or make your own marinara sauce from recipe on the website.
  • Pesto: Store bought or make your own from olive oil, fresh basil, and pine nuts.
  • Barbeque sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce; remember to use just a thin layer.
  • Salsa: This base goes well with traditional Mexican toppings
  • Flavored olive oil: Simply brush with olive oil, sprinkle coarse salt and add chopped fresh herbs
  • Ranch dressing: Great topped with grilled chicken and mozzarella cheese

Suggested cheese:

  • Shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella
  • Feta cheese crumbles or gorgonzola
  • Shredded fresh parmesan

Toppings:  Use just 2 or 3 toppings; do not overload

  • Grilled vegetables, fresh herbs, carmelized onions,   roasted garlic
  • Portobello mushrooms, fresh peppers, chopped canned tomatoes
  • Grilled chicken, lean ground beef   or turkey sausage browned off ahead of time

Cooking the pizza:

  • If using a charcoal grill, make sure the fire is hot (can hold your hand over the coals for 3-4 seconds at a distance of 5 inches).
  • Slide the pizza onto the grill. It may droop a little through the grate but will firm up quickly.
  • After 2-3 minutes the crust should firm up, puff slightly and grill marks will appear.
  • Remove from heat, flip pizza over onto a plate with “done” side up.   Add toppings.
  • Return to grill and cook until cheese melts and toppings are heated through (2-10 minutes depending on the size of your pizza and grill temperature).