Preparing Ready-to-Bake Pizza on the Grill
A Quick and Easy Meal that Keeps the Heat Outside
Jul 30, 2009
Cooking food outdoors helps keep the air conditioning bills under control when temperatures reach their peak. Some of the most-anticipated tastes of summer include grilled favorites, such as bratwurst and steak, paired with just-picked fruits and vegetables. On those nights when time is short, though, there’s a meal that fits most budgets and requires little prep time: pizza.
Preparing Frozen Pizza for the Backyard Grill
A variety of dinner-quality frozen pizzas are on the market. Prices range from $3 to $7, making for a very affordable meal. Whether grilling a thick- or a thin-crust pizza, the first step is to thoroughly thaw out the pie.
Getting the Grill Ready for Frozen Pizza
Plan to use the grill’s lid in order to best emulate the indoor oven’s baking environment, which surrounds the food on all sides. Prepare the grill for direct grilling. Cook times will vary based on grill differences, crust thickness and level of crispness desired.
To prevent sticking, line the grates with foil. Preheat for five minutes with the lid closed. For those who prefer to not use foil, preheat the grill and lightly brush the grates with olive oil. Pizza will cook faster without foil.
Cooking Frozen Pizza on a Gas Grill
Directions:
- Place thawed pizza on preheated grill and close lid.
- Cook pizza, with all burners on, over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
- Check the pizza’s crust with a spatula and rotate pizza one-half a turn.
- Cook with lid closed for 5-10 additional minutes, checking the crust every 5 minutes.
Making Frozen Pizza with a Charcoal Grill
Pizza cooks fast over charcoal, so be prepared to eat soon!
Directions:
- Place thawed pizza on grill and close lid.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Lift pizza with a spatula to check the bottom of the crust.
- Rotate pizza halfway and cook with lid closed for 5-10 additional minutes, checking the crust every 5 minutes.
Grilling Alternatives to Frozen Pizza
Want to grill a pizza pie but the frozen variety doesn’t sound like such a hot idea? Pick up a take-and-bake pizza at the grocery store or stop by Papa Murphy’s. Papa’s pizzas can be grilled with or without the reusable grilling tray, available in stores. For those who want to master the art of grilling homemade pizza, check out Elizabeth Karmel and Bob Blumer’s innovative cookbook Pizza on the Grill: 100 Feisty Fire-Roasted Recipes for Pizza & More [The Taunton Press, 2008].
A Fast and Inexpensive Outdoor Meal
Grilled pizza tastes great with a crisp salad or a cold, juicy slice of watermelon. Most of all, backyard pizza keeps the kitchen cool during hot summer months and offers an affordable meal that’s quick and tasty. Grilled pizza isn’t just for the summer though. Consider putting pizza on this fall’s tailgating menu as well!
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