Cooking Pizza on a Barbecue: The Ultimate Guide

Pizza is a beloved dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One creative and delicious way to prepare pizza is by using a barbecue grill. Whether you prefer a gas grill or a charcoal grill (like an egg-shaped kettle), cooking pizza on a barbecue can give your meal an irresistible crispy crust and unique flavor. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to successfully cook pizza on a barbecue.

Pizza Cooking Techniques for BBQ

The process of cooking pizza on a barbecue differs slightly depending on the type of grill you are using. Here are the key steps and tips for both gas grills and charcoal grills:

Using a Gas Grill

Preheat the Grill: Set your gas grill to medium-high heat, ensuring that the grates are clean. Preheat for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, you can brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Lay Down the Dough: Place your pizza dough directly on the grates and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to get crispy. Be careful, as the heat will be intense. Add Toppings: Once the crust is cooked, add your preferred toppings, including your favorite cheese. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish with a Stone (Optional): For a more professional finish, you can place a pizza stone on the grill, similar to how it would be used in an oven. This will help create a crispier crust.

Using a Charcoal Grill

For a charcoal grill, such as an egg-shaped kettle, follow these steps:

Preheat the Grill: Light the charcoal and preheat the grill to as high a temperature as possible, aiming for a range of 600-650°F. This should take about 30 minutes. Place the Pizza Stone: Lay a pizza stone on the grill grates. Ensure it is clean and well-preheated. Transfer the Pizza: Use a pizza peel to gently slide your pizza onto the preheated stone. Rotate the pizza every few minutes and cook with the lid closed for 5-7 minutes. Check and Finish Cooking: Once the toppings are melted and the crust is crispy, remove the pizza from the grill and let it cool slightly.

Tips for Perfect Barbecue Pizza

Pizza Stone: Using a pizza stone enhances the crispiness of the crust. Ensure it is placed on the grill grates and preheated with the grill. Steel Plate (Optional): If you're cooking pizza directly on the grill grate, consider using a 1/4-inch steel plate. This provides better heat transfer and prevents warping. Pizza Peel: A pizza peel is essential for transferring the pizza to and from the grill. Dust it with corn flour to prevent sticking. Fire Placement: Avoid positioning the fire directly under the stone or plate to prevent burnt crust. Instead, place the heat source around the edges. Cooling: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before cutting to prevent toppings from sliding off.

Conclusion

Cooking pizza on a barbecue is a fun and delicious way to elevate your barbecue experience. Whether you use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a conventional offset smoker, the key to success lies in proper preheating, the use of a pizza stone or plate, and the right toppings. With these techniques, you can create a crispy, flavorful pizza that will impress your friends and family.