Grilled Pizza

You don’t need an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven capabilities to enjoy this tasty treat. Grilled pizza is a fun alternative to more “traditional” cookout fare. Prepare the crust dough and prep all the toppings in advance. Arrange everything at a fun “work station,” and invite your guests to create their own culinary masterpieces while you fire up the outdoor kitchen grill.

Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 pinch white sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded (or sliced) mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice (thinly chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, sliced olives, sliced roasted red peppers, pepperoni… use your imagination!)

NOTES

Make pizza dough from scratch, or buy prepared pizza dough. From-scratch dough needs at least 1 hour prep time. If preparing for a party, make several pizza dough rounds, stack them separated by parchment paper, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking.

Directions

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, and mix in sugar. Set aside for about 10 minutes until frothy. Mix in salt, olive oil, and flour until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Lift onto a lightly floured or corn-mealed surface, then knead about 8 minutes until smooth. Place dough in a well-oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise about 1 hour until doubled in size. Punch down, and knead in garlic and basil. Let rise for 1 more hour until doubled again. (Makes enough for 2 pizzas.)
2. Preheat grill to high heat. Heat olive oil with garlic for 30 seconds in the microwave. Set aside. Punch down dough, and divide in half. Form each half into a crust 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick.
3. Brush grill grate with garlic olive oil. Carefully place one crust on hot grill – the dough will puff almost immediately. Flip when the bottom of the crust is light brown. Quickly brush oil over crust, and then brush with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce. Sprinkle on cheese, then arrange toppings. Close the grill lid, and cook until the cheese melts and bottom of crust begins to char. Remove from grill, and set aside to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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