Grilled Pizza Italiano Recipe

Hey foodies! If you’re ready to take your pizza game to the next level, I’ve got the ultimate recipe that combines the smoky char of a grill with the cheesy bliss we all crave. Gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and let’s make some magic happen with this mouthwatering prosciutto and mozzarella creation. Trust me, once you try this, there’s no going back to ordinary pizza nights!

My Grilled Pizza Italiano is a culinary masterpiece. One might even say it is my greatest culinary hit.

It is pizza in its most perfect form, showing the true essence of Italian cuisine, and it is a most delightful meal. I give you the following ingredients to help you create what I consider the perfect piece of pizza.

Grilled Pizza Italiano Recipe Ingredients

Sure, here’s a description of a few key ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: Provides carbohydrates, forming the crispy base.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and a rich, fruity flavor.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Offers protein and a creamy texture.
• Prosciutto: Delivers savory, salty flavor and protein.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Gives aromatic, fresh taste with antioxidants.

Grilled Pizza Italiano Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound of pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this Grilled Pizza Italiano Recipe

1. Make sure your grill is up to snuff and primed for direct heat cooking. You want medium-high heat, which is about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The grill is ready when you can hold your hand about 4 inches above the grill grate for 4 to 5 seconds.

2. On a surface dusted with flour, roll the pizza dough into a circle 1/4 inch thick. Brush one side very lightly with olive oil.

3. Position the dough, with the oiled side facing down, straight onto the grill. Shut the lid, and grill it for approximately 2-3 minutes, until the underside is browned and bears the marks of the grill.

4. With tongs or a spatula, flip the dough, being careful to keep it intact. As soon as the far side has been exposed to the heat for a moment, brush it with olive oil.

5. Cover the oiled side of the dough with a uniform layer of tomato sauce.

6. Place the slices of mozzarella on top of the tomato sauce. Next, you will want to sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

7. Evenly distribute the prosciutto slices over the cheese.

8. Shut the grill and let it work its magic for 5-7 more minutes. Then check for these signs that your pizza is done: the cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the crust should be fully cooked.

9. Take the pizza off the grill. Add fresh basil, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Crushed red pepper flakes can also be added for some heat.

10. Allow the pizza to rest for a minute before slicing and serving. Enjoy the grilled Italian pizza while it is still hot and fresh to experience its full flavor and satisfying texture.

Grilled Pizza Italiano Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Grill with temperature control capability
2. Grill brush
3. Baking surface or board for rolling dough
4. Rolling pin
5. Basting brush
6. Tongs
7. Spatula
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Knife
10. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use a store-bought pizza crust instead of dough?A pre-made store-bought crust can be used, but grilling it may improve its flavor and texture.
• What’s the best way to grill the pizza dough?Set your grill to medium-high and let it heat up. While it’s heating, take your dough (this works best with pita, naan, or an even flatbread) and brush it with olive oil on one side. When the grill is ready, set the dough oiled-side down on the grill and close the lid. Let it grill for 2-3 minutes. It should be slightly charred when you lift the lid.
• How can I prevent the pizza from sticking to the grill?Make sure the grill grates are nice and clean first. Oil them up too, so they don’t stick. Then, take your pizza dough and oil both sides of it before placing on the grill.
• Can I add other toppings to this pizza?Certainly, you can personalize this with vegetables such as roasted peppers, mushrooms, or arugula to inject more flavor.
• Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?Substitute omitting the prosciutto, add more vegetables or a vegetarian protein substitute to make it work.
• How do I store leftover grilled pizza?Wrap it in aluminum foil and refrigerate for as long as 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet or an oven. These methods will yield the best results.
• Can I make the dough in advance?Certainly, you can make the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before you slap it on the grill.

Grilled Pizza Italiano Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pizza dough: Try whole wheat dough or a healthier option, like a cauliflower crust.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Substitute avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Burrata or provolone slices can be substituted for fresh mozzarella cheese.
Pecorino Romano cheese or Asiago cheese can be used instead of Parmesan.
Salami: Use thinly sliced smoked ham or prosciutto.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat and Clean the Grill Properly Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the dough. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking and those beautiful grill marks.

2. Stretch Dough Evenly When rolling out the pizza dough, aim for an even thickness to help it cook uniformly on the grill. Uneven dough may result in burnt spots or undercooked areas.

3. Monitor the Grill Heat Keep an eye on the grill temperature to maintain consistent medium-high heat. Fluctuations can affect the cooking time and the crust’s texture.

4. Use High-Quality Ingredients Opt for fresh, high-quality mozzarella and prosciutto for the best flavors. Fresh basil leaves added just before serving will enhance the overall taste and aroma.

5. Experiment with Toppings While the recipe suggests basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs or toppings like arugula or sliced cherry tomatoes for added freshness and complexity.