How to Grill Pizza on Your BBQ Grill
Toss that pizza dough on the grill and let the backyard bring the crunch.
If you have never made grilled pizza before, prepare yourself for one of those “why haven’t we been doing this all along?” kitchen moments. Grilling pizza gives you that crispy, smoky, slightly charred crust that tastes like it came from a fancy brick oven, except you made it right in your backyard with a grill, a few simple ingredients, and just enough confidence to flip dough with tongs.
This easy grilled pizza recipe is perfect for summer dinners, backyard BBQs, Memorial Day weekend cookouts, casual pizza nights, and those evenings when the oven sounds like a personal attack. The grill brings high heat, the dough gets beautifully crisp, and the toppings melt into bubbly, cheesy happiness. In other words: pizza night just got a glow-up.
If you are building out a summer cookout menu, this grilled pizza also fits beautifully into my Memorial Day Recipes & Party Ideas hub. Serve it as a main dish, slice it into appetizer squares, or set up a grilled pizza bar so everyone can build their own smoky little masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pizza Recipe
This BBQ grilled pizza recipe is one of those recipes that feels impressive without being fussy. The grill does the heavy lifting, and the result is a pizza crust that is crisp on the outside, tender inside, and kissed with that smoky flavor you just cannot get from a regular oven.
You will love this recipe because it is:
- Perfect for outdoor cooking: No need to heat up the kitchen when the grill can do the work.
- Crispy and smoky: High grill heat creates a beautiful crust with charred edges and a chewy center.
- Great for parties: Make several pizzas and let guests choose their toppings.
- Flexible: Use homemade dough, store-bought dough, classic toppings, or creative combinations.
- Family-friendly: Kids can help build their own pizzas before the dough hits the grill.
- Perfect for summer cookouts: It fits right alongside burgers, BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, and easy party sides.
If you love making homemade pizza from scratch, you may also want to try my Copycat Pizza Hut Pizza Dough for another pizza-night favorite. And if sauce is your love language, my Copycat Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce is a delicious internal link to keep readers happily clicking through the pizza loop.
The Secret to Perfect Grilled Pizza
The secret to perfect grilled pizza is high heat and a two-zone grilling setup. Traditional pizza ovens get extremely hot, which is why the crust cooks quickly and develops that crave-worthy crispness. Your backyard grill can help mimic that effect by creating one hot side for grilling the dough and one cooler side for adding toppings without turning dinner into a cheese-melting panic attack.
Set up your grill with one side on high heat and one side on lower heat. The hot side gives the pizza dough its char and structure. The cooler side gives you a safe place to brush on olive oil, add sauce, sprinkle cheese, and layer toppings before finishing the pizza.
Pro tip: Keep toppings light. Grilled pizza cooks quickly, so wet sauce, heavy cheese, and overloaded toppings can weigh down the crust. Think thin layers, flavorful ingredients, and a little restraint. I know. Restraint around cheese is a big ask, but your crust will thank you.
Ingredients for Homemade Grilled Pizza Dough
This homemade pizza dough is soft, elastic, and easy to work with. The combination of all-purpose flour and cake flour gives the crust a nice balance of chew and tenderness, making it ideal for grilling.
- 1 cup warm water, 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, or one 1/4-ounce package
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
This dough makes enough for four 12-inch grilled pizzas, which is perfect for a family pizza night or a backyard pizza party. If you are planning a bigger summer gathering, you can double the dough and turn dinner into a build-your-own grilled pizza bar.
How to Make Pizza Dough for Grilling
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy on top. That foam is your little kitchen signal that the yeast is awake, alive, and ready to help your pizza dough rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes by hand or on low speed in a stand mixer. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a tiny sprinkle of flour. If it feels too dry, add a few drops of water and keep kneading.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it once so the surface is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Step 5: Divide and Rise Again
Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal balls. Pinch the bottoms closed so each dough ball has a smooth top. Cover and let the dough rise again for about 1 hour.
Easy Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce for Grilled Pizza
A simple tomato sauce makes grilled pizza taste bright, fresh, and homemade without drowning the crust. This oven-roasted tomato sauce is chunky, garlicky, and just bold enough to stand up to the smoky flavor from the grill.
Ingredients for Tomato Sauce
- 4 cups Roma tomatoes, quartered, about 2 pounds
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
How to Make Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and sugar to a large casserole dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat.
- Roast for 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and juicy.
- Mash the tomato mixture slightly, leaving it chunky.
- Stir in the fresh basil and let the sauce cool slightly before adding it to your grilled pizza.
If you want to create a bigger pizza-night loop for readers, point them toward the Copycat Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce as another sauce option. It gives readers a second click, a second recipe, and a reason to keep exploring your pizza content.
How to Grill Pizza on a BBQ Grill
Grilling pizza moves quickly, so have your toppings ready before the dough touches the grill. This is not the moment to discover the cheese is still in the fridge, the basil is unwashed, and the tongs have mysteriously joined witness protection.
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your gas or charcoal grill and create two heat zones: one hot side and one cooler side. Clean the grates well and lightly oil them if needed to help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 12-inch round, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner dough cooks faster and gets crispier, which is exactly what you want for pizza on the grill.
Step 3: Grill the First Side of the Dough
Place the dough directly on the hot side of the grill. As the dough firms up, use tongs to gently move it around so it cooks evenly and does not burn in one spot. Grill until the bottom has char marks and the top begins to bubble.
Step 4: Flip and Add Toppings
Flip the dough and move it to the cooler side of the grill. Brush the cooked side lightly with olive oil, then add a thin layer of sauce, cheese, and toppings. Remember: grilled pizza likes a light hand. A little sauce and a few flavorful toppings go a long way.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Pizza
Move the topped pizza back toward the hot side of the grill. Cover the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the toppings are warmed through, and the crust is crisp.
Best Toppings for Grilled Pizza
Grilled pizza toppings should be flavorful, prepped, and not too heavy. Since the pizza cooks quickly, use ingredients that are already cooked or thinly sliced. This keeps the crust crisp and prevents the toppings from staying cold while the bottom gets too dark.
Sausage Grilled Pizza
Top the grilled dough with tomato sauce, white cheddar, cooked Italian sausage, thinly sliced red onions, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. It is savory, cheesy, and just rustic enough to make you feel like the backyard is a tiny Italian courtyard.
Mediterranean Grilled Pizza
Add cubed fontina, salami, marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, fresh tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and basil. This one is bold, salty, and party-platter pretty.
Classic Pepperoni Grilled Pizza
Keep it simple with mozzarella, pepperoni, tomato sauce, and fresh baby spinach. This is the pizza that makes everyone wander toward the grill asking, “Is that ready yet?”
Garden Veggie Grilled Pizza
Use a light layer of sauce or olive oil, then add thinly sliced zucchini, roasted peppers, mushrooms, red onion, spinach, and a sprinkle of mozzarella or goat cheese.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Pizza
Use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce, then top with cooked shredded chicken, red onion, mozzarella, and a little cilantro after grilling. This is a great way to use leftover grilled chicken from a cookout.
Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Pizza
Have everything ready before you grill. Grilled pizza cooks fast, so sauce, cheese, toppings, oil, tongs, and a cutting board should be ready before the dough goes on.
Use two heat zones. The hot side crisps the dough. The cooler side gives you time to add toppings without scorching the crust.
Do not overload the pizza. Too many toppings can make grilled pizza soggy. Keep the toppings light and flavorful.
Use cooked meats. Sausage, chicken, bacon, and other meats should be fully cooked before adding them to grilled pizza.
Roll the dough thin. Thin dough cooks evenly and gives you that crisp, smoky grilled pizza crust.
Brush with olive oil. A light brush of olive oil adds flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.
Watch for flare-ups. Cheese and oil can drip, so keep an eye on the grill and move the pizza as needed.
Let the pizza rest before slicing. Give it a minute or two after it comes off the grill so the cheese settles and the slices hold together.
Variations and Creative Ideas
Make It a Grilled Pizza Bar
Set out rolled dough rounds, sauce, cheese, and toppings so everyone can create their own pizza. This works beautifully for Memorial Day weekend, birthday parties, family cookouts, and casual summer dinners. Add the finished pizzas to a big cutting board and let everyone grab slices.
Use Store-Bought Dough
Short on time? Store-bought pizza dough works. Let it sit at room temperature before rolling so it stretches more easily. Roll it thin and follow the same grilling steps.
Try Flatbread Pizza
If you want the smoky flavor without making dough, use naan, pita, or flatbread. Grill one side, flip, add toppings, and cook until the cheese melts.
Make Mini Grilled Pizzas
Divide the dough into smaller rounds for personal pizzas. Mini grilled pizzas are fun for kids and easier to manage on the grill.
Turn It Into Appetizer Slices
Cut grilled pizza into small squares and serve it as an appetizer alongside party favorites like Easy Pull Apart Pizza Bread or Easy French Bread Pizza. This keeps your pizza content connected and gives readers more easy, cheesy options to explore.
What to Serve with Grilled Pizza
Grilled pizza can absolutely stand on its own, but it also loves a good supporting cast. For a casual backyard dinner, serve it with a crisp salad, fresh fruit, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob. For a bigger cookout, build a spread that lets everyone graze, snack, and circle back for one more slice.
For a full summer BBQ menu, pair grilled pizza with soft Homemade Hamburger Buns for burger night, hearty Black Bean Burgers for a meatless option, or a loaf of Cheesy Beer Bread for the carb lovers who believe bread belongs at every gathering. Honestly, those people are correct.
If you are planning a holiday weekend menu, loop readers back to the Memorial Day Recipes & Party Ideas hub for more cookout food, potluck sides, grilling recipes, red white and blue desserts, and backyard party inspiration.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Pizza
Store leftover grilled pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if you are stacking slices.
To reheat, skip the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp. Warm slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, in an air fryer, or in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through. The crust will crisp back up, the cheese will melt again, and lunch will feel like a tiny victory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Pizza
Can you put pizza dough directly on the grill?
Yes, pizza dough can go directly on the grill grates. Make sure the grill is hot, the grates are clean, and the dough is rolled thin. Once the dough firms up, it becomes much easier to move and flip.
Do I need a pizza stone to grill pizza?
No, you do not need a pizza stone for this grilled pizza method. The dough cooks directly on the grill grates, which gives it that smoky flavor and crisp charred texture.
How long does pizza take on the grill?
Once the dough is rolled thin, grilled pizza cooks quickly. Grill the first side until firm and lightly charred, then flip, add toppings, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes more, or until the cheese melts and the crust is crisp.
Why is my grilled pizza crust soggy?
Soggy grilled pizza usually comes from too much sauce, wet toppings, or dough that was not grilled long enough before adding toppings. Use a thin layer of sauce, drain watery ingredients, and grill the dough first so it has structure.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well for grilled pizza. Let it come to room temperature, roll it thin, and keep the toppings light so the crust cooks evenly.
What cheese works best for grilled pizza?
Mozzarella is a classic choice because it melts beautifully. Fontina, white cheddar, Parmesan, goat cheese, and provolone also work well depending on your toppings.
Can I make grilled pizza ahead of time?
You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise. You can also prep sauce, cheese, and toppings in advance. For the best texture, grill the pizza right before serving.
What toppings should I avoid on grilled pizza?
Avoid very wet toppings, thick raw vegetables, uncooked meats, or heavy layers of sauce and cheese. Grilled pizza cooks fast, so toppings should be thin, pre-cooked when needed, and ready to heat quickly.
Final Thoughts: Pizza Night Just Took It Outside
Grilled pizza is one of the easiest ways to make pizza night feel fresh, fun, and just a little bit fancy without turning your kitchen into a flour-covered situation. The crust gets crisp, the toppings bubble, and the grill adds smoky flavor that makes every slice taste like summer.
Whether you are making grilled pizza for a quiet family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a Memorial Day weekend cookout, this recipe gives you a flexible, crowd-pleasing meal that keeps everyone hovering near the grill. And really, isn’t that where the best summer conversations happen?
So roll out the dough, fire up the grill, and get ready for pizza with a little backyard swagger. This is homemade pizza, but make it smoky.
This recipe was originally published Aug 22, 2012, and updated May 23, 2026, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.