Arteflame Grilled Pizza: A Perfectly Crispy and Smoky Delight

Introduction

Grilled pizza on the Arteflame is a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy crust with a subtle smoky flavor that you can’t achieve in a traditional oven. This recipe provides a basic foundation for making delicious pizza on your grill, with endless possibilities for toppings. Whether you're hosting a pizza night or just craving something special, this Arteflame pizza recipe will deliver a memorable meal.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Flour for dusting

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or a high-quality brand)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• Optional: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or any of your favorite toppings

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Grill

Start by firing up your Arteflame grill, creating a medium-high heat zone on the flat cooktop. You’ll use this area to cook the pizza, ensuring the dough becomes crispy and the cheese melts to perfection.

2. Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set the sauce aside, ready to spread on the pizza once the dough is partially cooked.

4. Grill the Pizza Dough

Use the optional Arteflame Pizza Oven if you have one. Place the dough, oiled side down, directly on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned and crispy. Brush the top side of the dough with olive oil, then flip the dough over.

5. Add the Sauce and Toppings

Once the dough is flipped, spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the top. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and your desired toppings such as cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, or any other favorites.

6. Cook the Pizza

Use the optional Arteflame Pizza Oven if you have one. Make sure you move the firewood away from being directly underneath the pizza, this way the toppings cook at the same speed as the crust. Alternatively, cover the pizza with a grill-safe lid or a large metal bowl to trap the heat, helping the cheese melt evenly. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Slice the pizza and serve it hot, enjoying the crispy crust and smoky flavors.

Tips

• Use a pizza stone: For an even crisper crust, you can use a pizza stone on the Arteflame grill. Preheat the stone on the grill before placing the dough on it.
• Experiment with toppings: The beauty of pizza is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your toppings.
• Monitor the heat: Keep an eye on the grill’s temperature to avoid burning the crust. You can adjust the cooking zone to a lower heat if needed.

Recipe Variations

1. Margherita Pizza

Top with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a classic and simple pizza.

2. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce, and top with shredded chicken, red onions, and smoked Gouda.

3. Four Cheese Pizza

Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, fontina, and gorgonzola for a rich, cheesy pizza experience.

4. Vegetarian Delight Pizza

Load up with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a colorful, healthy option.

5. Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza

A classic combination of spicy pepperoni and earthy mushrooms, perfect for meat lovers.

Best Pairings

• Side Dish: A fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread
• Drink: A cold beer, a glass of red wine like Chianti, or a refreshing iced tea
• Dessert: Tiramisu or gelato to round off the meal

Conclusion

This Arteflame Grilled Pizza recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy pizza with a crispy crust and smoky flavor that only grilling can provide. With endless topping possibilities, this pizza is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings with friends.