Grilled Deep Dish Pizza Skillet Illinois Style

Introduction

Bring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to your backyard with this Grilled Deep Dish Pizza Skillet, cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. With a buttery, crispy crust and rich toppings, this grilled pizza is a game-changer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes before grilling.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

1. On the Arteflame flat cooktop, melt 1 tbsp of butter.
2. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned.
3. Move the sausage to the outer cooler zone of the cooktop.
4. In the same spot, cook the onions, peppers, and mushrooms until softened.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
2. Brush the bottom of the dough with melted butter for extra crispiness.
3. Place the dough directly onto the center of the hot cooktop.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Flip the dough and move it slightly to a cooler zone on the flat cooktop.
2. Spread pizza sauce over the cooked side of the dough.
3. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
4. Add the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables.
5. Top with sliced pepperoni and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Cook the Pizza

1. Cover the pizza loosely with an Arteflame pizza oven dome for even cooking.
2. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, rotating occasionally.
3. Remove the pizza when the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Cut into thick slices and serve warm.

Tips

• Use high-quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Cook the crust until golden before adding toppings to ensure crispiness.
• Rotate the pizza occasionally for even cooking.

Variations

1. BBQ Chicken Deep Dish: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, and use grilled chicken instead of sausage.
2. Meat Lovers: Add additional toppings like bacon, ham, and extra pepperoni.
3. Veggie Delight: Load up with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and olives.
4. Pesto Margherita: Use pesto instead of pizza sauce and top with fresh basil and sliced fresh mozzarella.
5. Spicy Jalapeño: Add sliced jalapeños and use spicy sausage for a kick.

Conclusion

Grilling deep-dish pizza on the Arteflame brings out the best in texture and flavor. The golden, crispy crust combined with gooey cheese and flavorful toppings creates an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Best Pairings

• Grilled Caesar salad
• Garlic bread
• Ice-cold craft beer
• Red wine (Chianti or Zinfandel)
• Grilled peaches with honey for dessert