Top 10 Pizza Toppings Grilled to Perfection

Introduction

Pizza on the grill? Yes, please! Elevate your pizza game by grilling your toppings on an Arteflame grill, which gives a unique sear and locks in incredible flavors. From classic meats to flavorful veggies, these grilled toppings will take any pizza to the next level. Use the Arteflame's flat cooktop to perfectly grill all your ingredients while achieving delicious, caramelized toppings without burning. Get ready for a pizza experience unlike any other!

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the top 10 pizza toppings to grill on your Arteflame:

1. Pepperoni – Slices of spicy and savory goodness.
2. Sausage – Mild or hot Italian sausage, grilled to perfection.
3. Mushrooms – Earthy and tender, perfect for that umami punch.
4. Onions – Sweet and caramelized, adding depth to every bite.
5. Bell Peppers – Bright and smoky, adding a sweet crunch.
6. Olives – Black or green for a salty, briny kick.
7. Mozzarella – Fresh or shredded, grilled until bubbly and golden.
8. Basil – Fresh basil leaves for that perfect herbal freshness.
9. Tomatoes – Grilled cherry or Roma tomatoes bring a smoky sweetness.
10. Bacon – Crispy and smoky, the perfect savory addition.

Instructions

1. Get the Grill Ready

Fire up your Arteflame grill by pouring vegetable oil on three paper napkins, stacking firewood over them, and lighting the grill. In about 20 minutes, you’ll have a perfect grilling surface ready for your pizza toppings.

2. Prepare the Pizza Dough

While the grill is heating up, prepare your favorite pizza dough. Roll it out to your preferred thickness and set aside.

3. Grill the Toppings

• Pepperoni: Place the slices on the hot center grate to sear quickly, just enough to release the oils and crisp the edges. This will take about 2 minutes.
• Sausage: Break into small chunks and grill on the flat cooktop until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
• Mushrooms: Grill these directly on the flat cooktop with a bit of butter, cooking until they soften and develop a nice golden sear, about 5 minutes.
• Onions and Bell Peppers: Add a few pats of butter on the cooktop, then grill sliced onions and bell peppers until caramelized and tender, around 7 minutes.
• Tomatoes: Grill cherry or Roma tomatoes on the outer edges of the cooktop where it’s a bit cooler until they blister and char slightly, 3-4 minutes.
• Bacon: Lay strips on the flat cooktop and cook until crispy, flipping halfway, about 6-8 minutes.

4. Grill the Pizza Dough

• Lightly brush your rolled-out dough with butter. Lay it directly on the flat cooktop for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
• Flip the dough, then start adding your grilled toppings. Begin with the cheese so it melts right into the dough.

5. Assemble Your Pizza

• Layer your pizza with a base of grilled mozzarella, then add your grilled pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Top it off with a handful of olives and fresh basil.
• Close the optional Arteflame pizza oven to melt the cheese or just leave it on the griddle until the toppings are heated through.

6. Final Touch

• Grill the pizza for another 5 minutes or until the crust is perfectly crisp and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Zone Grilling: Take advantage of the different heat zones on the Arteflame grill. Grill toppings that require high heat like sausages and bacon near the center, and more delicate toppings like tomatoes on the outer edge.
• Butter for Flavor: Use butter instead of oil to grill your toppings and dough. The butter enhances the flavor of each ingredient, giving it a rich, golden taste.
• Control the heat: do not put any firewood directly under the pizza, this will cause the crust to bake faster than the toppings.
• No Oven Needed: Everything, including the dough and toppings, can be perfectly cooked on the Arteflame. Just use the flat top cooktop and pizza oven.

Conclusion

Grilling your pizza toppings on an Arteflame grill brings out new layers of flavor, making each bite savory, smoky, and absolutely delicious. With this method, you'll impress friends and family alike with pizza that stands out from the rest.

Variations

1. Margherita Pizza: Grill fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a classic twist.
2. BBQ Chicken Pizza: Substitute sausage with grilled chicken and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
3. Vegetarian Delight: Add more grilled veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach.
4. Four Cheese Pizza: Grill a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, and fontina.
5. Spicy Italian Pizza: Use spicy Italian sausage, chili flakes, and grilled jalapenos.

Best Pairings

• Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chianti.
• Beer: A cold pilsner or IPA complements the pizza perfectly.