Mini Grilled Pizzas

Personal pizzas are a delightful treat, especially when made on the grill. Mini Grilled Pizzas are perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or outdoor cookouts. These personal-sized pizzas allow everyone to customize their toppings, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The grilling technique infuses a smoky taste that elevates the classic pizza experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: The dough comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time.
• Customizable Toppings: Use your favorite ingredients, from veggies to meats, making each pizza unique.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for parties where guests can create their own signature mini pizzas.
• Grilled Flavor: Cooking on the grill adds a delicious smokiness that you can’t achieve in an oven.
• Quick Cooking Time: Each pizza cooks in just a few minutes, making it easy to serve hot and fresh.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Mini Grilled Pizzas, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Rolling pin
• Large bowl
• Baking sheets
• Pizza cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the high heat necessary for that perfect crust and smoky flavor.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for consistent cooking.
• Baking sheets: Useful for resting the rolled-out pizzas before grilling.

Ingredients

Personal pizzas are easy and delicious when made on the grill.

• 5 cups (22.5 oz) all-purpose flour (dough)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (dough)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (dough)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (dough)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus some for shaping dough) (dough)
• 1 3/4 cups room-temp water (dough)
• 2 1/2 cups Muir Glen™ organic tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (sauce)
• 2 teaspoons salt (sauce)
• 2 teaspoons black pepper (sauce)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (sauce)
• 2 lb low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 10 cups various veggie/meat toppings

How to Make Mini Grilled Pizzas

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add olive oil and water, stirring until a rough ball forms.
3. Wet your hand and knead the dough until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Rest and Knead

1. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
2. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead until very smooth but not sticky.

Step 3: Divide and Chill

1. Divide the dough into ten small balls weighing about 4 ounces each.
2. Coat each ball lightly with olive oil and let them sit covered at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer to the fridge for at least three hours or overnight.

Step 4: Prepare Ingredients

1. Before grilling, chop veggies, grate cheese, and mix sauce.
2. If using large veggies like mushrooms, sauté them lightly first.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. Roll each dough ball into rounds measuring about 6–7 inches in diameter on a floured surface.
2. Place prepared rounds on clean baking sheets with a bit of olive oil.

Step 6: Preheat Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high until very hot.

Step 7: Grill Pizzas

Add three to four pizzas based on your grill size. Cook them for about 90 seconds.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Flip the pizzas and add sauce, cheese, and toppings immediately after flipping. Cook covered for another five minutes while reducing heat to medium-low.

Step 9: Serve

Remove pizzas from the grill once cooked through and slice them up!

Enjoy these delicious Mini Grilled Pizzas, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Mini Grilled Pizzas

Mini grilled pizzas are a fun and versatile dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Create a Pizza Bar

• Offer an array of toppings so everyone can customize their own mini grilled pizza. Include options like pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and olives.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara. This adds an extra layer of flavor to each bite.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Garnish pizzas with fresh basil or arugula after grilling. These herbs bring freshness and a pop of color that enhances the overall look.

Side Salad Option

• A simple side salad can complement mini grilled pizzas nicely. Consider a Caesar or garden salad for a refreshing crunch.

Serve with Drinks

• Pair mini grilled pizzas with drinks like soda, iced tea, or craft beer. The right beverage can elevate the meal experience.

How to Perfect Mini Grilled Pizzas

Perfecting your mini grilled pizzas involves some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use room-temperature ingredients: Let your cheese and sauce come to room temperature before assembling. This helps them melt evenly on the grill.
• Preheat the grill thoroughly: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the pizzas. A well-heated grill creates that nice charred crust.
• Monitor cooking time closely: Keep an eye on the cooking time; they cook quickly! This prevents burning and ensures a perfect finish.
• Experiment with different flours: Try using whole wheat or gluten-free flour for the dough for unique flavors and textures.
• Don’t overload toppings: Less is more when it comes to toppings. Overloading can lead to soggy pizzas, so stick to a few favorites.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Grilled Pizzas

When serving mini grilled pizzas, consider pairing them with delightful side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread smothered in garlic butter makes for a classic side that pairs well with Italian dishes.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted veggies provides variety and flavor.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a healthy touch.
5. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing brings crunch and flavor that complements the pizza well.
6. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad tossed with olive oil and veggies offers a satisfying side option without being too heavy.
7. Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds brightness and balances the richness of the cheese on the pizzas.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned lightly make for a hearty addition alongside your mini grilled pizzas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Grilled Pizzas can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring dough resting time: Skipping the resting period for the dough can lead to tough pizzas. Always let your dough rest as instructed for a better texture.
• Overloading with toppings: Adding too many toppings can make your pizzas soggy and difficult to grill. Stick to 2-3 toppings for balance.
• Not preheating the grill: A cold grill won’t cook the pizzas evenly. Make sure your grill is hot before placing the pizzas on it.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold cheese or sauce can affect how well they melt and cook. Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Underestimating cooking times: Cooking times vary based on grill heat and pizza thickness. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning or undercooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Mini Grilled Pizzas

• Wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mini Grilled Pizzas

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pizzas on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but note that this may make the crust chewy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Mini Grilled Pizzas from scratch?

To make Mini Grilled Pizzas, start by preparing the dough using flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and water. After resting and shaping, grill individual portions with your favorite sauce and toppings.

Can I use store-bought dough for Mini Grilled Pizzas?

Yes! Store-bought pizza dough can save time. Just roll it out into smaller rounds before grilling.

What are some tasty toppings for Mini Grilled Pizzas?

You can use various toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, or even fresh basil for flavor.

Why are my grilled pizzas sticking to the grill?

If your pizzas stick, ensure that both the grill grates are well-oiled and that you preheat them adequately before adding your pizzas.

Final Thoughts

Mini Grilled Pizzas are not only fun to make but also versatile! You can customize them with your favorite sauces and toppings. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home, these personal-sized delights will surely impress everyone at the table. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!