Blackstone pizza is a fantastic alternative for pizza lovers who enjoy cooking outdoors. Imagine a delicious, crispy, golden crust, bubbling cheese, and a variety of toppings, all prepared right on your flat-top griddle. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or crafting it from scratch, the results are nothing short of pizzeria-quality. With this method, you can achieve the perfect pizza in less time, without ever turning on your oven. It’s not only quick but also fun and fully customizable, making it an ideal option for family gatherings, camping trips, or pizza nights.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy and Chewy Crust: The high heat of the Blackstone griddle ensures your pizza has a crisp bottom with a soft, chewy interior.
- Fast Cooking: The griddle cooks your pizza quickly, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
- No Oven Required: This technique is perfect for warm weather, outdoor cooking, or camping, where traditional ovens aren’t available.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and sauces to make each pizza uniquely yours.
- Family Fun: A great way to involve the whole family or friends in a creative cooking experience.
- Multiple Pizzas at Once: The large griddle surface makes it easy to prepare several pizzas at the same time, great for feeding a crowd.
- Budget-Friendly: Homemade pizzas are an affordable option compared to takeout or dining out.
- Works with Both Homemade and Store-Bought Dough: You have the flexibility to use your favorite dough, whether it’s from the store or made from scratch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a pizza night, party, or casual backyard gathering, Blackstone pizza fits right in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (either homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil for greasing the griddle and hands
- Pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, sausage, etc.)
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Cornmeal or flour (optional, for stretching the dough)
Directions
- Preheat the Griddle: Begin by heating your Blackstone griddle to medium heat. This ensures it’s hot enough to create that crispy crust you’re after.
- Prepare the Griddle: Lightly oil both the surface of the griddle and your hands. This will prevent the dough from sticking and ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Shape the Dough: Stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a thin, even circle or oval. If you prefer, you can use cornmeal or flour to help with the stretching process.
- Cook the Dough: Place the dough directly onto the hot griddle. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the dough turns golden and you begin to see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the Dough: Once the dough has browned and is slightly puffed, flip it over. Quickly brush the cooked side with a small amount of olive oil to help enhance the flavor and prevent dryness.
- Add Toppings: Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the cooked side of the dough. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by your chosen toppings, whether it’s veggies, meats, or something else.
- Melt the Cheese: To help the cheese melt evenly, cover the pizza with a large metal bowl or a griddle dome lid. Allow the pizza to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the crust is nice and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese has melted and the pizza has reached your desired crispiness, remove it from the griddle, slice it up, and serve while it’s still hot and delicious.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 (this makes either 2 small pizzas or 1 large pizza)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations to Try
- White Pizza: Skip the sauce and go for a garlic butter base, topped with ricotta and mozzarella for a creamy treat.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Replace the traditional pizza sauce with barbecue sauce, and top with cooked chicken, red onions, and fresh cilantro for a tangy twist.
- Fresh Pesto Pizza: For a fresh take, use pesto as the base, then top with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
- Flatbread Shortcut: In a hurry? Use naan or flatbread for a quick and easy pizza base.
- Breakfast Pizza: Transform your pizza into a morning treat by adding scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats for a savory start to your day.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is perfect if you have extra pizza after a large meal.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the slices back on the Blackstone or in a skillet over medium heat. This will help preserve the crispy crust. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. If you want to keep your leftover pizza for a longer period, you can freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Blackstone Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- as desired toppings pepperoni, vegetables, sausage, etc.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- as needed cornmeal or flour for stretching dough
Instructions
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat (around 375–400°F).
- Lightly oil the griddle surface and your hands to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Stretch or roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a thin circle or oval.
- Place the dough directly onto the hot griddle and cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden and bubbles begin to form on top.
- Flip the dough and brush the cooked side lightly with olive oil.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the cooked side, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
- Cover the pizza with a large metal bowl or dome lid to help the cheese melt. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the crust is crispy.
- Remove the pizza from the griddle, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of dough is best for Blackstone pizza? You can use any type of pizza dough—whether it’s homemade, store-bought, or pre-made crusts like naan or flatbread. The high heat of the griddle will crisp up any dough you choose.
Can I use a pizza stone on the Blackstone griddle? Using a pizza stone isn’t necessary on the Blackstone, as the griddle surface itself mimics the crispness of a pizza stone. The flat griddle provides a similar texture without the need for additional tools.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly? To help the cheese melt evenly, use a large metal bowl or a griddle dome lid. The lid traps heat, creating an oven-like environment that allows the cheese to melt smoothly.
Do I need to oil the griddle before cooking? Yes, lightly oiling the griddle surface before cooking helps to prevent the dough from sticking and also promotes a golden, crispy bottom.
Can I cook frozen pizza on a Blackstone griddle? Yes, you can cook frozen pizza, but it’s best to defrost it first. When reheating, do so on a lower heat to avoid burning the crust. A slower, gentler approach will help ensure the pizza cooks through without charring.
What’s the ideal temperature for cooking pizza on a Blackstone? For optimal cooking, the griddle should be set to medium heat (around 375-400°F). This temperature ensures the crust crisps up nicely while allowing the cheese to melt evenly.
Can I make deep-dish pizza on the Blackstone? For deep-dish pizza, it’s best to use a cast iron skillet placed directly on the griddle surface. The skillet will help contain the thick crust and filling as it cooks, preventing it from spreading out too much.
How can I tell when the pizza is done? The pizza is done when the bottom is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. You can also lift the pizza slightly to check the crust’s crispiness underneath.
Should I flip the dough before adding toppings? Yes, flipping the dough ensures that both sides are properly cooked. This prevents sogginess under the toppings and gives the crust an even texture.
Can I make multiple pizzas at once? Absolutely! The Blackstone griddle has a large surface area, which allows you to cook several pizzas simultaneously, making it perfect for group meals or large gatherings.
Conclusion
Blackstone pizza is a must-try for anyone who loves to experiment with outdoor cooking and enjoy pizza with a perfectly crispy crust. The method offers a fun, fast, and versatile way to create delicious homemade pizzas without using an oven. Whether you’re trying out new toppings, cooking for a crowd, or simply enjoying pizza night with family and friends, this griddle pizza recipe is sure to impress. So, fire up the Blackstone and start creating your custom pizza masterpiece—your next backyard gathering just got a whole lot tastier.
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