Grilled Bacon Pizza: A Smoky, Cheesy Delight!
Pizza night just got a whole lot more exciting! Forget delivery and fire up your grill because we’re making Grilled Bacon Pizza. This isn’t your average pizza; the smoky char from the grill perfectly complements the crispy bacon, creating a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. Get ready for a culinary adventure that’s surprisingly easy and undeniably delicious.
## Why Grill Your Pizza?
You might be wondering, “Why grill pizza when I have an oven?” Great question! Grilling pizza offers several advantages:
* **Smoky Flavor:** The grill imparts a smoky flavor that you simply can’t replicate in an oven. This smoky note elevates the pizza to a whole new level of deliciousness.
* **Crispy Crust:** The high heat of the grill cooks the crust quickly, resulting in a crispy, slightly charred exterior that’s irresistible.
* **Outdoor Fun:** Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially during warm weather. It’s a fun and interactive way to involve friends and family in the cooking process.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Grilling pizza is often faster than baking it in the oven, especially if you preheat your grill properly.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the grilling process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Grilled Bacon Pizza:
* **Pizza Dough:** You can use store-bought pizza dough (fresh or frozen, thawed) or make your own. If using frozen dough, make sure to thaw it completely according to the package instructions.
* **Bacon:** Thick-cut bacon is recommended for maximum flavor and texture. You’ll need about 8-12 slices, depending on your preference.
* **Pizza Sauce:** Use your favorite pizza sauce. You can opt for a classic tomato-based sauce or experiment with pesto, white garlic sauce, or even a barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
* **Cheese:** Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for pizza, but you can also add other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or parmesan for extra flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** For brushing the dough and grill grates.
* **Cornmeal or Flour:** To prevent the dough from sticking to the grill.
* **Optional Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Some great additions to grilled bacon pizza include:
* Sliced onions
* Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
* Mushrooms
* Jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
* Pineapple (controversial, but delicious!)
* Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or rosemary)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get grilling! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly grilled bacon pizza:
**1. Prepare the Bacon:**
* Cook the bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
**2. Prepare the Dough:**
* If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to make it easier to stretch. If making your own dough, follow your recipe instructions.
* Lightly flour a clean surface. Gently stretch or roll the dough into a 12-14 inch circle or oval. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; rustic shapes add to the charm of grilled pizza.
**3. Prepare the Grill:**
* Clean your grill grates thoroughly. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). If using a gas grill, preheat with all burners on high, then reduce to medium-high. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for even heat distribution.
* Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
**4. Grill the First Side of the Dough:**
* Carefully place the stretched dough onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is slightly charred and has grill marks. Watch closely to prevent burning.
* Use tongs or a large spatula to carefully flip the dough over. The grilled side should be lightly golden brown and have some nice char marks.
**5. Add the Toppings:**
* Working quickly, brush the grilled side of the dough with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
* Sprinkle mozzarella cheese (and any other cheeses you’re using) over the sauce.
* Top with the cooked bacon and any other desired toppings.
**6. Grill the Pizza with Toppings:**
* Close the grill lid and continue grilling for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bottom crust is cooked through. Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent the bottom from burning.
* If the bottom is cooking too quickly, you can move the pizza to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly.
**7. Remove and Serve:**
* Carefully remove the pizza from the grill using a large spatula or pizza peel. Transfer it to a cutting board.
* Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
## Tips for Grilling Pizza Success
* **Use High-Quality Dough:** The quality of your dough will significantly impact the final result. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, make sure it’s a good quality dough that stretches well and bakes up crispy.
* **Preheat the Grill Properly:** A properly preheated grill is essential for achieving a crispy crust and melting the cheese evenly.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Too many toppings can make the pizza heavy and difficult to cook evenly. Stick to a reasonable amount of toppings.
* **Keep a Close Eye on the Pizza:** Grilling pizza requires constant attention. Keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning, especially on the bottom crust.
* **Use a Pizza Stone (Optional):** If you’re having trouble getting the crust crispy enough, you can place a pizza stone on the grill grates to help distribute the heat more evenly. Preheat the pizza stone along with the grill.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Grilling pizza takes a little practice, but the results are well worth the effort.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Make sure you are using enough cornmeal or flour to prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the peel and the grill. A bit of olive oil on the grill grates helps too!
* **Grill in Stages:** If you’re making a large batch of pizzas, you can grill the crusts ahead of time and then add the toppings and finish grilling just before serving.
## Variations and Customization
The beauty of pizza is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique Grilled Bacon Pizza.
* **BBQ Bacon Pizza:** Use barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce and add grilled chicken or pulled pork for a BBQ-inspired pizza.
* **Spicy Bacon Pizza:** Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the toppings for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Bacon Pizza:** Use vegetarian bacon or tempeh bacon for a meat-free option. Add plenty of vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
* **Pesto Bacon Pizza:** Use pesto instead of pizza sauce and add sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza.
* **White Garlic Bacon Pizza:** Use a white garlic sauce (alfredo sauce) instead of pizza sauce and add spinach and artichoke hearts.
## Serving Suggestions
Grilled Bacon Pizza is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich pizza.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Grill some vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to serve alongside the pizza.
* **Beer or Wine:** A cold beer or a glass of red wine pairs perfectly with grilled pizza.
* **Dessert:** Finish off your meal with a scoop of ice cream, a slice of pie, or some grilled fruit.
## Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning to make Grilled Bacon Pizza for a party or gathering, here are some make-ahead tips to save time:
* **Prepare the Bacon:** Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Dough:** You can make the pizza dough a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching it.
* **Chop the Toppings:** Chop all the vegetables and other toppings ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Sauce:** You can make the pizza sauce a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
By preparing some of the ingredients ahead of time, you can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen on the day of your event.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Grill (gas or charcoal)
* Tongs or a large spatula
* Pizza peel (optional)
* Cutting board
* Pizza cutter or knife
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
* Calories: 350-450 per slice
* Fat: 15-25 grams per slice
* Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams per slice
* Cholesterol: 30-50 mg per slice
* Sodium: 500-700 mg per slice
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per slice
* Fiber: 2-4 grams per slice
* Protein: 15-20 grams per slice
## Grilling Safety Tips
* **Never leave a lit grill unattended.** Always keep a close eye on the grill while it’s in use.
* **Keep children and pets away from the grill.** The grill is hot and can cause serious burns.
* **Use caution when handling hot items.** Wear oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot grates, pizza stones, or cooking utensils.
* **Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby.** In case of a grease fire, be prepared to extinguish it quickly.
* **Grill in a well-ventilated area.** Never grill indoors or in an enclosed space.
* **Clean the grill regularly.** A clean grill is a safe grill. Remove grease and debris regularly to prevent flare-ups.
* **Dispose of ashes properly.** If using a charcoal grill, allow the ashes to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
## Final Thoughts
Grilled Bacon Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky flavor, crispy crust, and delicious toppings, it’s a pizza experience you won’t want to miss. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy the best pizza you’ve ever made! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own signature Grilled Bacon Pizza. Happy grilling!