Grilled Veggie Pizza is a fresh, flavorful, and fun twist on traditional pizza. By grilling the pizza crust and toppings, you infuse the vegetables with a smoky flavor and create a crispy, charred crust that’s full of character. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of savory flavors, while the melted mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce tie everything together. This is a perfect recipe for a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner when you want to enjoy a lighter, vegetable-packed pizza with a unique grilled flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, ensure it’s preheated for about 10 minutes, or if you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down to a medium heat.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Toss the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the vegetables in a grill basket or directly on the grill (you can also skewer them for easy handling). Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Grill the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape. Brush one side with olive oil, then place the dough on the preheated grill, oil side down. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and has nice grill marks. Flip the dough over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Pizza: Once the dough is lightly grilled on both sides, remove it from the grill and place it on a flat surface. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the grilled side of the dough. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, then add the grilled vegetables on top.
- Finish Grilling: Return the assembled pizza to the grill, cover with the lid, and grill for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is crisp. Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure the bottom doesn’t burn.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the grill and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Grilled Veggie Pizza is a delicious, lighter alternative to traditional pizza that’s bursting with fresh flavors. Serve it as a main course for dinner, or cut it into smaller slices as a party appetizer. Either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!