Perfect Pizza on a Kamado Grill
Cooking pizza in a Kamado grill can be a fun and delicious experience for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. The high heat of the grill combined with the wood-fired flavor creates a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy crust and melted toppings. In this article, we will discuss how to cook a pizza in a Kamado grill step by step.
Step 1: Preheat the grill
The first step is to preheat your Kamado grill to a high temperature. You want the grill to reach at least 700°F, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size of your grill. Make sure you use high-quality charcoal or wood chunks to get the grill up to temperature quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the dough and toppings
While the grill is heating up, prepare your pizza dough and toppings. Roll out your pizza dough into a circle that will fit on your pizza stone or pizza pan. Brush the dough with olive oil and add your favorite toppings. Be sure to keep the toppings light, as too many toppings can weigh down the pizza and prevent it from cooking properly.
Notes on Cheese:
When it comes to pizza, the cheese is just as important as the crust and toppings. Choosing the right cheese can make or break a pizza, and different types of cheese will yield different results.
Traditionally, pizza is made with mozzarella cheese, which has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and melts beautifully. You can use fresh or shredded mozzarella, but fresh mozzarella is preferred by many pizza aficionados for its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Other popular cheese options for pizza include provolone, cheddar, Parmesan, and even blue cheese. Each cheese will give your pizza a unique flavor and texture, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
When cooking pizza in a Kamado grill, it's important to use a cheese that melts easily and evenly. This will ensure that your cheese is melted and bubbly without burning or becoming rubbery.
If you're a fan of a more decadent pizza, consider adding some ricotta cheese to your toppings. This cheese will add a creamy texture to your pizza, and pairs well with vegetables and meats.
Step 3: Set up the grill for indirect cooking
Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to set it up for indirect cooking. This means that the pizza stone or pan will be placed on the grill grate, and the heat source will be off to the side of the pizza. This allows the pizza to cook evenly without burning.
Step 4: Place the pizza on the stone or pan
Carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto the pizza stone or pan using a pizza peel. Be sure to place the pizza in the center of the stone or pan, leaving a little space around the edges for air circulation.
Step 5: Close the lid and cook the pizza
Once the pizza is on the stone or pan, close the lid of the grill and let the pizza cook for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure that it doesn’t burn. You can use a pizza peel to rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Check the pizza for doneness
After 8-10 minutes, check the pizza for doneness. The crust should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the pizza needs more time, close the lid and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Remove the pizza from the grill
Once the pizza is done, use a pizza peel to carefully remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking pizza in a Kamado grill can be a fun and flavorful experience. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy crust and melted toppings. Be sure to experiment with different toppings and crusts to find your perfect pizza combination. Happy grilling!
