Grilled Margherita Pizza

Grilled Margherita Pizza takes the beloved Italian classic to the next level, delivering a smoky, charred crust and bold, fresh flavors. By cooking directly on the grill, this pizza achieves the perfect balance of crispiness and chew, making it a must-try for pizza lovers.

Why Grilled Pizza?

Unlike traditional oven-baked pizza, grilling intensifies the flavors of each ingredient while creating a perfectly blistered crust. A pizza grill rack ensures even cooking, allowing the dough to char beautifully while staying tender inside. The high heat, reaching around 500°F (260°C), mimics a wood-fired oven, caramelizing the cherry tomatoes and melting the mozzarella into a rich, bubbly layer.

A Flavorful Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Base

Instead of a traditional tomato sauce, this Margherita pizza starts with a garlic-infused olive oil. Gently sautéing minced garlic in extra virgin olive oil enhances its natural sweetness without bitterness, creating a flavorful foundation that soaks into the crust, adding depth to every bite.

Simple, High-Quality Ingredients Shine

The best Margherita pizzas highlight fresh, vibrant ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes – Halved and scattered for bursts of natural sweetness
• Fresh mozzarella – Melts into a creamy, gooey topping with a hint of caramelization
• Fresh basil leaves – Added just after grilling, releasing aromatic oils
• Garlic-infused olive oil – Drizzled on top for extra richness
• A sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper – Ties the flavors together

How to Grill the Perfect Margherita Pizza

1. Prepare the dough – Roll out your homemade or store-bought pizza dough to your desired thickness. Brush one side with garlic-infused olive oil.
2. Grill the dough – Place the oiled side directly onto a preheated pizza grill rack and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
3. Assemble the toppings – Flip the dough, then top with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella slices.
4. Finish grilling – Cover the grill and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
5. Add final touches – Remove from the grill and top with fresh basil, a drizzle of garlic olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Whether it’s summer barbecues, outdoor gatherings, or a cozy homemade pizza night, this Grilled Margherita Pizza delivers a gourmet experience with minimal effort. Pair it with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti for an authentic Italian experience. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes the perfect side, cutting through the richness of the cheese. The recipe scales easily for crowds—just prepare multiple dough portions and let guests customize their toppings. Once you master the basic technique, experiment with seasonal vegetables, different cheeses, or even dessert variations with fruit and mascarpone. This versatile cooking method will change the way you think about homemade pizza.

Grilled Margherita Pizza

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Grilled Margherita Pizza features a garlic-infused olive oil base, fresh cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, cooked over a grill for a crispy, slightly charred crust. Topped with fresh basil after grilling, this pizza offers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough, store bought or homemade

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 8-10 leaves of fresh basil

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Prepare the Garlic-Infused Olive Oil:
  Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat and add the minced garlic. Let it gently infuse for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally—be careful not to brown the garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Preheat the Grill:
  Preheat your grill to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza grill rack on the grill grates to preheat as well.
• Prepare the Dough:
  Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Brush one side with half of the garlic-infused olive oil.
• Grill the Dough:
  Carefully place the oiled side of the dough onto the preheated grill or pizza rack. Grill for 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops char marks and becomes slightly crisp. Brush the top side of the dough with the remaining garlic oil, then flip it over.
• Add Toppings and Grill Again:
  Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the pizza. Layer on fresh mozzarella slices to allow them to melt over the tomatoes. Cover the grill and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
• Finish with Fresh Basil and Seasoning:
  Remove the pizza from the grill and immediately add fresh basil leaves so they wilt slightly from the residual heat. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
• Slice and Serve:
  Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, smoky Grilled Margherita Pizza with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze, if desired.

SUGGESTED RECIPE: Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pizza

If you love bold flavors and crispy textures, this Brussels Sprouts & Parmesan Pizza is a game-changer. Shaved Brussels sprouts crisp up beautifully in the high heat, creating a slightly charred, nutty bite that pairs perfectly with the rich, salty depth of Parmesan. A garlic-infused olive oil base keeps things simple yet flavorful, allowing the roasted sprouts and golden cheese to shine. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness, and you’ve got a gourmet-style pizza that’s as satisfying as it is unexpected. Perfect for pizza night with a twist!