Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-crusted pizza with bubbling cheese and perfectly charred edges that transport you straight to the streets of Naples. Our Brick Oven Grilled Pizza recipe is about to revolutionize your home cooking game, turning your kitchen into a gourmet pizzeria with just a few simple steps. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a pizza so authentic, they'll swear you've been secretly training in Italy!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 2 cups pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your brick oven to a temperature of around 700°F (370°C). This high heat is essential for achieving that perfect crispy crust.
- While the oven is heating, prepare your pizza dough. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it easier to stretch. If you're making your own dough, ensure it has risen properly before starting.
- Once the dough is ready, lightly flour a clean surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions for your two pizzas.
- Using your hands or a rolling pin, stretch or roll out each portion of dough into a round shape, approximately 10-12 inches in diameter. Aim for a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
- Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or a flat baking sheet lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
- Brush a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of each pizza dough. This will help create a nice golden crust and prevent the sauce from making the dough soggy.
- Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over each pizza, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each pizza, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese, distributing it evenly across each pizza.
- Carefully slide the pizza from the peel into the preheated brick oven. Cook each pizza for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the pizzas from the oven using the pizza peel. Let them cool for a minute before garnishing with the chopped fresh basil.
- Slice the pizzas into wedges and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade brick oven grilled pizza!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your brick oven is blazing hot (around 700°F) before sliding in your pizza. This high heat creates the signature crispy crust and quick cooking time.
- Dough Preparation Matters: Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before stretching. This makes the dough more pliable and easier to shape.
- Don't Overload Your Pizza: Less is more! Too many toppings can make your crust soggy and prevent even cooking.
- Use a Pizza Peel: A pizza peel helps you easily transfer the pizza into the hot oven and prevents burning your hands.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh mozzarella and freshly chopped basil for the most vibrant flavors.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pizza to cool for a minute after cooking. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.
- Experiment with Toppings: Once you've mastered this basic recipe, try different cheese blends, meats, and vegetable combinations to create your signature pizza!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
