How To Bbq Pizza On A Gas Grill
Grilling pizza on a gas grill brings the perfect balance of crispy crust, smoky flavor, and bubbling cheese — just like a wood-fired oven, but right in your backyard. With proper heat control and a few simple tools, your gas grill can become the ultimate outdoor pizza oven.
1. What You’ll Need
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Gas grill | Main cooking surface |
| Pizza stone or baking steel | Ensures even heat and crisp crust |
| Pizza peel or flat tray | To move pizza on/off the grill |
| Tongs or spatula | For handling ingredients |
| Cornmeal or semolina | Prevents sticking |
| Olive oil & brush | Adds flavor and prevents burning |
A gas grill from Top Grill Outdoor offers the even flame distribution and temperature precision you need for perfect pizza cooking every time.
2. Preheat the Gas Grill
Set your grill to high heat (450–500°F / 230–260°C).
Close the lid and preheat for 15 minutes to get the grates and pizza stone evenly hot.
If using a pizza stone, place it on the grates while preheating so it heats up gradually — sudden heat can crack it.
Aim for a stone temperature around 475°F for thin-crust pizza.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough
For Homemade Dough:
Stretch or roll out your dough on a floured surface into a 10–12-inch circle.
Brush one side lightly with olive oil.
Dust your pizza peel or tray with cornmeal before transferring the dough — this prevents sticking.
For Store-Bought Dough:
Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.
Do not overload it with toppings; lighter pizzas cook more evenly on the grill.
4. Pre-Grill the Crust (Optional for Extra Crispiness)
This step helps firm the base before adding toppings:
Oil the grates lightly.
Place the dough directly on the grill (oiled side down).
Grill for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form and light char marks appear.
Remove and flip it over — the grilled side becomes the bottom for your toppings.
If using a pizza stone, you can skip pre-grilling and build your pizza directly on the peel.
5. Add the Toppings
Keep it balanced — too much moisture will make the crust soggy.
Classic Setup:
Base sauce: Tomato, olive oil, or white garlic sauce.
Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone.
Toppings: Pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, or fresh basil.
Brush the edge of the crust with a little olive oil for that golden finish.
Top Grill Outdoor’s precise temperature control helps melt cheese evenly without burning the crust.
6. Grill the Pizza
If Using a Pizza Stone:
Slide the topped pizza onto the preheated stone.
Close the lid and grill for 6–10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
If Grilling Directly on the Grates:
Transfer the pizza carefully to the grill.
Close the lid and cook for 4–6 minutes.
Rotate halfway through for even browning.
Keep the lid closed as much as possible — it traps heat like an oven and ensures even cooking.
7. Check for Doneness
Your pizza is ready when:
The crust is crisp and browned on the edges.
Cheese is melted and bubbling.
The bottom is firm but not burnt (use tongs to peek underneath).
If the bottom cooks faster than the toppings, lower the heat slightly or move the pizza to an indirect-heat zone.
8. Remove and Serve
Use your pizza peel to lift the pizza off the grill.
Let it rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing — this helps the cheese set.
Cut and serve immediately.
Optional Finishes:
Drizzle olive oil or balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or arugula.
Add grated parmesan for extra flavor.
A large cooking surface like that of Top Grill Outdoor gas grills allows you to make multiple pizzas at once — perfect for family gatherings or BBQ parties.
9. Cleaning and Maintenance
After the grill cools down:
Brush off any crumbs or cheese from the grates.
If you used a stone, let it cool completely before wiping with a dry cloth.
Avoid using water or soap on the stone — it can crack under heat next time.
Regular cleaning keeps your gas grill efficient and smoke-free for your next outdoor cookout.
✅ Summary
| Step | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat grill to 475–500°F | 15 minutes |
| 2 | Prepare dough & toppings | 10–15 minutes |
| 3 | Pre-grill crust (optional) | 2 minutes |
| 4 | Add toppings & grill | 6–10 minutes |
| 5 | Rest & serve | 2 minutes |
Final Thoughts
Grilling pizza on a gas grill combines the smoky flavor of BBQ with the crispness of a brick-oven crust — all achievable in under 20 minutes.
With Top Grill Outdoor gas grills, you get consistent flame output, superior temperature control, and spacious cooking surfaces — ensuring every pizza turns out golden, crispy, and delicious.
Explore premium gas grill options at www.topgrilloutdoor.com — where outdoor cooking meets professional performance.