If you are looking for a delightful way to enjoy homemade pizza with a nutritious twist, this Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe is just what you need. Combining the hearty flavor and wholesome texture of whole wheat with the smoky charm that only a grill can provide, it creates an effortlessly impressive meal that feels both rustic and refined. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your pizza nights while keeping things simple and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe lies in its few but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out the best in your pizza dough. Simple pantry staples combine to create a dough that is flavorful, slightly chewy, and perfectly griddled for that signature taste and texture.
- 1.5 cups of whole wheat flour: The star ingredient that gives the dough its nutty flavor and hearty texture.
- 3/4 cup of warm water: Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together while ensuring it is tender.
- 1.5 tsp of rapid rise yeast: Essential for quick and effective dough rising, speeding up your pizza prep time.
- 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning: Adds a delightful herbal aroma that complements the whole wheat perfectly.
How to Make Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Knead the Dough
Start by combining the whole wheat flour, warm water, rapid rise yeast, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Knead the ingredients together until you have a smooth, elastic dough. This step is key to developing the gluten structure that gives your pizza a great bite.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with saran wrap and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This short rest allows the yeast to work its magic and the dough to relax, making it easier to stretch and roll out.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
While your dough is resting, heat your grill to medium-high. Having the grill hot and ready ensures your pizza cooks quickly and gains that perfect smoky char without drying out.
Step 4: Oil the Grill Grates
To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates lightly with oil. This little extra step means your dough will lift off easily and have beautiful, appetizing grill marks.
Step 5: Roll Out and Place Dough
Roll your dough out to the desired size and gently place it directly onto the oiled grill grates. This is where the magic begins—your crust will start crisping up with those iconic grill lines.
Step 6: Grill the Dough
Close the grill lid and cook the dough for about 2 minutes. Then check to see if it is puffing up and if grill marks are forming underneath. If not quite ready, keep cooking and check every minute until it looks right.
Step 7: Remove and Add Toppings
Once the dough is puffed and has grill marks, take it off the grill. Add your favorite toppings on the side that was grilling—this ensures the smoky flavor infuses right where it’s needed most.
Step 8: Return to Grill and Cook
Place the topped pizza back on the grill. Keep an eye on it, rotating and adjusting the heat as needed, for about 6 minutes or until your cheese melts perfectly and everything is heated through without burning.
How to Serve Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can elevate your Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe to restaurant-quality elegance. They add freshness, a pop of color, and a burst of flavor that perfectly balances the grilled crust.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple antipasto platter makes excellent companions to the rustic charm of grilled whole wheat pizza. They bring bright, refreshing contrast to the hearty, smoky slices on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your pizza into smaller, shareable pieces for a casual pizza party vibe or stack slices alongside colorful roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal display. Using wooden boards or cast iron skillets adds to the rustic appeal and makes serving even more fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from becoming soggy, separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices keep well for up to 2 months, ready to be enjoyed whenever pizza cravings hit.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your leftover Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe in a hot skillet over medium heat or on the grill for a couple of minutes. This restores the crispness of the crust and warms the toppings without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Absolutely, but using whole wheat flour gives this pizza its distinct nutty flavor and hearty texture. All-purpose flour will result in a softer, lighter crust, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
Do I need a special grill to make this pizza?
Any standard grill, whether gas or charcoal, works perfectly. Just ensure it can maintain medium-high heat and that the grates can be oiled to prevent sticking.
What toppings work best with this grilled pizza?
Classic toppings like mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, mushrooms, and olives shine on this crust, but don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorites, from spicy sausage to caramelized onions.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and grilling.
How do I know when the dough is ready on the grill?
The underside should have noticeable grill marks and the dough will puff slightly. This indicates it is cooked through enough to flip or add toppings without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe is like inviting a slice of cozy, flavorful happiness into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, uses wholesome ingredients, and delivers that irresistible grilled charm that can transform any meal into a celebration. So go ahead, fire up your grill, and enjoy pizza night in a way that’s both satisfying and deliciously different.
Print
Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 pizzas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe guides you through making a delicious whole wheat grilled pizza with a simple homemade dough. Utilizing quick-rise yeast and Italian seasoning, the dough is kneaded and rested before being grilled to perfection. The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor and crisp texture while the cheese melts beautifully on top, creating a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1.5 cups of whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup of warm water
- 1.5 tsp of rapid rise yeast
- 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Kneading the Dough: Combine the whole wheat flour, warm water, rapid rise yeast, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Knead the mixture thoroughly until you form a smooth and elastic dough, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Resting the Dough: Cover the dough with saran wrap or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and the dough to rise slightly, making it easier to work with and enhancing the texture.
- Preparing the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is crucial for getting the right balance of cooking the dough quickly while preventing burning.
- Oiling the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the dough from sticking. You can use a brush or a paper towel dipped in oil for this step.
- Grilling the Dough: Roll out your dough to the desired pizza size and lay it carefully onto the oiled grill grates. Close the grill lid and let it cook for approximately 2 minutes to develop grill marks and begin the cooking process.
- Checking the Dough: After 2 minutes, peek at the dough. It should be puffing up with slight grill marks on the underside. If not fully cooked yet, close the lid and check every minute until these signs appear, avoiding overcooking.
- Adding Toppings: Once the dough has puffed up and grill marks are evident on the bottom, remove the pizza from the grill. Add your toppings on the side with grill marks (the side that was facing the flame) for the best flavor and texture.
- Final Grilling with Toppings: Place the topped pizza back on the grill. Cook with the lid closed, monitoring every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning and shuffle the pizza as needed. Depending on your grill’s heat, you may need to reduce the temperature. The cheese should melt after about 6 minutes, for a total cook time of 8-9 minutes including the initial grilling.
Notes
- Make sure the grill grates are well oiled to prevent dough sticking and tearing.
- Keep an eye on the pizza during the final grilling phase to avoid burning the crust or toppings.
- Feel free to customize toppings according to your preference, but avoid overly watery ingredients that can make the dough soggy.
- Using rapid rise yeast speeds up the dough preparation, making this a quick grilled pizza option.
