Grilled Garden-fresh Pizza

By davidv

Whenever I get asked what my favorite thing to grill is, I frequently answer "pizza". A typical grill, whether gas or charcoal, produces the perfect kind of intense dry heat that you need for a great pizza. Grilled pizzas are far better than any delivery because you can make a delicious pie without the grease usually associated with pizza joints. So make a healthier and better pizza by grilling it!

Fresh pizza dough is sold in the refrigerator case or freezer and comes in several flavors. I like the original for my pizzas, but the whole-wheat variety makes a tasty pie as well.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz.) refrigerated or frozen fresh pizza dough
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes, any variety or color
• 1/2 cup green peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/4 cup pepperoni (optional)
• 1 small ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 4 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• 3 Tbsp. good quality balsamic vinegar (optional)

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from qvc.com

Preparation

Step 1

If using frozen pizza dough, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Flour work surface and lightly dust ball of dough with flour. Roll out enough pizza dough to form a round, 12-inch pizza.
Brush grill grate with olive oil. Brush dough with olive oil and carefully place oiled side of pizza dough on a hot grill. The dough will begin to puff almost immediately. When the bottom crust has lightly browned, turn the dough over using two spatulas. Working quickly, brush oil over crust, and then spoon tomato sauce on top. Top with minced garlic.

Arrange chopped tomatoes, onions, and green peppers over crust. Lay slices of mozzarella cheese around pizza; sprinkle with fresh basil.

Close the lid, and cook until the cheese melts. Remove from grill, and set aside to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle pizza with balsamic vinegar (optional). Use pizza wheel to cut thick slices. Serve warm.