How to Grill Pizza: Stone or Grates? Tips & Tricks

Grilling pizza brings a smoky twist to a classic favorite, making it a standout dish for any outdoor meal. In this guide, we’ll dive into how to grill pizza like a pro using two fantastic methods: a pizza stone or grill grates. First, both techniques rely on a closed lid to create convection heat, ensuring a charred, golden crust and bubbly toppings. As a result, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality pizza right in your backyard. Plus, we’ve packed this article with tips to avoid soggy crusts and boost your grilling game, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook.

Master the art of grilling pizza with these expert methods.

Why Grill Pizza Outdoors?

Before diving into the process, let’s explore why grilling pizza is so special. First, it delivers a crispy, charred crust that’s tough to replicate indoors. Next, it turns cooking into a fun outdoor activity, perfect for gatherings. For example, picture yourself impressing friends with smoky, flavorful pies hot off the grill. Additionally, whether you choose a pizza stone or grill grates, the texture beats a standard oven-baked pizza every time. Consequently, grilling elevates both flavor and experience.

How to Set Up Your Grill for Grilling Pizza

To kick things off, setting up your grill properly is essential. Start by cleaning the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Then, confirm your grill has a lid—convection heat is key for even cooking. Next, choose between a pizza stone or grill grates. For instance, a stone mimics an oven’s steady heat, while grates add those iconic grill marks. Either way, a solid setup ensures your pizza turns out perfectly every time.

How to Grill Pizza with a Pizza Stone

Using a pizza stone is a go-to method for many grill enthusiasts. Here’s how to nail it:

1. Preheat Properly: First, place your stone on the grates and heat the grill to 500–550°F. This prevents cracking and ensures even cooking.
2. Prep Ingredients: While it heats, roll out your dough and gather toppings. For example, pre-cook veggies like peppers to keep moisture low.
3. Test the Heat: Next, sprinkle cornmeal on the stone. If it smolders, you’ve hit 550°F. Otherwise, tweak the heat and try again.
4. Launch It: Then, slide your pizza onto the stone using a metal peel—beginners find it easier to handle.
5. Cook and Serve: Finally, close the lid and cook for 3–5 minutes for thin crusts or 6–8 for thick ones. Then, pull it off and dig in!

With a stone, you’ll get an evenly cooked pizza with a crisp base. Plus, explore our Pizza Dough Recipes for extra inspiration.

How to Grill Pizza on Grill Grates

Cooking directly on grill grates brings a bold, smoky kick. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Heat the Grill: First, preheat to 425–450°F for consistent heat across the grates.
2. Prep Dough: Next, brush one side with olive oil. Then, place it oiled-side down on the grates.
3. Cook One Side: Grill for 1½ minutes for thin crusts or 3–5 for thick ones. Afterward, flip it with tongs and a spatula.
4. Add Toppings: Then, lightly top the cooked side to maintain that crisp texture.
5. Finish Up: Finally, return it to the grill, raw side down, for the same time. Then, serve it hot!

This method works great with frozen or homemade dough, making it a quick option for busy nights.

How to Keep Your Pizza Crust Crispy on the Grill

A soggy crust can spoil your masterpiece. Here’s how to keep it crisp:

• Pre-cook Veggies: First, cook moist items like peppers to keep the dough dry.
• Use Cornmeal: Next, sprinkle cornmeal on the stone or grates to stop sticking and soak up moisture.
• Go Light: Finally, use fewer toppings—too many can weigh down the crust.

Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy a crunchy, delicious base every time.

How to Choose the Right Dough for Grilling Pizza

Your dough choice can make or break your grilled pizza. First, thin dough is ideal—it cooks fast and stays crisp. For instance, Neapolitan-style dough shines on a pizza stone. However, if you crave a chewier bite, thicker dough works well on grates. Next, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping for easier handling. Then, roll it out evenly to about 12-14 inches. Finally, avoid overworking it to keep the texture light.

Need a recipe? Our Naples Pizza Dough is simple and grills like a dream.

Mastering Grill Heat for Perfect Pizzas

Getting the heat right is critical when learning how to grill pizza. Start by knowing your grill—gas heats up fast, while charcoal adds deeper flavor. Then, target the right temperature: 500–550°F for stones, 425–450°F for grates. Next, check the stone or grates with a thermometer. For example, too much heat burns the crust before toppings melt, while too little leaves it soft. Therefore, adjust as needed. Finally, keep the lid closed to trap heat and cook evenly.

With practice, you’ll master the heat for flawless results every time.

Pizza Cook Times for Grilling Success

Timing varies by method and crust thickness. Here’s a quick reference table:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Pizza

Mistakes happen, but they’re easy to dodge. Here are some pitfalls to skip:

1. Not Preheating: First, skipping the preheat leads to uneven cooking. Always warm up your grill and stone fully.
2. Too Much Sauce: Next, excess sauce sogs up the crust. Instead, apply it sparingly.
3. Overloading Toppings: Then, piling on too much weighs it down. Keep it light for even cooking.
4. Skipping Oil: Additionally, forgetting to oil the grates causes sticking. Brush them first.
5. Ignoring Heat: Finally, temps can shift, so monitor and adjust to avoid burns or mushy crusts.

When learning how to grill pizza, it’s easy to make mistakes—here’s what to avoid.

Avoid these, and you’re set for pizza perfection.

Final Thoughts on How to Grill Pizza

Mastering how to grill pizza is easier than you think with these steps. First, pick your method—stone or grates. Then, manage heat and toppings with care. Next, practice to hone your skills. Finally, savor pro-level pizza at home. For more ideas, check out our Grilling Tips or visit Pizza Oven Care. We’d love to hear how it goes—drop your grilling stories in the comments below!