Mastering Outdoor Cooking with a Pizza Stone on the Grill
Mastering Outdoor Cooking with a Pizza Stone on the Grill
As we look forward to spring and getting outside more, it's time to clean up the grill and prepare for another outdoor cooking season. While grilling burgers and steaks might be your go-to, using a pizza stone on the grill is a game-changer for making crispy, restaurant-quality pizzas right in your backyard. Not only does a pizza stone transform your grill into an outdoor pizza oven, it also allows for baking bread, roasting vegetables, and more. Here’s how to prepare for outdoor cooking this spring and make the most of your pizza stone on the grill.
Why Use a Pizza Stone on the Grill?
Our soapstone pizza stone is a thick, heat-retaining slab that evenly distributes heat, eliminates hot spots, and absorbs excess moisture from the dough, ensuring a perfectly crisp crust. When used on a grill, it mimics the effects of a traditional wood-fired pizza oven by creating intense, even heat that bakes the pizza quickly and evenly.
· Crispier Crust: The stone absorbs the dough’s moisture, preventing a soggy bottom.
· Even Heat Distribution: Avoids burnt spots and ensures a consistent cook.
· Higher Temperatures: A grill can reach higher temperatures than your indoor oven, giving pizzas that authentic, charred crust.
· Versatility: Use it for flatbreads, calzones, or even roasting vegetables.
Preparing Your Grill for Outdoor Cooking
Before you fire up the grill, it’s important to make sure everything is clean and in working order. Here are a few steps to get your outdoor cooking station ready for spring:
1. Deep Clean the Grill: Remove any leftover ash, grease, or food residue from the previous season. Scrub the grates and check the burners (for gas grills) to ensure they’re functioning properly.
2. Collect Your Tools: Keep your tongs, grill brush, pizza peel, and thermometers in one place, so it’s easy to cook outside whenever it gets warmer!
3. Stock Up on Fuel: Whether you use charcoal, wood, or propane, ensure you have enough to last a few cooking sessions.
4. Preheat Your Grill Properly: For the best results with a pizza stone, allow your grill to preheat for at least 30 minutes before placing food on it.
How to Use a Pizza Stone on the Grill
1. Preheat the Pizza Stone
Place the pizza stone on the grill before turning on the heat. Preheat the stone along with the grill to 500-600°F for at least 30 minutes: you want the pizza stone itself to be over 400°, which will take more time than just the grill's temperature.
2. Prepare Your Pizza
While the stone is heating, roll out your dough and add your toppings. Then, use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to transfer the pizza onto the hot stone smoothly.
3. Cook with the Lid Closed
Once the pizza is on the stone, close the grill lid to trap heat and mimic an oven. Cook for about 7-10 minutes. Because the stone and grill are hotter than your indoor oven, the actual cooking will take less time, even though preheating was longer.
4. Remove and Serve Your Pizza
Using your pizza peel, carefully remove the pizza from the hot stone. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Springtime Outdoor Cooking Ideas
With warm weather arriving, now is the perfect time to experiment with other outdoor-friendly dishes using your pizza stone:
· Grilled Flatbreads: Top with olive oil, herbs, and cheese for an easy appetizer.
· Roasted Vegetables: Toss peppers, onions, and zucchini on the stone for even caramelization. Now is also a good time to think about what veggies to plan in your garden so you can throw them on the grill!
· Dessert Pizzas: Try Nutella and strawberries or cinnamon sugar and apples.
By incorporating a pizza stone into your grilling routine, you’ll elevate your outdoor cooking game and enjoy delicious, wood-fired flavors all season long. Order your soapstone pizza stone here and fire up the grill to get ready for a spring filled with mouthwatering homemade pizzas and more!
