Bbq Pizza: Pan-Perfect

BBQ pan pizza is a great way to enjoy a delicious, homemade pizza without heating up your kitchen. Using a cast-iron pan and your BBQ, you can easily bake a pizza that's crispy, cheesy, and loaded with your favourite toppings. The key to success is preheating your BBQ to the right temperature and using a cast-iron pan to conduct the heat evenly and get that perfect crust. Whether you're a meat lover or prefer a vegetarian option, BBQ pan pizza is a fun and flexible way to enjoy a pizzeria-style pie in the comfort of your own backyard.

Choosing the right BBQ and pan

The first step to barbecuing pizza is to select the right barbecue (BBQ) setup and pan. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the appropriate equipment for this task:

Type of BBQ

The type of BBQ you use will impact the cooking process and the overall flavour of your pizza.

• Gas BBQ: If you're using a gas BBQ, you'll want to turn the burners up to the maximum setting to ensure the grill reaches a high enough temperature for cooking pizza.
• Charcoal BBQ: For a charcoal BBQ, you'll need to light 8-10 charcoal briquettes and ensure the vents are open for maximum heat generation.

Grill Setup

Before placing your pizza on the grill, it's important to preheat the BBQ to burn off any residue. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. Aim for around 600°F (315°C) if using a gas BBQ.

• If you're using a charcoal BBQ, the vents should be open to generate maximum heat.
• For a gas BBQ, you may want to invest in a pizza stone or a grilling pizza pan with small holes, which can help with even cooking and prevent the bottom of your pizza from burning.

Pan Material and Preparation

The type of pan you use can also affect the cooking process and the flavour of your pizza.

• A cast-iron pan or skillet is a popular choice for barbecuing pizza. Its heat retention properties help cook the pizza thoroughly.
• Oil your pan generously to prevent sticking and enhance flavour. Olive oil is recommended for the best flavour, but any oil will work.

Pan Size

Consider the size of your BBQ grill and the number of people you plan to serve when choosing the size of your pan. You'll want to ensure the pan fits comfortably on your grill with some space around the edges.

A 12-inch cast-iron skillet is a standard size that works well for most BBQ setups.

In summary, when choosing the right BBQ and pan for barbecuing pizza, consider the type of BBQ, the grill setup, the material and size of the pan, and don't forget to preheat your BBQ and oil your pan generously.

Preparing the dough

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The basic ingredients for pizza dough are flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. You can also add a little sugar to increase the yeast's activity and tenderize the dough. Cornmeal is another useful ingredient to have on hand, as it can be used to dust the pizza pan and give the crust extra flavour and crunch.

Next, mix your dry ingredients. Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. If you want to add extra flavour to your dough, you can include spices such as garlic powder and dried basil leaves or oregano.

Now it's time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the olive oil and warm water, and stir the mixture well. It's important that your water is at the right temperature—between 100-115°F (40-46°C)—to ensure your yeast is active. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast.

Gradually add more flour to the mixture until a dough starts to form. Keep adding flour until the dough becomes a cohesive, elastic ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should still be slightly sticky, but manageable.

Once your dough is mixed, it's time to let it rise. First, prepare a separate bowl by drizzling it generously with olive oil. Then, coat your hands lightly with flour and form the dough into a round ball. Place the dough in the oiled bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl and set it aside to rise. The dough should be left for about 90 minutes at room temperature, or you can leave it overnight in the refrigerator for a slower rise, which will give your pizza dough extra flavour.

After the dough has risen, it's time to shape it. Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it in half if you're planning to make two pizzas. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a disc or circle, aiming for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. If you're finding it difficult to stretch the dough, let it rest for a few minutes and then try again.

Finally, you can add the finishing touches to your dough. Use your fingers to push dents into the surface to prevent bubbling during baking. Brush the top of the dough lightly with olive oil to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Then, you're ready to add your toppings and bake your pizza!

Selecting toppings

If you want to keep things simple, choose two or three toppings that you know work well together. For example, chicken, bacon, and onion is a classic combination. You could also add peppers to this combination for a slightly different flavour.

If you want to get more creative, you can experiment with different types of cheese, meats, and vegetables. For instance, you could try using gouda or smoked gouda cheese for a smoky flavour. Other options include mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or cheddar. In addition to chicken and bacon, you could also use beef, turkey, or pulled pork. For a spicy kick, add jalapenos or crushed red peppers.

Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique combination of toppings. You can also ask your friends and family for their favourite toppings and create a custom pizza that everyone will enjoy.

Cooking the pizza

Firstly, you'll need to heat up your BBQ. If you're using gas, turn the burners on max. If you're using charcoal, light 8-10 charcoal briquettes and place the grill over the heat source, ensuring the vents are open. Place a lid over the grill and use a thermometer to check the temperature—you're aiming for around 600F (315C).

Now it's time to prepare your pan. Oil a cast-iron pan or skillet—olive oil will give the best flavour, but any oil will work. Next, press your dough into the pan. You'll need enough to cover the entire bottom of the pan to a thickness of about 1/4" (65mm). If your dough is too cold, it may spring back or be difficult to stretch, so leave it to rest for 10 minutes if this is the case.

Once your dough is in the pan, it's time to add your toppings. This is dependent on personal preference, but a typical order is sauce, cheese, and then any other toppings. Be careful not to overload your pizza, as this can cause spillage.

Place your pizza in the BBQ, on the top rack if you have one. Close the lid and reduce the heat, aiming to keep the temperature between 400F-450F (204C-232C). The cooking time will vary depending on your BBQ, so keep an eye on your pizza.

Your pizza will be ready when the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown. Remove it from the BBQ and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

BBQ chicken pizza is a great dish to serve at parties or family gatherings. It's a crowd-pleaser and can be easily customised to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your BBQ chicken pizza:

• Sides and Accompaniments: Offer a variety of sides and dips to accompany your pizza. Some options include garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or even a refreshing side of coleslaw to balance out the richness of the pizza.
• Customisable Toppings: While BBQ chicken pizza already has a delicious combination of flavours, you can take it up a notch by offering a variety of additional toppings on the side. For example, set out bowls of fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, extra cheese, or even pickled jalapeños for those who want an extra kick.
• Drink Pairings: Consider pairing your BBQ chicken pizza with refreshing beverages. Craft beers, ciders, or even a crisp white wine can complement the flavours of the pizza. For non-alcoholic options, offer a selection of craft sodas or homemade lemonade.
• Dessert Options: Finish off the meal with some sweet treats! Dessert pizzas can be a fun option, such as a Nutella pizza with fresh berries and marshmallows, or a s'mores pizza with graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. Alternatively, offer a selection of individual desserts like brownies, cookies, or a refreshing fruit salad.
• Presentation: When serving your BBQ chicken pizza, consider cutting it into slices or smaller squares to make it easier for guests to serve themselves. Garnish the pizza with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added colour and flavour. You could also serve the pizza on a wooden board or a rustic serving platter to enhance the barbecue theme.
• Variations: If you're serving a larger crowd with diverse dietary preferences, consider offering variations of your BBQ chicken pizza. For example, you could make a vegetarian option with grilled vegetables instead of chicken, or a vegan version with dairy-free cheese. By providing alternatives, you ensure that everyone can enjoy the flavours of BBQ chicken pizza, tailored to their dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions