Pizza – Own The Grill https://ownthegrill.com Ordinary People, Extraordinary Food Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:47:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://i0.wp.com/ownthegrill.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-Own-The-Grill-Icon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Pizza – Own The Grill https://ownthegrill.com 32 32 177643830 Best Wood For Pizza Oven – Take Your Pizza Game To The Next Level! https://ownthegrill.com/best-wood-for-pizza-oven/ Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:06:49 +0000 https://ownthegrill.com/?p=448 So, you’ve bought a brand new outdoor pizza oven and now comes […]

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So, you’ve bought a brand new outdoor pizza oven and now comes the next step.  Actually making the pizza!

Outdoor pizza ovens are made different ways.  You’ll see some that are fueled by gas, some by charcoal, and some by wood.  A lot of models actually can be fueled by either of those 3 sources or a combination thereof!

Wood fired pizza is without a doubt superior to the other fuel methods though.  The reason is, when done properly the wood burns very hot (perfect for pizza) and imparts a delicious wood smoked flavor that you just can’t replicate without the real thing.

You may not know but the wood you choose matters for making the best pizza.  Each type of wood has different properties and will pass along a different flavor profile to your food.  In this article, we’ll go over the best wood for pizza ovens to get you started on the right track for making delicious pizza at home.

Best Wood For Pizza Oven – Overview

Really the only type of woods that should be used for any cooking, grill, pizza oven, or otherwise, is pure hardwoods.

Hardwood burns hotter, longer, offers better flavor, and is way safer than using softwood types of wood.  There’s just simply no reason to not use hardwood – especially when there’s no shortage of great options to choose from.

You also want to make sure that you aren’t buying wood or logs that use fillers.  We want to use real, pure wood when heating up our pizza oven!  If you don’t, you’ll be able to tell the difference in the flavor of your food.

Oak (Overall Best Wood For Pizza Oven)

Oak is an all around solid cooking wood gets our top pick for overall best wood for pizza ovens for a few reasons.

On a practical level, it’s really easy to find and super common across pretty much all US states.  It’s also very cost friendly and won’t break the bank each time you have to go to resupply your wood.

One thing you’ll learn as you smoke with various types of wood is that each one has a slightly different strength and flavor profile.  As far as oak goes, it’s kind of in the middle – which makes it versatile and great for pizza since you might have to make a bunch of pizzas with all different kinds of toppings.

It has a lighter flavor than hickory or mesquite but is a little stronger than fruitwoods like apple or cherry.  Oak will provide plenty of delicious flavor without overpowering the taste of your artisan style crust, sauce, and toppings.

The other great thing about oak is that it’s a perfect wood to use in a blend.  So if you want to mix with cherry, apple, pear, maple, or anything else – oak is a perfect base to do that.

Apple

When you think about the flavor of apple wood, it’s easy to associate the taste of apple the fruit.  In reality, apple wood makes a fantastic companion and is one of the best woods for a pizza oven because it gives off a lighter, delicious smoky flavor.

Apple wood is a great choice for complimenting super cheesy pizzas for precisely that reason.  The flavor profile that comes off of apple wood is a complex light smoke with almost a little bit of sweet.

If you’re just starting out and new to making wood fired pizza, apple is also a great option because you’re highly unlikely to overpower your pizza with smoke flavor when using apple.

Cherry

Cherry is one of the best woods for pizza ovens for many of the same reasons that apple is.  It’s on the lighter end of the smoke spectrum flavor so it definitely won’t overpower your pizza’s flavor.

Compared to apple, cherry wood is a little more robust and deep in flavor.  The sweetness is still there, but it’s just overall a more “full” tasting smoke.  It’s truly a versatile wood for pizza, but because of the robustness it’s probably a slightly better fit for pizzas with meat on them.

So if you’re the type that loves sausage, pepperoni, bacon or other classic meats, be sure to give cherry wood a try!

Hickory

Hickory is one of the overall most popular woods used for smoking all kinds of foods.  In fact, it got our top vote for the best wood for smoking ribs.

It’s also great for pizza!  As far as flavor goes, hickory probably provides the most traditional BBQ smoky flavor with sweet and savory notes.  It’s on the stronger end of the spectrum though, so you don’t want to over do it when using hickory in a pizza oven.

With that in mind, hickory is probably not ideal for pizzas without meat – a margarita pizza for example could be a little over matched for hickory.

The types of pizzas that pair great are the ones that have meats on them that can hold up to the hickory flavor.  So if you’re into hamburger beef, pepperoni, bacon, or any other stronger meats then hickory is a great choice.

Hickory is also a great candidate to blend with other lighter woods like cherry or apple to soften the amount of smokey flavor.

Pecan

Pecan is actually a part of the Hickory family – so these types of woods both share quite a few qualities.

Pecan is a nice choice though because it falls in between hickory and fruitwoods in terms of smoky flavor strength.  So if you’re finding hickory to be too strong and cherry to be not quite enough for example, pecan might be a winner.

Its flavor profile is darker and very much akin to the “traditional” smoky flavor you’d find on smoked ribs or BBQ.  It works best pizza wise with meat toppings like chicken or pepperoni.

Maple

Maple is another fruitwood that’s lighter and less robust than cherry and apple woods.  It has a light, sweet flavor that works really well with most pizzas and on a practical level is pretty easy to find.

It works great with chicken, ham, pork, and sweet BBQ sauces outside of pizza, and the same holds true for pizza toppings.  Maple is my wood of choice in the pizza oven for making BBQ chicken pizzas, and it also goes great with bacon and ham.

Alder

Alder is traditionally a wood used for seafood and veggies, so if you’re into veggie pizzas or have some seafood on your pizza (no judgement 😉 ), then give alder a shot.

It’s a pretty light flavor profile and won’t overpower the pizza, but the downside is that the flavor doesn’t have a ton of character compared to some of the others on this list of the best wood for pizza ovens.

That being said, I know plenty of people who love using alder in their pizza oven – so don’t be afraid to give it a shot!

Peach

Peach is yet another fruitwood that has a really nice and light, sweet flavor profile.  It’s perfect for pork, and makes a great blending component with some of the other woods on this list.

Honestly, it would be higher on our list of the best wood for pizza ovens if not for one thing.  It’s pretty hard to find due to seasonality.  When it’s in season, it can be a little expensive too.  So if you ever come across a box of peach wood for smoking don’t be afraid to snag it and try it out, especially if the price is right!

Best Wood for Pizza Oven – Buying Tips

Definitely Don’t Use These Woods In Your Pizza Oven

If you haven’t picked up on this by now, you can’t just throw any type of wood into your fire for making food.  In fact, using the wrong types of wood will likely ruin your food or worse, could cause bad chemicals and toxins to contaminate your food.

Stay away from these:

  • Cedar
  • Cypress
  • Elm
  • Eucalyptus
  • Fir
  • Pine
  • Redwood
  • Sycamore

This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you are curious about trying a wood not on this list then you should check to make sure it’s safe before use.  Remember, no softwoods!

Quality Is Your Friend

You want to make sure you are buying pure, high quality hardwoods.  If you buy a bag of wood chips that also includes fillers, it’s only going to take away from the taste of the end result.

Make sure any wood for smoking pizza you buy is high quality and at a reasonable price.  There are a lot of wood chip bags on the market for less than $10.  I certainly appreciate that you might be on a budget – but often times these deals are too good to be true.

Don’t Be Afraid To Mix With Charcoal (If Your Pizza Oven Is Built For It)

Charcoal and wood can be a great combination.  Charcoal fires are typically more predictable and easier to manage, whereas wood is the superstar of flavor.

If you can find the perfect balance, you can make incredibly delicious flavored pizzas by harnessing the positives of these two fuel sources.

Of course, flavor comes down to preference a lot of times – so you may not like how charcoal fired pizza tastes.  That’s ok!  You just might love it though.

Best Wood For Pizza Oven – Wrap Up

I hope this article helps you on your journey do delicious at home wood fired pizza.  If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our post on the best outdoor pizza ovens if you need a new one or an upgrade!

Let us know which wood you chose and how it went!  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section.

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Pellet Grill Pizza: How to Cook Pizza on a Pellet Grill https://ownthegrill.com/pellet-grill-pizza/ Sun, 07 Jun 2020 19:25:57 +0000 https://ownthegrill.com/?p=1825 So you’ve acquired a pellet grill, and now you’re ready to take […]

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So you’ve acquired a pellet grill, and now you’re ready to take it for a spin and utilize some of your grill’s versatility.

Even though it might not be the first pizza cooking method that typically comes to mind, using your pellet grill for pizza can lead to some incredibly tasty results.

If you’re looking for a complete guide to pellet grill pizza, you’ve come to the right place.  In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know for how to cook pizza on a pellet grill.  By the end, you’ll be well on your way to delicious pizza on your outdoor patio!

Why Cook Pellet Grill Pizza?

When it comes to making pizza, there are tons of different styles and methods that you can choose from.  So why would you cook pizza on a pellet grill?

The first and most important reason has to do with flavor.  Since pellet grills are fueled by wood pellets made for grilling and smoking, you can achieve incredible wood fired flavors on a pellet grill pizza that you just wouldn’t get by cooking it in a traditional oven.  For my taste, nothing beats that extra layer of smokey flavor that absorbs into the crust when the pizza cooks in a smokey setting.

Next, cooking pizza on the pellet grill is a pretty straightforward process, and you don’t need any extra equipment.  Some people prefer to invest in a pizza stone or a grill mat for your grill, just to make things a little bit easier – but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.  But you can definitely cook pizza directly on the grill grates if you prepare your crust the right way – but more on that in a moment.

Utilizing your pellet grill also eliminates the need to buy a specialty outdoor pizza oven to achieve wood fired flavor.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of outdoor pizza ovens, but they can get expensive.  So using your pellet grill means you get to keep a little bit of extra cash in your pocket.

Last but not least, making pellet grill pizza is fun!  You can create some really great pizza night memories with friends and family making pizza on the back patio.

How to Cook Pizza on a Pellet Grill

Here is everything you need to know to get started on your pellet grill pizza:

Prepare Your Pizza Dough

Getting your dough right is maybe the most important part of making delicious pizza – and the same holds true if you’re cooking on a pellet grill.

I recommend calling your local pizza shop and ordering a few pieces of dough, that way you get some fresh pizza without having to put any elbow grease into your dinner prep.  You can also buy raw, pre made pizza dough from your local grocer if you want.

If you want to cook directly on your grates, I’d advise baking your dough in the oven for just a couple of minutes to firm it up – just to eliminate the possibility of dough disastrously falling through your grill grates.

You’ll also want to make sure your dough has a generous coat of either flour or cornmeal on the bottom side of it – especially if you are using a pizza stone on your grill to cook raw pizza crusts.  This is crucial to help the dough not stick to your grill grates or pizza stone.

Prepare Your Grill

Before the pizza goes on the grates, you have to make sure your pellet grill is ready to go.

First and foremost, make sure your grill grates are clean and that there aren’t any leftover food particles from your last cook.

From there, you’ll want to preheat your grill.  For cooking pizza, you want the pellet grill to run at least 425°F, and ideally 475°F to 500°F or higher if your pellet grill can steadily and safely hold those temperatures.

Preheat Your Dough

I prefer to pre bake the dough a little bit before adding toppings.

Place the stretched out dough on the hot grill (directly on the grates, or on your pizza stone or grill mat) and flip after about 2 minutes.  Bake for about 2 more minutes, then remove it.

Add Toppings to Your Pizza

After your dough has been preheated, it’s time for the fun part – adding toppings to your pizza.

There aren’t any limits when it comes to pellet grill pizza; anything you can make in a pizza oven can be made on the grill.  So whether you prefer a meat lovers or if margherita is more of your style, get your toppings on the crust and ready to go on the grill.

One piece of advice – grate your own cheese if you have the time!  Grocery store pre shredded cheese has additives that are needed to make sure it doesn’t clump together.  Grating your cheese at home will result in tastier cheese that melts perfectly.

Put Your Pizza on the Grill

After your toppings are piled onto the pre baked crust, place the pizza back onto the grill.  Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the crust are crispy.

Remove, Serve, and Enjoy!

Once your pellet grill pizza has finished cooking, remove it from the grill and allow for it to rest for about 2 minutes.  Then slice, serve, and enjoy!

Here is one of our favorite grilled pizza recipes below!  BBQ chicken is a perfect style of pizza for the pellet grill to get a little bit of smokey flavor to work with a sweet and savory BBQ sauce.  Of course, feel free to change as many (or all!) of these ingredients the next time you fire up your grill.

pellet grill pizza recipe
Print

BBQ Chicken Pizza on the Pellet Grill

Our Favorite Pellet Grill Pizza Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ, Chicken
Keyword BBQ Chicken Pizza, Pellet Grill Pizza
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 350kcal
Cost $12

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza crust ~14" diameter
  • 1 skinless & boneless chicken breast cubed
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 cup red onion chopped
  • 2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat your pellet grill to 400°F.
  • Cook the cubed chicken in a sauté pan over medium heat until thoroughly cooked. Then remove chicken from heat and drain, if necessary. Set cooked cubed chicken aside.
  • Roll pizza dough to desired thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  • IMPORTANT: ensure that your flour the bottom side of your pizza crust thoroughly to ensure that it doesn't stick to your grill grate or pizza stone.
  • Spread BBQ sauce over the dough evenly, leaving a 1/2" border around the outer edge.
  • Sprinkle cheese, cubed chicken, cilantro, and red onion on top of the BBQ sauce and dough.
  • Lightly flour a pizza peel – a cutting board or cookie sheet will do if you don't have a peel. Slide under pizza and transfer to your grill.
  • Slide pizza off of the peel directly onto your grill grate or pizza stone.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese has belted and crust is lightly browned and crispy.
  • Remove pizza from grill, allow to cool for about 5 minutes – then slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Which Wood Pellets Are Best Pizza?

We’ve written a guide on the best types of wood to use for a pizza oven right here that you can check out for a more in depth look at this topic.  All of the same wood flavors you’d use for pizza in a regular pizza oven are the same ones that work best for wood pellets in a pellet grill.

The rule of thumb is simple – if you’re making pizza with strong, meaty flavors, you’re better off using a type of wood pellet that’s a little stronger so that the flavors will stand up to what’s in the pizza.  If you’re cooking a meat lover’s pizza, consider using hickory, oak, alder, or even mesquite.

On the other hand, pizzas without meat or with chicken and other mildly flavored meats are best with pellet flavors like apple, cherry, or pecan.

If you’re unsure about where to start, give oak a try – it’s a nice in between and generally works well with all different types of pizza.

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Final Thoughts

Don’t be afraid to fire up the pellet grill the next time you’re hosting pizza night.  You might be surprised at just how good the results are when making artisan style pizza on the grill!

Pellet grills are incredibly versatile outdoor cookers – and thanks to a convection style system inside of the grill, they’re perfectly suited for cooking restaurant quality pizza.

How did your pellet grill pizzas turn out?  Which type of wood pellets did you end up using?  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.

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Artisan Pizza – What Is It? Why Is It Better? https://ownthegrill.com/artisan-pizza/ Mon, 04 Jan 2021 23:19:33 +0000 https://ownthegrill.com/?p=3302 Let’s face it, there are so many pizza lovers out there, and […]

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Let’s face it, there are so many pizza lovers out there, and if you clicked on this article, chances are you are one of them.

In fact, a little over 5 billion pizzas are delivered across the globe annually – that’s a lot of dough. Many people order pizza from their favorite factory pizzeria that will make your pizza with complex machines, for this is the only way to keep up with the massive demand for pizza.

The term artisan wasn’t invented until the practice of hand-making a pizza in a wood-fire oven had already been significantly reduced by machine-made competitors.

The tradition of making a pizza the old school way became known as artisan and was transformed into an art form that is practiced by only the best pizza makers today.

Many times, quality artisan pizzas cook faster and are healthier because they usually use fresh ingredients and sauces unique to the pizza’s design.

If you are curious about the history of artisan pizza, the types of artisan pizzas you will likely find today, and the making of a genuine wood-fire cooked pizza, then you have come to the right place.

*Note* If you have grand ideas to make artisan style pizza at home for epic pizza nights, check out our top picks for the best outdoor pizza ovens next!

Pass Me the Focaccia Bread: Humble Beginnings

Many historians that have loved pizza enough to research the beginnings of the tradition will disagree where the first pizza was made.

Many historians agree that this tradition has roots belonging to the Ancient Romans, Ancient Greeks, and the Ancient Egyptians. Any qualified researcher will tell you that the history of pizza making goes back thousands of years.

Many of these societies would bake on a bread they called focaccia, a flatbread that they would treat with oils and spices.

Focaccia, also known as Pisna which has a direct translation of stretching, could be squeezed and stretched to add custom toppings, and these treats would be sold on streets to passers-by.

These “flat-breads” were cost-efficient and practical to even peasants of these societies, as one could enjoy a fresh focaccia flatbread without the luxury of a plate. They could even take their food with them on the go.

Focaccia bread creations were a very innovative and helpful snack that could be sold at affordable prices at the time. Many working-class citizens in Naples were poor and could not afford to buy expensive meals, so this flatbread option became popular there in the early 1700s.

When people started adding more toppings on focaccia bread, the concept swept through Europe, as the simple bread dish was cost-efficient and more appetizing than other cheap food options for peasants of the day.

When the industrial revolution swept across America and other parts of Europe, focaccia bread, now commonly known as pizza, was made a common-place commodity. Machine-made pizza made it easier to process large amounts of food than their wood-fire grilled counterparts, now known as Artisan pizza.

The Makings of an Artisan Pizza

There are many things that make an artisan pizza a unique and special hand-crafted treat.

You have already learned that an Artisan pizza is hand-crafted and cooked in a wood-fire grill, but what are the other factors that define an Artisan pizza?

Flavorful Crust to Match a Delicious Design

Any professional wood-working pizza maker will tell you that one of the biggest secrets to a deliciously made Artisan pizza is in the crust.

Premium Italian wheat that has a purity score near Grade (or Tipo) 00 will have great tasting dough. Culinary masters only use the freshest and highest-quality ingredients for their Artisan masterpieces.

All it takes is a little bit of flour made from the best wheat, water, and salt, and you are on your way to creating an authentic Artisan pizza crust.

This dough will be very malleable, and because of the unique hand-made design, you can be sure that the dough will match your preference.

Whether you like chewy deep dishes or crispy flatbreads, a true Artisan master will be able to suit your preferences.

Tasty Toppings for Even the Most Refined Pallets

Are you curious as to what toppings you will find on an Artisan pizza? Well, the answer is: just about anything!

As long as the ingredients are fresh, they will go well on your uniquely crafted Artisan pizzas. Just as a masterful wood-fire pizza maker will choose the best wheat to make your dough, they will also only pick the freshest ingredients to top your Artisan pizza.

Many Artisan pizzas are topped with fresh tomatoes, unique herbs and spices, onions, olives, peppers, and just about anything else that you can think of! Your flavor design will be unique, and most Artisan pizza makers have a recipe that is unique to their culinary style.

Because each pizza is hand-crafted and features fresh ingredients, you will be sure to get the best combination of flavors imaginable.

Creativity for the Chef

One of the best things about Artisan pizza is that it is hand-crafted and that each topping is usually gracefully placed to give you certain flavor combinations that work well together.

Just like every pizza cook will be different, expect a slightly different experience each time you enjoy a hand-crafted wood-fire grilled pizza.

Originality is a part of the flavor design, and even your favorite recipe will taste slightly different each time you order it or make it in your own wood-fire grill.

Embrace the unique experience and celebrate the uniqueness of your own flavorful creations!

Health Benefits and an Unforgettable Flavor

We are pretty excited that the Artisan pizza trend has taken flight over the past few years.

Many people have started to buy wood-fire grills to cook their own Artisan combinations and ensure that smokey flavor that you can only get with a proper wood-fire grill. This type of grill can run hotter than household ovens, and they will give you a better crust and crispier toppings.

You cannot replicate the smokey flavor that is incorporated into each bite of the delicious hand-made dough, for machine-made pizzas usually run at a lower temperature in a gas or electric oven. The smokey flavor is a cornerstone taste landmark to look for in a wood-fire made pizza.

Did you know that eating healthy toppings on the best quality bread could have health benefits? Most machine-made pizzas are anywhere from 300-500 calories, but most artisan pizzas range from 150-350 calories.

Treat yourself right and invest in a wood-fire pizza oven. Your tastebuds and body will thank you when you have tasty, affordable, and healthy pizza anytime you wish.

Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven
  • Operates with both wood fired and gas fired heat
  • Reaches 950ºF in only 15 minutes
  • Hinged oven door with viewing window
Check Price on Ooni Check Price on Amazon

More Flavor with Each Bite

As we have mentioned earlier, the making of an Artisan pizza is a long tradition of creating unique and healthy flatbread snacks. A true wood-fire Artisan pizza master will balance flavor combinations with only the freshest ingredients.

As more and more companies compete to make better quality machine-made pizza, no company will be able to replace the legendary design and convenience of a true wood-fire baked Artisan pizza.

Now that you know what to expect for a fresh and flavorful Artisan pizza design, do not settle for factory-made pizzas with unhealthy toppings.

Invest in your health and pizza expertise by getting your own wood-fire grill and experiment with your own daring and delicious hand-crafted pizzas. Even if you have not ever made an Artisan pizza, you can learn recipes online or experiment with your own pizza designs.

There is nothing like a good slice of pizza, so invest in the best of the best, and buy yourself a hand-crafted Artisan pizza.

Final Thoughts on Artisan Pizza

With more and more grills supporting pizza baking (see Kamado Joe and the Camp Chef Woodwind pizza oven attachment), artisan pizza making is becoming a more common tradition for the BBQ savant.  Heck, many folks are cooking pizza directly on grill grates nowadays.

I can’t say that I’m upset about.  Pizza is one of the few foods that is pretty much loved by everybody – no matter what your taste preferences are, there is a pizza for you out there.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this history lesson and guide to artisan pizza!  Have ideas for us on the topic of pizza?  Reach out to us in the comments section below.

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Best Pizza Stone for Grill – For Epic Pizza Nights Outdoors https://ownthegrill.com/best-pizza-stone-for-grill/ Fri, 28 May 2021 21:05:01 +0000 https://ownthegrill.com/?p=3804 If you already own a great outdoor grill, you might be wondering […]

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If you already own a great outdoor grill, you might be wondering about the best way to cook pizza on it. While some people opt to acquire a bespoke pizza oven, we understand this isn’t always possible depending on your budget and the layout of your outdoor area.

Pizza is best cooked on grills using a pizza stone that is usually made of ceramic or cordierite. It makes your pizza taste fresh and like it was made in a brick oven. Most pizza stones are very affordable and can last for years and years to come if you take proper care of them.

We’ve created this resource to help you decide which pizza stone is the right one for your grill!

Using Pizza Stones on a Grill – Overview

Something to understand before jumping to our list of the top products is that some pizza stones out there are designed generically to work on any type of grill.  Other stones are designed to fit perfectly as an accessory to a specific grill brand or model.

Our goal here is to give you a look at both.  We’ll start off with our generic choices that work with just about any grill.  Then, we’ll take a quick look at some of the pizza stone set ups for specific grills at the end.

Best Pizza Stone for Grills – Our Top Picks

Cuisinart Deluxe Grilling Pizza Stone Pack

Cuisinart is a pretty popular name when it comes to kitchen accessories and appliances.  They’ve done a really nice job with their Deluxe Grilling Pizza Stone pack – it’s functional, affordable, and comes with everything you need to make delicious pizza.

Specifically, it comes with a 15 inch diameter pizza stone that’s made of 0.5 inch thick cordierite.  It also comes with an aluminum pizza peel and a quick-cut pizza cutter.  At only 10 pounds, it’s not too terribly difficult to move around and store while it’s not in use.  All things considered, this pack provides excellent bang for your buck.

Napoleon 15-Inch Pizza Stone

If you have people in your family that prefer different pizza topics, the Napoleon 15 inch pizza stone perfect. You can cook two different pizzas at the same time to meet everyone’s needs. The 10-inch size is great for personal pan sizes so that everyone has enough to eat and even some for leftovers.

Making small breads and cookies is also easy with these small stones. Overall, it is the perfect way to compliment your outdoor cooking experience. It is also a great way to get a wide variety of pizzas and other food at the same time.  Napoleon is one of the best quality brands in grilling and their pizza stones are no different!

Napoleon Rectangular Baking Stone

This is a baking stone that is great for making large rectangular pizzas. It is 14” by 20” so you can easily fit two pizzas on it at the same time. The stone will naturally season over time and creates a non-stick surface. It also does not retain previous food odors.

It helps pull away unwanted moisture from the food so you can make perfect pizza, pastries, and breads. Since it doesn’t retain the flavors of previous foods, feel free to mix sweet and salty foods on the same pan.

Weber Pizza Stone Set

Weber is one of the biggest names in BBQ and they have been around since 1952. They are well-known for their outstanding customer services and tried and true cooking systems. If you already own a Weber grill, you know how amazing and classy they are.

This 2 set pizza stone kit is made of cordierite stone that absorbs moisture during cooking. This makes it ideal for lovers of light and crispy crust. It also comes with a carrying rack that makes it easy to transport your pizza from the grill to the table.

It is 14” X 4” and weighs 5 pounds. The set also comes with handles that make moving the pizza around easier and help to protect your hands from burning. The stone should be heated for about 20 minutes before use and will cook your homemade pizza quickly.

Weber’s pizza stones are fully warranted for 2 years.

Best Pizza Stones for Specific Grill Brands

There are a few brands out there that offer some of the best pizza stone products, but the catch is they are made as accessories for specific grills. You may have seen their brand names when it comes to grills or you may even own a grill by one of the brands.

Before buying a pizza stone, check that it is fully compatible with the grill that you own.

Blaze 14 3/4 Inch Ceramic Pizza Stone

Blaze is best known for its commercial quality grill bodies and burners. They also have a large selection of accessories including amazing pizza stones.

This pizza stone weighs 10 pounds and is 15” X 18”. It can be used for pizza, but also pieces of bread and cookies. It is made specifically to sit on the ledge of the cooking grates on Blaze Original or Blaze Premium LTE Grills.

It can also rest on top of the cooking grids of Blaze Professional LUX. The stone is fully thermal shock resistant and won’t crack when exposed to extreme temperature changes. It is made from high-fired refractory ceramics and has a stainless-steel tray that helps to elevate the stone.

Blaze Professional LUX 15-Inch Ceramic Pizza Stone

This ceramic pizza stone is designed for use with Blaze Professional LUX Grills. It should not be used with Blaze Original Grills, Blaze premium LTE grills, or Blaze Premium LTE2 grills.

This stone is 15 inches and has a stainless-steel tray to help elevate the stone for better cooking. The tray is made to sit on the ledges inside the grill where the searing rods are. Note that the searing rod needs to be removed before putting the stone on the ledge.

This stone can get up to 500 degrees and the crust also comes out crispy and tasty. It is affordable and easy to clean when you’re done.

All of Blaze pizza stones are fully warranted for one year

Fire Magic Pizza Stone Kit

Fire Magic is known for its high performance, versatility, and durability. They have an extensive line of cooking accessories that offer you all the convenience you need, especially when it comes to cooking pizza.

This full kit comes with a 14” x 14” stone with a stainless-steel frame. It is made of cordierite stone which evenly distributes heat to make the perfect pizza or baked good. It can be used with any Fire Magic or AOG grill. It includes everything you need to get started making homemade pizza right in your own backyard.

It also comes with a wooden pizza peel. The stone and the frame will cover two burners on your grill when you’re using it.

Primo Natural Finished 16-Inch Pizza Stone

Primo is known for its amazing oval-shaped ceramic grills that offer more cooking flexibility and efficiency than any other ceramic grill. All their grills and accessory products are made in the USA. They have 3 of the best pizza stone options.

This stone by Primo is ceramic and fits the Primo Oval XL and the Oval Large and Large Round Kamado Grills. This stone is perfect for baking traditional pizza, desserts, or homemade bread. The crust cooks evenly every time ensuring that you always get the perfect pizza for yourself and your guests.

Kamado Joe Pizza Stone For Big Joe II & III

Kamado Joe grills are known for their endless versatility. They offer some of the best backyard BBQ experience and some of the most well-known grilling accessories on the market. They have the widest options of pizza stones, including options for deep-dish pizza.

This pizza stone comes ready to use and doesn’t need any seasoning or cooking oil. It is best used with the Big Joe II and III 24-inch grills. The ceramic stone keeps your pizza cooked evenly while also keeping moisture in your pizza to keep it crispy and full of flavor.

It can also be used to bake bread and casseroles. The stone is extremely easy to clean. Simply brush it off with a wire BBQ brush and keep it in a dry area after washing it. Don’t use any cleaning solutions as they can be absorbed by the stone.

The stone also needs to be used with the Kamado Joe Heat Deflector so that your pizza doesn’t burn easily.

Kamado Joe Deep Dish Pizza Stone

This is a great option if you plan to make deep-dish pizza or if you want to cook something else like paella, casseroles, or bread. This dish gives you even more options than a normal stone pizza.

The stone can absorb heat and excess moisture which means all your food is cooked perfectly every single time. This stone will also need the Kamado Joe heat deflector to keep the pizza from burning.

It is normal if the ceramic darkens over time so don’t be alarmed. Make sure to keep it clean with just water and a brush, cleaning solutions are not necessary. Get ready to have restaurant-quality deep dish pizzas right from your own home.

Kamado Joe Pizza Stone For Classic 18-Inch Grills

Kamado Joe’s classic pizza stone is the best choice for a basic stone that can make great flavorful pizzas. It is made of ½ inch heavy-duty ceramic that keeps your pizza and other food hot, crispy, and full of flavor.

It can be used to make anything you would make in an indoor oven. You can use it as soon you buy it because it does not need cooking oil or any seasoning. You will need to clean any residual food off it by just flipping it over so the heat from the fire will naturally burn away any remaining food particles. Never use cleaning solutions.

The stone is specifically designed for Kamado Joe Classic 18-inch grills. It is great for baking wood-fired flavored pizza on the Kamado grills.

How Do I Clean My Grill Pizza Stones?

Unlike regular dishes, pizza stones should only be cleaned with warm water. You can also use a special BBQ brush that won’t scratch or damage the surface. For residue, let the natural heat from the grill burn it off and then gently remove it.

Try not to scrap or press on the surface too hard. Also never cleaning solutions or dish detergent. You don’t even need mild soap; warm water is the best way to clean it.

Final Thoughts

A quality pizza stone is a fantastic way to make pizza at home without needing to invest in an entire pizza oven. A good stone will be high-quality ceramic and will be specially fitted for the grill you own. It is best to buy a stone by the same company as your grill but isn’t completely necessary. Always check what kind of stone is best for your grill before buying.

Stones come in small and large sizes, so you can get one that’s just for you or the entire family.  Stainless steel frames are also better for some grills and will allow you to move the grill easily without burning your hands or arms.

The post Best Pizza Stone for Grill – For Epic Pizza Nights Outdoors appeared first on Own The Grill.

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What Are The Different Types Of Pizza? https://ownthegrill.com/types-of-pizza/ Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:19:19 +0000 https://ownthegrill.com/?p=7075 What kind of pizza should I order at my next restaurant meal? […]

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What kind of pizza should I order at my next restaurant meal? There are so many options out there, and they all seem to taste great. But how do you choose between them and which one is the best?

Pizza is a favorite food around the world. In fact, it has become a staple of western cuisine. The popularity of pizza has led to a wide variety of toppings, crusts, and sizes.

Pizza is a dish that everyone loves. So if you want to impress someone or get a good deal, then ordering pizza is always a smart choice.

Nowadays, there are more than a hundred types of pizza available in restaurants. This means that you have a range of options when deciding what kind of pizza to order.

In the article below, we have compiled a list of the different pizzas available, as well as their history and toppings.

Different Types Of Pizza

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan is now considered the original pizza, as it was first invented in Naples during the 18th century.

During this time, pizza was considered a cheap and easy snack to prepare, which made it a popular choice among the poorer classes. Neapolitan pizza could even be purchased from street vendors and was viewed as a rustic dish.

While the recipe has evolved over time, the basic structure of the pizza remains the same. In most cases, Neapolitan pizza will feature a flat crust and a variety of vibrant toppings, such as mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil.

Notable variations of the pizza include the classic Margherita, which will commonly remove the basil in favor of the cheese and tomato sauce.

Chicago Pizza

Chicago Pizza

Otherwise known as a deep-dish pizza, this recipe first rose to prominence in the windy city, where it remains a staple of American cuisine.

Chicago pizza was first invented by Italian immigrants during the early 1900s, who sought to create their own version of the classic dish. The final result was a pizza with a thick crust and raised sides, which gave it the same structure as a pie.

While it is now possible to purchase deep-dish pizza with any toppings you want, the traditional ingredients will often include sausage meat, mushrooms, green peppers, and thick tomato sauce.

For the best results, we recommend finishing off this pizza with a dusting of Parmesan cheese, which adds some extra bite to the dish.

New York Pizza

New York Pizza

This classic recipe can be identified by its large size and drooping slices, which have made this pizza one of the most popular dishes in the world.

New York pizza first started out as a variation of the traditional Neapolitan, but eventually, it took on its own individual identity.

Some people even say that the pizza has its own unique taste, which could be the result of minerals in the city’s water supply.

Like a classic Margherita, this pizza will commonly be topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. However, this pizza’s size also allows it to be garnished with a variety of toppings, from anchovies and mushrooms.

Despite this, New Yorkers will often prefer to eat the pizza plain and will instead season it with a range of condiments such as garlic powder, oregano, and chili flakes.

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza (otherwise known as sfincione) is a unique take on the classic dish, as it offers a square-cut dough smothered with a robust tomato sauce.

The pizza was first introduced to America during the 19th century, where it was commonly eaten by Sicilian immigrants.

It wasn’t until the second world war that it began to gain traction with the local population and eventually became a popular variation on the traditional meal.

In contrast to the pizzas we mentioned earlier, Sicilian pizza is often topped with tomatoes, onions, and anchovies – which give it a refreshing and salty taste.

Sicilian pizza is also notable for being one of few pizzas to not feature cheese, as it makes the crust wet and prone to damage.

Greek Pizza

Greek Pizza

This Mediterranean pizza was first introduced to America by Greek immigrants, where it remains a popular dish among the New England states.

In contrast to the other pizzas on our list, this variation features a pillow-like dough, which is commonly cooked in oil to deep-fry the base.

The final result is a thick and chewy crust that can be topped with a range of delicious garnishes.

Greek pizza is known to be much heavier than its Italian counterpart and will often feature more sauce than cheese. For the true Greek experience, the pizza can be served with feta cheese, red onion, and black olives.

Despite its unique preparation, Greek pizza still remains thinner than a deep-dish or Sicilian crust.

California Pizza

California Pizza

This gourmet pizza was first invented during the 1970s, when it was presented as a gourmet take on the classic dish.

During this time, Chef Ed LaDou began experimenting with the Italian staple and sought to create his own version of the traditional meal. This resulted in a pizza topped with mustard, ricotta, pate, and bell peppers.

The reaction to the pizza was overwhelmingly positive, and LeDou eventually went on to produce a further 250 recipes.

In many ways, the main theme of this pizza is invention, which means it can be topped with anything you want.

However, some notable toppings include goat cheese, grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, and fresh garlic.

Detroit Pizza

Detroit Pizza

Detroit pizza is a perfect example of the city’s relationship with the auto industry, as it was first made using a square automotive pan.

During the 1940s, this pizza became a popular snack among the local community, with the recipe being known for its airy crust and caramelized cheese.

Since then, the dish has become a staple of Detroit’s local culture and is commonly served with a range of different toppings.

While it is possible to garnish this pizza with mushrooms and olives, the traditional toppings include Wisconsin brick cheese and pepperoni.

To ensure an even bake, this pizza must be made in a baking pan, as this allows the air to escape the dough as it cooks.

St. Louis Pizza

St. Louis Pizza

St. Louis pizza is characterized by its thin crust, which is said to have a cracker-like texture once baked.

Because of its unique consistency, this pizza is commonly cut into 4-inch rectangles, which can be served at parties and barbecues.

The pizza is also known to feature a combination of different cheeses, which include cheddar, Swiss, and provolone.

The pizza was first introduced to St. Louis in the 19th century when Italian immigrants surged to the United States. This led to the formation of a large Italian community, which went on to share its culture with the local people.

St. Louis pizza is usually topped with a sweet tomato sauce and can be garnished with a variety of toppings from pepperoni to green onion.

Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian Pizza

Despite its tropical name, this classic pizza did not originate in Hawaii and is instead considered a Canadian invention.

In 1962, a Greek immigrant named Sam Panopoulos created the pizza to draw attention to his restaurant, which at the time was only serving fast food such as cheeseburgers and pancakes.

Hoping to invent something new, Panopoulos decided to combine ham and canned pineapple on a traditional crust, which resulted in one of the most popular toppings in the world.

Since then, Hawaiian pizza has become a staple of western cuisine and is often at the center of many disputes concerning its controversial ingredients.

Unlike the other pizzas we have discussed, this recipe does not require a specific base and instead refers to the combination of ham and pineapple.

Buffalo Pizza

Buffalo Pizza

Buffalo pizza is often described as the middle ground between New York and Chicago options, as it features a thin crust smothered with hearty toppings such as tomato sauce and cheese.

The pizza was first invented in 1927 by an Italian immigrant named Fioravanti ‘Grandpa’ Santora, who sold slices from his ice cream shop.

The distinctive structure of the pizza soon garnered mass attention, and it became a part of the city’s local culture.

Nowadays, the pizza can be found in restaurants across the country and is considered a fine example of American cuisine.

In contrast to the other pizzas on our list, Buffalo pizza does not feature sides on its crust, which means the cheese and sauce go all the way to the edge. The sauce is also a lot sweeter and is often topped with a stringy cheese.

Buffalo pizza is commonly served with pepperoni and can be charred on the sides for some extra flavor.

Roman Pizza

Roman Pizza

The next pizza on our list first originated in Rome, where it still remains a popular dish in countless restaurants.

Unlike Neapolitan pizza, this variation can be round or rectangular and will commonly feature an inflated crust topped with sauce and cheese.

Despite the pizza’s popularity, it has yet to be recognized by UNESCO, which means there is no agreed-upon definition of what the pizza should contain.

Despite this, there are some traditional toppings associated with the dish, which include ingredients such as artichoke hearts, anchovies, crushed tomatoes, and mushrooms.

Notable variations of this pizza include pizza al taglio, which is a common fast food found in central Italy.

Cuban Pizza

Despite its name, Cuban pizza actually remains a popular dish in Miami, where it was first introduced by a chef named Ramon Rodriguez.

While the pizza shares many similarities with Italian pizza, the dough is notably more plump and is commonly topped with a combination of mozzarella cheese and a specially-made sauce.

Additional toppings are then baked into the crust, instead of being added after the pie has cooked.

Because of its South American influence, the pizza can be garnished with a range of different foods, such as chorizo, mushroom, plantain, and lobster.

Cuban pizza can be purchased from various Miami restaurants and is now considered a staple cuisine for the area.

New Haven Pizza

New Haven pizza (otherwise known as apizza) first originated in Connecticut, where it is characterized by its soft crust and mode of production.

Despite its ordinary appearance, New Haven pizza is commonly baked in a coal-fired oven and will feature a chewy texture with limited amounts of cheese.

In most cases, the pizza is topped with a combination of tomato sauce and mozzarella before it is finished off with a seasoning of Italian herbs.

The pizza can be garnished with a variety of toppings, which include notable ingredients such as olive oil, oregano, and littleneck clams.

Quad City Pizza

Originating from the Quad Cities region of Iowa, this pizza was first introduced to the local community in 1952 and has remained a popular snack ever since.

The first person to bring this pizza to the Quad Cities was a Sicilian immigrant named Tony Maniscalco, who wanted to share his culture with the local people.

The pizza is different from other varieties of pizza because it contains malt in the crust, which results in a thin and nutty base.

Quad City pizza is commonly served round and will feature classic toppings such as cheese, tomato sauce, and sausage.

When the pizza has been cooked, it will commonly be cut into horizontal strips and then served with sauces and sides.

Dessert Pizza

Dessert Pizza

This alternative pizza was first invented in Italy during the 1960s and consists of a sweet pizza base topped with chocolate sauce and fresh fruit.

While the concept of a dessert pizza can be attributed to Italian cuisine, the dish itself can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where it was common to eat flatbread with fruit and other sweet dishes.

In recent years, dessert pizza has become a popular dish across the globe and can now be found in restaurants in countries such as America, Italy, and Britain.

Because of its recent popularity, there is no concrete way to define a dessert pizza, which means you can top it with anything you want. Traditional toppings include chocolate, fruit, marshmallows, and nuts.

Conclusion

The best way to decide on which type of pizza to order is by looking at your preferences and the ingredients that you like.

If you’re not sure, ask for recommendations from friends or family members who know more about the classic dish.

We hope that you found this article helpful and that you will refer to it the next time you are choosing a delicious pizza.

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