Texas-style grilled pizza combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with bold Texan flavors. This unique fusion creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings and summer barbecues. The key to achieving authentic Texas flair lies in the choice of toppings and cooking method.
To make a Texas-style grilled pizza, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and stretching your dough into a thin, hand-formed shape. This rustic approach adds character to the final product. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the dough directly on the grates and cook for a few minutes until it begins to bubble and develop grill marks.
The toppings for a Texas-style grilled pizza often include smoky barbecue sauce, chunks of tender brisket, caramelized onions, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. After flipping the crust, add the toppings quickly and close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together. The result is a crispy, slightly charred crust with a smoky essence that perfectly complements the hearty Texan toppings.
Understanding Texas-Style Pizza
Texas-style pizza blends traditional pizza-making techniques with bold Texan flavors. This unique fusion creates a pizza that stands out from other regional styles.
The crust is typically thin and crispy, providing a sturdy base for hearty toppings. It’s often grilled rather than baked, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor.
Toppings reflect Texan cuisine, featuring ingredients like:
- BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce
- Smoked meats (brisket, pulled pork)
- Jalapeños or other spicy peppers
- Corn
- Black beans
Cheese choices may include cheddar or pepper jack alongside traditional mozzarella, adding a Texan twist to the classic pizza profile.
The cooking method is crucial. Grilling the pizza at high temperatures (around 500°F) creates a crisp crust with appealing char marks. This technique also allows for quick cooking times, usually just a few minutes per side.
Texas-style pizza often incorporates BBQ elements, such as using wood chips for smoking or finishing with a BBQ sauce drizzle. This approach infuses the pizza with authentic Texan barbecue flavors.
The result is a pizza that captures the essence of Texas cuisine: bold, flavorful, and unapologetically unique.
Essential Ingredients for Texas-Style Grilled Pizza
A great Texas-style grilled pizza starts with high-quality ingredients. The foundation is a robust pizza dough made from flour, water, yeast, oil, and salt. For an authentic Texan twist, incorporate a touch of cornmeal into the dough for added texture and flavor.
The sauce is crucial. Opt for a tangy tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice. Mix crushed tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and a dash of hot sauce for that Texas kick.
Cheese is non-negotiable. Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for the perfect balance of meltability and sharpness. Sprinkle some smoked gouda for an extra layer of flavor.
For toppings, think bold and hearty. Consider these Texas-inspired options:
- Sliced brisket
- Jalapeños
- Caramelized onions
- Bell peppers
- Corn kernels
Don’t forget to brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle it with sea salt before grilling. This ensures a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Finish the pizza with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and a handful of fresh cilantro after grilling. These final touches elevate the pizza to true Texas-style status.
Preparing the Grill for Pizza
Preheating the grill is essential for achieving a perfectly crispy crust on a Texas-style grilled pizza. Set up the grill for two-zone cooking, with one side on high heat and the other on low.
For a charcoal grill, pile hot coals on one side, leaving the other side empty. With a gas grill, turn one or two burners to high and leave the others off or on low.
Aim for a temperature between 450°F and 500°F on the hot side. Use a grill thermometer to ensure accuracy. Allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed.
Clean the grates thoroughly with a wire brush to prevent sticking. Lightly oil the grates using tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
Place a pizza stone on the hot side of the grill if desired. This helps create an even cooking surface and mimics a pizza oven’s effect.
Have all pizza toppings prepared and ready before starting. Keep them in small containers near the grill for easy access during cooking.
Making the Pizza Dough
Creating the perfect pizza dough is crucial for a delicious Texas-style grilled pizza. The right ingredients and techniques will ensure a crispy yet chewy crust that stands up to grilling.
Choosing the Right Flour
High-protein bread flour is ideal for Texas-style grilled pizza dough. It contains more gluten, which provides structure and chewiness. All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute, but the results may be less robust.
For a truly authentic Texas twist, consider incorporating a small amount of cornmeal into the dough. This adds a subtle crunch and helps prevent sticking on the grill.
A ratio of 3 cups bread flour to 1 cup all-purpose flour often yields excellent results. This combination balances strength and tenderness in the final crust.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Start by dissolving 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast in 1 1/4 cups warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour mixture with 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
To test if the dough is ready, perform the windowpane test. Stretch a small piece of dough – it should form a thin, translucent membrane without tearing.
Dough Proofing Tips
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
For enhanced flavor, consider a slow fermentation. After the initial rise, punch down the dough and refrigerate overnight. This develops complex flavors and improves texture.
Before grilling, let the cold dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Divide it into portions and shape as desired. A final 15-minute rest allows the gluten to relax, making stretching easier.
Brush the shaped dough with olive oil before grilling. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the crust.
Crafting the Pizza Sauce
A great Texas-style grilled pizza starts with a flavorful sauce. The key is selecting ripe tomatoes and seasoning them with bold, complementary spices.
Selecting Tomatoes
Choose ripe, meaty tomatoes for the best sauce texture and flavor. San Marzano or Roma tomatoes work well due to their low seed content and rich taste. For convenience, high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes are an excellent option.
Remove seeds and excess liquid to prevent a watery sauce. Crush tomatoes by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor for a chunky texture. Avoid over-processing, as some texture enhances the sauce.
For a smoky twist, grill halved tomatoes before crushing. This adds depth to the flavor profile and complements the grilled pizza crust.
Seasoning the Sauce
Texas-style pizza sauce demands bold flavors. Start with a base of olive oil, garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes.
Incorporate classic Italian herbs like oregano and basil. For a Texan kick, add cumin, chili powder, and a dash of cayenne. Balance flavors with a pinch of sugar and salt to taste.
Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading on the pizza dough. A thicker consistency works best for grilled pizzas to prevent dripping through the grates.
Topping Selection and Preparation
Selecting the right toppings and preparing them properly are crucial steps in creating an authentic Texas-style grilled pizza. The key is to balance bold flavors and textures while ensuring ingredients are prepped to cook evenly on the grill.
Traditional Texas-Style Toppings
Texas-style grilled pizzas often feature bold, smoky flavors. Popular toppings include:
- Sliced brisket or pulled pork
- Jalapeños or serrano peppers
- Barbecue sauce (instead of traditional tomato sauce)
- Red onions
- Bell peppers
- Corn kernels
- Cilantro
For cheese, consider using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar. Some Texans add a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Preparing Vegetables and Meats
Proper preparation ensures toppings cook evenly and don’t overwhelm the crust. For vegetables:
- Slice onions and peppers thinly
- Pre-grill corn and cut kernels off the cob
- Dice jalapeños finely (remove seeds for less heat)
For meats:
- Slice brisket or pulled pork into bite-sized pieces
- Pre-cook and drain ground beef if using
- Cut bacon into small pieces
Pat all toppings dry to prevent excess moisture on the pizza. Pre-cooking certain ingredients, like mushrooms, can enhance their flavor and reduce water content.
Assembling the Pizza
Start with a well-oiled grill grate to prevent sticking. Brush one side of the pizza dough with olive oil and place it oiled-side down on the hot grate. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the bottom is lightly charred.
Flip the crust and quickly add toppings to the grilled side. For a Texas-style pizza, consider these options:
- BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce
- Smoked brisket or pulled pork
- Sliced jalapeños
- Red onions
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Keep toppings light to ensure even cooking. Close the grill lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bottom is crispy.
Use a large spatula or pizza peel to transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of ranch dressing for added Texas flair.
For best results, have all toppings prepared and within reach before grilling. This allows for quick assembly and prevents the crust from burning. Remember to monitor the pizza closely, as grills can have hot spots that cook unevenly.
Mastering the Grilling Technique
Grilling a Texas-style pizza requires precise temperature control, careful crust management, and expert cheese melting. These skills form the foundation for creating a perfectly crisp and flavorful grilled pizza.
Managing Grill Temperature
Set up a two-zone fire on your grill. Create a hot zone for initial crust cooking and a cooler zone for melting toppings. For charcoal grills, pile coals on one side. On gas grills, leave one or two burners off.
Aim for a temperature of 450-500°F (232-260°C) in the hot zone. Use a grill thermometer to monitor heat levels accurately.
Preheat the grill for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heat distribution and proper temperature maintenance throughout the cooking process.
Flipping and Cooking the Crust
Brush one side of the pizza dough with olive oil. Place the oiled side down on the hot grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Check the bottom of the crust. It should have nice grill marks and be lightly golden. If it’s cooking too fast, move it to the cooler side of the grill.
Brush the top of the dough with oil. Using tongs and a spatula, carefully flip the crust. The grilled side is now ready for toppings.
Add sauce, cheese, and desired toppings quickly. Work efficiently to prevent the bottom from burning.
Melting the Cheese Perfectly
After adding toppings, close the grill lid. This traps heat, melting the cheese evenly. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.
Monitor the pizza closely. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden. The crust edges will become crispy and browned.
If the bottom is cooking faster than the top, move the pizza to the cooler side of the grill. This allows the toppings to finish cooking without burning the crust.
Use a pizza peel or large spatula to remove the pizza from the grill. Let it rest for a minute before slicing to allow the cheese to set.
Serving Texas-Style Grilled Pizza
Proper serving techniques enhance the enjoyment of Texas-style grilled pizza. The right cutting method preserves the crispy crust, while thoughtful pairings complement the bold flavors.
Cutting the Pizza
Use a sharp pizza wheel or large chef’s knife to slice the grilled pizza. Start from the center and make firm, decisive cuts outward to the edges. This technique prevents tearing the crust or displacing toppings.
For easier handling, cut the pizza into squares rather than traditional triangles. This style, known as “party cut,” is popular in Texas and suits the hearty nature of the grilled pizza.
Let the pizza cool for 3-5 minutes before cutting. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making cleaner cuts possible.
Pairing with Sides and Drinks
Texas-style grilled pizza pairs well with crisp, refreshing sides. Serve a tangy coleslaw or a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the rich flavors.
For beverages, offer ice-cold sweet tea, a Texas staple. Craft beer enthusiasts might appreciate a local IPA or amber ale to complement the smoky notes of the grilled crust.
Consider serving sliced jalapeños or a spicy pepper sauce on the side for those who want extra heat. This addition aligns with Texas’ love for bold, spicy flavors.
For dessert, keep it simple with grilled peaches topped with vanilla ice cream, embracing the grill theme and Texas’ famous peach crops.
Cleaning and Grill Maintenance Post-Cooking
After grilling a delicious Texas-style pizza, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Begin by letting the grill cool down slightly while still warm.
Use a sturdy wire brush to scrub the grates, removing any stuck-on food particles. For stubborn residue, a mixture of white vinegar and water can be applied to loosen debris.
Once the grates are clean, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining particles. Inspect the burners and remove any blockages to ensure even heat distribution for future use.
Clean the exterior of the grill with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Pay special attention to areas that may have grease splatters or food spills.
For gas grills, check the fuel lines and connections for any signs of wear or damage. Replace parts as needed to maintain safe operation.
Before storing, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the grates to prevent rust. Cover the grill to protect it from the elements when not in use.
Regular maintenance will extend the life of the grill and ensure consistent cooking results for future Texas-style pizzas and other grilled delights.