Imagine transforming an ordinary pizza night into an extraordinary culinary adventure that combines the smoky charm of grilled perfection with fresh, vibrant ingredients. This Grilled Pizza with Ricotta, Asparagus, and Sausage is not just a meal—it's a gourmet experience that will elevate your outdoor cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Forget boring pizza delivery; you're about to create a restaurant-quality masterpiece right in your own backyard!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your grill for direct and indirect heat zones, aiming for a temperature around 450-500°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove pizza dough from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to make it easier to stretch and shape.
- While dough rests, prepare the asparagus by trimming woody ends and cutting into 2-inch diagonal pieces. Lightly toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pre-cook Italian sausage in a skillet until fully browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Stretch pizza dough into a thin, oval shape on a lightly oiled baking sheet or pizza peel. Brush one side generously with olive oil.
- Place dough oil-side down on the hot grill's direct heat zone. Grill for 2-3 minutes until bottom develops golden brown grill marks and bubbles form on top.
- Flip the dough and quickly spread ricotta cheese, sprinkle pre-cooked sausage, asparagus pieces, and shredded mozzarella on the grilled side.
- Move pizza to indirect heat zone, close grill lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes until cheese melts and bottom becomes crispy.
- Remove pizza from grill, let rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Maintain a consistent grill temperature between 450-500°F for the perfect crispy crust.
- Prep in Advance: Have all ingredients chopped, cooked, and ready before you start grilling to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Oil is Your Friend: Generously brush the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Work Quickly: Once the dough hits the grill, be prepared to move fast—grilling pizza requires precision and timing.
- Use Indirect Heat: After adding toppings, move the pizza to the cooler side of the grill to prevent burning and allow even melting.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pizza to sit for 2-3 minutes after grilling to help the cheese set and make slicing easier.
- Experiment with Toppings: While this recipe is delicious, don't be afraid to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables and proteins.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
