Grilled New York Style Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

This recipe presents a wood-fired take on the classic New York style pepperoni pizza. Homemade dough is topped with a delicious homemade tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, all cooked on a Traeger grill for a unique flavor.

Ingredients

Pizza Dough:

• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Main:

• Bread flour (as needed)
• Cornmeal (for dusting pizza peel)
• 1 pound grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound pepperoni slices

Pizza Sauce:

• 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 medium cloves garlic (grated or minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt (as needed)
• 2 sprigs fresh basil
• 1 medium yellow onion (peeled and halved)
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Steps

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a food processor and pulse until mixed.
   • Add olive oil and water, process until dough forms a ball.
   • Knead on a floured surface, divide into three parts, and refrigerate for at least one day.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Puree tomatoes in a food processor, set aside.
   • Heat oil and butter in a saucepan, add garlic, oregano, pepper flakes, and salt.
   • Add pureed tomatoes, basil, onion, and sugar. Simmer for an hour, discard onion and basil stems.

3. Cooking the Pizza:

   • Preheat grill with a baking stone to 450°F.
   • Shape the dough, spread sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
   • Bake until crust is golden and cheese is melted (6-7 minutes).

4. Serving:

   • Top with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve immediately.

Grilled New York Style Pepperoni Pizza

Grilling pizza may seem unconventional, but once you try this Grilled New York Style Pepperoni Pizza, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner. The wood-fired flavors from a Traeger grill elevate this classic dish, making it a must-try for pizza lovers.

The Perfect Dough

The foundation of any great pizza is its dough. This recipe uses bread flour for a chewy texture, combined with sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness, and the dough's long rest in the refrigerator develops its flavor and texture.

1. Mixing the Dough:

   • Combine dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse.
   • Add water and oil, process until a smooth ball forms.

2. Kneading and Rising:

   • Knead briefly by hand, divide, and refrigerate for at least a day to let the dough mature.

Crafting the Sauce

A good sauce is key to a flavorful pizza. This recipe blends whole peeled tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. Simmering the sauce with basil and onion infuses it with depth.

1. Preparing the Tomatoes:
   • Puree the tomatoes, but keep some texture.
2. Cooking the Sauce:
   • Sauté garlic and spices, add tomatoes and simmer with basil and onion.

Grilling to Perfection

Grilling pizza brings a unique, smoky flavor that you can't achieve in a conventional oven. Using a baking stone on your Traeger grill ensures a crispy crust.

1. Shaping the Dough:

   • Form the dough into a circle, ensuring an even thickness.

2. Assembling the Pizza:

   • Spread sauce, cheese, and pepperoni evenly.

3. Grilling:

   • Preheat the grill to 450°F, bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Serving Tips

Once your pizza is perfectly grilled, transfer it to a cutting board, garnish with fresh basil, and slice it up. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni.

Conclusion

Grilling a New York Style Pepperoni Pizza might be a twist on tradition, but it's a delicious one. The smoky, wood-fired flavor adds a new dimension to this beloved classic. Whether you're a grilling enthusiast or a pizza purist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.