Smoky Grilled Pizza with Zesty Arugula Pesto, Sweet Corn, and Savory Ham

Mastering the Art of Grilled Pizzas

Grilling pizza is more than just cooking; it’s an adventure that promises incredible flavor and a delightful texture you simply can’t achieve in a conventional oven. The direct heat of the grill creates a uniquely crispy, slightly charred crust that’s both chewy and light, making it a perfect canvas for your favorite toppings. While the concept might seem daunting at first, with a few simple tips and the right tools, you’ll be creating pizzeria-quality pies in your own backyard.

My own journey into grilled pizza began with a mix of excitement and a touch of trepidation. Picture this: a warm summer evening, the grill roaring, and a meticulously prepared pizza dough, stretched into what I optimistically called a “round-ish” circle, ready for its fiery debut. Armed with enthusiasm, I attempted the transfer to the hot grill grates. What followed was less a graceful maneuver and more a chaotic wrestling match with sticky, stretchy dough. The result? A decidedly un-pizza-like blob, closer in form to an avant-garde funnel cake than a culinary masterpiece. I gamely grilled it a bit longer, then, with a chuckle, pulled it off and enjoyed my “funnel cake” snack. It was a learning experience, to say the least, and it sent me back to the drawing board determined to crack the code of grilled pizza success.

Through trial and error, I discovered the key to a flawless grilled pizza lies in preparation and having the right equipment. A pizza peel, the flat shovel-like tool used by pizzaiolos, becomes your best friend here. It allows for a swift and smooth transfer of the delicate dough from your workstation to the scorching grill. If a pizza peel isn’t part of your kitchen arsenal, don’t fret! A large, rimless baking sheet or even a sturdy, generously floured cutting board can serve as excellent alternatives. For those who prefer an even more authentic touch, a preheated pizza stone placed directly on the grill grates can also work wonders, mimicking a traditional pizza oven environment. Regardless of your chosen tool, the goal is to minimize the time the dough spends unsupported, ensuring it lands on the grill intact and ready to crisp up.

Beyond the tools, understanding your grill is paramount. Achieving and maintaining a consistent medium heat (around 350°-400° F or 175°-200° C) is crucial for cooking the dough evenly without burning. You want that beautiful golden-brown char, not an incinerated disc. A well-oiled grill grate prevents sticking, making that initial flip much less nerve-wracking. Remember, the first side of the dough cooks quickly, just enough to set the crust, before you flip it to finish cooking and add your delectable toppings. This two-stage grilling process ensures a perfectly cooked base and beautifully melted, warmed toppings, transforming your grilled pizza from a challenging endeavor into an effortless delight.

Experience the Flavors: Grilled Pizza with Arugula Pesto, Corn, and Ham

This isn’t just any grilled pizza; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, carefully curated to deliver a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Each component plays a vital role in creating a pizza that feels both gourmet and wonderfully comforting. Let’s dive into what makes this particular grilled pizza recipe an absolute must-try.

The Heart of the Pizza: Homemade Arugula Pesto

The foundation of this extraordinary pizza is the homemade arugula pesto. Unlike traditional basil pesto, arugula offers a unique, peppery brightness that perfectly complements the rich and savory elements of the pizza. Infused with zesty lemon and a delightful kick of garlic, this pesto provides a vibrant, subtly spicy flavor base that truly captures the essence of summer. It’s light, herbaceous, and adds an unexpected depth that sets this pizza apart. While crafting your own pesto is always recommended for the freshest taste, high-quality store-bought basil pesto can also be used as a convenient alternative, offering a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.

Creamy Indulgence: Ricotta Cheese

Moving beyond the usual mozzarella, this recipe calls for dollops of creamy part-skim ricotta cheese. This seemingly simple substitution makes a world of difference. The ricotta melts into a luscious, velvety layer that provides a delicate tang and a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor balances the peppery arugula and salty ham, adding a luxurious creaminess without overwhelming the other ingredients. The ricotta not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the pizza’s fulfilling and hearty character.

Sweet Summer Star: In-Season Corn

No summer pizza is complete without the star of the season: fresh, sweet corn kernels. Cut directly from the cob, these golden gems burst with natural sweetness and provide a gentle crunch that adds an irresistible textural contrast. The vibrant color of the corn also makes the pizza visually appealing, hinting at the fresh, sun-kissed flavors within. There’s truly nothing quite like the taste of peak-season corn, and on this grilled pizza, its natural sugars caramelize slightly, enhancing its inherent deliciousness and elevating the overall summery feel.

The Perfect Ensemble: Thoughtfully Chosen Toppings

To complement the inherent sweetness of the corn, we introduce thinly sliced red onions. Their crisp texture and distinct, slightly pungent flavor add a delightful sharpness that cuts through the richness and sweetness, providing an essential layer of complexity. For a savory counterpoint, diced deli ham brings a wonderful saltiness and umami to the party. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cured meats like thinly sliced prosciutto for a gourmet touch, or crispy crumbled bacon or pancetta for added smoky depth. A final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese ties all these incredible flavors together, adding a salty, nutty finish that rounds out each slice beautifully.

The Joy of Outdoor Cooking

One of the greatest advantages of grilling pizza, especially during the warmer months, is the ability to keep your kitchen cool. There’s no need to crank up the oven and heat your entire home when you can achieve a superior crust outdoors. Grilling transforms pizza night into a delightful alfresco experience, making it perfect for casual gatherings or a relaxing evening under the stars. Enjoy your grilled pizza with arugula pesto alongside a refreshing cold beverage. Consider pairing it with a zesty vodka lemonade, a crisp white wine spritzer, or a chilled craft beer for the ultimate summer dining pleasure. This entire meal embodies the spirit of easy, delicious summer living.

Host the Ultimate Grilled Pizza Party!

Once you’ve mastered the art of grilling pizza, you’ll want to share the joy! A grilled pizza party is an incredibly fun, interactive, and delicious way to entertain friends and family. It’s perfect for summer evenings, offering a casual atmosphere where everyone can get creative and customize their own culinary masterpiece. The beauty of grilled pizzas lies in their speed; individual pizzas cook up in mere minutes, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a fresh, hot pie.

To host a successful pizza party, prepare your dough and set up an inviting “pizza toppings bar” beforehand. Guests will love stretching their own dough (or you can do it for them) and then loading it with their favorite ingredients. Provide plenty of flour for dusting hands and surfaces, and ensure everyone has a designated space. The thrill of watching their personalized pizza transform on the hot grill makes for fantastic memories and even better food. You can opt for larger pizzas to share or encourage guests to make smaller, individual-sized pizzas for a truly bespoke experience. Here are some ideas for creating an epic toppings bar that caters to every taste:

A Spectrum of Sauce Choices

Offer a variety of bases to start the creative process. Beyond our featured arugula pesto, consider:

• **Arugula Pesto:** For a distinctive peppery and bright foundation.
• **Classic Basil Pesto:** A timeless favorite for its herbaceous, garlicky goodness.
• **Rich Pizza Sauce:** The traditional red sauce, perfect for classic pizza lovers.
• **Tangy Chimichurri Sauce:** An adventurous choice, offering a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly spicy kick.
• **White Garlic Sauce:** A creamy, aromatic alternative to tomato-based sauces.
• **BBQ Sauce:** For a smoky, sweet, and savory twist.

An Endless Array of Toppings (Unleash Your Imagination!)

This is where the real fun begins! Encourage diversity with a wide selection of fresh, colorful, and flavorful ingredients. Don’t limit yourself to just these suggestions; the sky’s the limit when it comes to pizza toppings:

• **Meats & Proteins:**
  • Ham (diced or thinly sliced)
  • Pepperoni (classic and always popular)
  • Crispy Bacon bits
  • Thinly sliced Prosciutto (for a salty, elegant touch)
  • Cooked Italian Sausage (crumbled)
  • Grilled Chicken (shredded or diced)
  • Shrimp (pre-cooked and seasoned)
• **Vegetables & Fungi:**
  • Onions (red, yellow, or caramelized)
  • Fresh Corn kernels
  • Cherry Tomatoes (halved) or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Sautéed Mushrooms or Roasted Mushrooms (cremini, shiitake)
  • Asparagus (thinly sliced or blanched spears)
  • Fresh Spinach or kale (lightly wilted)
  • Broccoli florets (steamed or roasted)
  • Bell Peppers (red, yellow, green – sliced)
  • Black Olives or Kalamata olives (sliced)
  • Artichoke Hearts (chopped)
  • Jalapeños or banana peppers (for a spicy kick)
  • Pineapple (for a sweet and savory debate!)
• **Gourmet Additions:**
  • Fresh Basil leaves (added after grilling)
  • Chili flakes (for heat)
  • Honey or balsamic glaze (drizzled after cooking)

The Glorious World of Cheese (Essential for Any Pizza!)

No pizza is complete without a generous amount of cheese. Offer a variety of textures and flavors to create truly unique combinations:

• **Creamy Ricotta:** Our featured star, adds a lovely creaminess.
• **Shredded Parmesan:** For a sharp, nutty finish.
• **Fresh Mozzarella (sliced or torn):** Melts beautifully and adds a delicate creaminess.
• **Shredded Mozzarella:** The classic stretchy, gooey pizza cheese.
• **Sharp Cheddar:** For a distinct, robust flavor.
• **Luxurious Burrata:** Best added after grilling, for a rich, creamy center.
• **Soft Brie:** Melts into a buttery, earthy indulgence.
• **Nutty Fontina:** Offers a wonderfully creamy texture and subtle flavor.
• **Goat Cheese:** For a tangy, earthy crumble.
• **Provolone:** A classic pairing with mozzarella.
• **Blue Cheese:** For a bold, pungent flavor adventure.

With this kind of variety, your grilled pizza party will be a resounding success, allowing everyone to craft a pizza that’s perfectly suited to their individual cravings. Get ready to impress your guests with not just incredible food, but also a memorable and interactive dining experience!

PS: Have extra arugula? Don’t let it go to waste! Use it to make a refreshing classic arugula salad, tossed with a simple vinaigrette, for a light and peppery side dish.

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Recipe

Grilled Pizza with Arugula Pesto, Corn, and Ham

★★★★★

5 from 5 votes

By
Rachel Gurk

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:
4

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This grilled pizza, featuring vibrant arugula pesto, sweet corn, and savory ham, is the quintessential taste of summer. It masterfully combines sweet, salty, tangy, chewy, and crunchy textures with a subtle peppery kick from the arugula, all crowned with creamy cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that truly elevates any meal.

Ingredients

(Yields 4 servings)

• 1 pound pizza dough (ensure it’s at room temperature if using refrigerated dough for easier stretching)
• 2 tablespoons corn meal (or all-purpose flour, for dusting)
• oil for grill grates (a high smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed works best)
• ½ cup arugula pesto (homemade or your favorite store-bought brand)
• ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• ½ cup diced deli ham (prosciutto or crispy bacon are also excellent alternatives)
• ¾ cup fresh corn kernels (approximately 1 large cob, cut fresh from the cob for best flavor)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always superior)

Instructions

• 1. Prepare Your Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to a steady medium heat, aiming for a temperature range of 350°-400° F (175°-200° C). This consistent heat is vital for an evenly cooked, crispy crust.
• 2. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your pizza dough to prevent sticking. Gently stretch or roll the dough into a circular shape, approximately ½ inch thick and about 14 to 16 inches in diameter. Don’t stress about achieving a perfect circle; an rustic, irregular shape adds to the charm!
  1 pound pizza dough
• 3. Prepare for Transfer: Generously sprinkle cornmeal or flour onto your large, unrimmed baking sheet or pizza peel. This creates a non-stick surface, allowing the dough to slide easily. Carefully transfer your stretched pizza dough onto this prepared surface.
  2 tablespoons corn meal
• 4. Grill the First Side: Before placing the dough, brush your grill grates to clean them, then carefully oil them using an oil-soaked paper towel held with tongs. (Alternatively, if using a pizza stone, place it on the grill and allow it to preheat). Gently slide the pizza dough off the baking sheet or peel directly onto the hot grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the top of the dough begins to bubble and the bottom is golden brown and slightly crisp.
  oil for grill grates
• 5. Add Toppings: Carefully flip the partially cooked dough over using your peel or a pair of tongs and the baking sheet. If you prefer more working time, you can temporarily remove the crust from the grill while you add your toppings. Evenly spread the arugula pesto over the grilled dough. Then, dot with small dollops of ricotta cheese, followed by the diced ham, fresh corn kernels, thinly sliced red onion, and finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  ½ cup arugula pesto, ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese, ½ cup diced deli ham, ¾ cup fresh corn kernels, ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 6. Finish Grilling: If you removed the pizza to add toppings, carefully return it to the grill. Close the lid and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. Monitor carefully to ensure the toppings are heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bottom of the crust is beautifully crispy and golden brown.
• 7. Serve: Carefully remove the finished pizza from the grill. Let it rest for a minute or two, then slice it into 8 triangles. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors of summer!

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Pro Tip for Success: Preparation is key when grilling pizza. Ensure all your toppings are prepped, chopped, and ready to go before you even think about putting the dough on the grill. This minimizes the time the crust spends waiting and helps prevent burning.
• Pesto Variations: Feel free to customize your pizza base! While arugula pesto offers a unique peppery profile, classic basil pesto or even a rich, homemade tomato pizza sauce can be substituted if you prefer a different flavor foundation.
• Oven Baking Option: If the weather isn’t cooperating or you simply don’t feel like firing up the grill, this pizza can be baked in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with the oven rack positioned in the lower third for optimal crust crispiness. Place the topped pizza on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the amount of toppings.
• Dough Handling: If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s resisting stretching, let it rest for another 5-10 minutes under a clean kitchen towel; this allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to work with.

Video Tutorial

Watch our video to see how easily this delicious grilled pizza comes together!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2slices,
Calories: 586kcal,
Carbohydrates: 68g,
Protein: 24g,
Fat: 25g,
Saturated Fat: 7g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g,
Trans Fat: 0.003g,
Cholesterol: 35mg,
Sodium: 1605mg,
Potassium: 238mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 10g,
Vitamin A: 847IU,
Vitamin C: 3mg,
Calcium: 213mg,
Iron: 4mg

Please note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Exact values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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