Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill)

There’s something magical about a pizza cooked on a pellet grill. The Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill) combines the rich, smoky flavor that only a Traeger can provide with the comforting familiarity of homemade pizza. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress and delight. With a crispy crust, fresh toppings, and a hint of smoke, this pizza will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its deliciousness but also in its simplicity. Using either store-bought or homemade pizza dough, even novice cooks can achieve pizzeria-quality results right in their backyard. Let’s dive into what makes this pizza so special and how you can create the perfect pie on your Traeger.

Why Cooks Rave About It

When it comes to outdoor cooking, the Traeger grill stands out for its ability to impart a wonderful smoky flavor that you simply can’t replicate in a conventional oven. Cooks rave about smoked pizza for several reasons:

• Flavor Explosion: The wood pellets infuse the pizza with a mouthwatering smokiness, enhancing every bite.
• Crispy Crust: The high heat of the grill creates a beautifully crisp crust that is hard to achieve indoors.
• Creative Toppings: The versatility of the grill allows for endless topping possibilities, from classic pepperoni to gourmet combinations.
• Outdoor Experience: Cooking outside adds a fun, social element to meal preparation, making it perfect for gatherings.

Ingredient Breakdown

For the Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill), you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 ball pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade. Allow it to rise on the counter for 2-6 hours for best results.
• 1 tbsp flour: For dusting the work surface to prevent sticking.
• 1 tsp olive oil: To brush on the dough for extra flavor.
• 1.5 cups pizza sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade recipe.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Shredded for a gooey, melty topping.
• 1 cup sausage or pepperoni: Cooked and sliced for a hearty topping.
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese: Divided, for added flavor on top.
• 1 tsp parsley: Freshly chopped for garnish.

Hardware & Gadgets

To create the perfect smoked pizza on your Traeger, you will need the following tools:

• Traeger Pellet Grill: Essential for that signature smoky flavor.
• Pizza Stone: Helps to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking.
• Pizza Peel: Makes transferring the pizza to and from the grill a breeze.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to your desired thickness.
• Spatula: To help lift and check the pizza without damaging it.

Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill): From Prep to Plate

Creating the Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill) is a process filled with anticipation and delicious aromas. Follow these steps for pizza perfection:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

If you’re using homemade pizza dough, prepare it in advance according to your favorite recipe. Once ready, let it rise on the counter for 2-6 hours. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Step 2: Preheat Your Traeger

Set your Traeger grill to 450°F and allow it to preheat for about 15 minutes. This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Aim for about 12-14 inches in diameter for a perfect personal-sized pizza.

Step 4: Prepare Your Pizza Base

Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil to add flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then layer on your cooked sausage or pepperoni. Finish by sprinkling the parmesan cheese evenly across the top.

Step 6: Smoke the Pizza

Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone inside the Traeger. Close the lid and let the pizza smoke for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill using the pizza peel. Let it cool for a minute before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Slice up your delicious smoked pizza and serve hot!

Make It Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make the Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill) a little more diet-friendly, consider these options:

• Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute regular pizza dough with whole wheat dough for added fiber.
• Low-Fat Cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce overall fat content.
• Vegetarian Toppings: Replace the meat with a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Healthier Sauces: Opt for a homemade tomato sauce with fresh herbs instead of store-bought sauces that may contain added sugars.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

For the Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill), the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference. Choose fresh herbs, high-quality cheese, and a great sauce to elevate your pizza experience. Additionally, experimenting with different wood pellets can add unique flavors to your smoke. Try hickory for a stronger taste or applewood for a sweeter finish.

• Letting the dough rise is crucial for texture – don’t skip this step!
• Feel free to play with the toppings; the sky is the limit when it comes to creating your perfect pizza.
• If you’re cooking multiple pizzas, keep an eye on the first one. Temperatures can fluctuate, and you want to avoid burning.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

If you have leftover pizza (which is a rarity), here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat it:

• Storing: Wrap leftover pizza slices in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the pizza slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier crust, consider reheating on the Traeger for about 5-7 minutes.

Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill) FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this pizza?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can mix and match with provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for added flavor.

How do I prevent my pizza from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to dust your pizza peel with flour and brush your dough with olive oil before cooking. This will help create a barrier between the dough and the grill surface.

Can I make this pizza without a Traeger grill?

Yes! You can use a conventional oven or a charcoal grill. Just ensure you have a pizza stone to replicate the cooking environment.

What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking pizza?

Hickory, mesquite, or fruitwoods like cherry or apple work wonderfully. Each will impart a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment!

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Easy Chicken Enchiladas
• Vegan Tacos
• Red Velvet Cake

Next Steps

Now that you have the complete recipe for the Best Smoked Traeger Pizza (Smoking Pizza On Pellet Grill), it’s time to gather your ingredients and fire up that grill! Don’t forget to invite friends over for a fun pizza night, and let everyone customize their toppings. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite of your handmade pizza creation!

With the right ingredients and a little creativity, your backyard can become a culinary haven where the joy of cooking and the thrill of outdoor grilling come together. Happy grilling!