What To Know
- Learning how to cook pizza on BGE unlocks a whole new world of culinary possibilities, offering a unique and delicious way to enjoy your favorite pizza creations.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Use your peel to carefully remove the pizza from the BGE and transfer it to a cutting board.
The Big Green Egg (BGE) is renowned for its versatility, allowing you to grill, smoke, bake, and even roast with exceptional results. But did you know that it’s also a fantastic tool for crafting mouthwatering pizzas? Learning how to cook pizza on BGE unlocks a whole new world of culinary possibilities, offering a unique and delicious way to enjoy your favorite pizza creations.
Getting Started: Setting the Stage for Pizza Perfection
Before you start tossing dough and layering toppings, ensure you have the right setup. Here’s a quick checklist to get you going:
- BGE Setup: Start by preheating your BGE to 600-700°F (315-371°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Use a mixture of lump charcoal and wood chunks for a smoky flavor.
- Pizza Stone: A pizza stone is essential for even heat distribution and a crispy crust. Place the stone directly on the grate, allowing it to heat up thoroughly with the BGE.
- Pizza Peel: A peel is used to slide the pizza onto and off the hot stone. Choose a peel with a long handle for safe maneuvering.
- Flour: Keep a bowl of flour handy for dusting your work surface and the pizza peel to prevent sticking.
Dough Decisions: Choosing the Right Foundation
The foundation of a great pizza is the dough. While you can certainly buy pre-made dough, crafting your own offers a rewarding experience and allows you to tailor the flavor to your liking. Here are some popular dough options:
- Traditional Neapolitan Dough: This classic dough is characterized by its thin, slightly chewy texture and airy crust. It’s made with a high hydration percentage, typically around 60-65%, resulting in a dough that is soft and pliable.
- New York Style Dough: Known for its large size and thin, foldable crust, New York style dough is typically made with a lower hydration percentage (around 55-60%) and a slightly higher gluten content.
- Chicago Deep Dish Dough: This dough is thick and sturdy, perfect for holding a generous amount of toppings and sauce. It’s typically made with a higher hydration percentage (around 70-75%) and a lower gluten content.
Toppings: Unleash Your Creativity
The beauty of pizza lies in its endless topping possibilities. Whether you prefer classic combinations or adventurous flavors, the BGE allows you to create pizzas that tantalize your taste buds. Here are some inspiration points:
- Classic Combinations: Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers are always crowd-pleasers.
- Vegetarian Delights: Explore the vibrant world of vegetables with toppings like roasted red peppers, spinach, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- International Flavors: Add a global touch with toppings like prosciutto, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Spicy Options: Spice things up with jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot honey.
Crafting the Perfect Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have the basics covered, let’s get down to the fun part: making pizza.
1. Prepare the Dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature. If you’re making your own, follow your preferred recipe and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Dough: Gently flatten the dough with your fingertips, then stretch it out to your desired size. You can use a rolling pin if needed, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Apply the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Arrange the Toppings: Arrange your chosen toppings on top of the cheese. Avoid overcrowding the pizza, as this can prevent the toppings from cooking evenly.
6. Transfer to the BGE: Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone using your peel.
7. Cook the Pizza: Cook the pizza for 5-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
8. Remove and Enjoy: Use your peel to carefully remove the pizza from the BGE and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Pizza Perfection
- Temperature is Key: Maintaining a consistent high temperature is crucial for a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pizza with toppings, as this can prevent the crust from cooking properly and make the toppings soggy.
- Use a Good Quality Pizza Stone: A pizza stone absorbs heat and distributes it evenly, resulting in a crispy crust.
- Flour is Your Friend: Dust your work surface and peel with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and try new combinations.
Beyond the Basics: Elevate Your Pizza Game
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with more advanced techniques to take your pizza game to the next level.
- Wood-Fired Flavor: Add wood chunks, such as cherry, pecan, or apple, to your BGE for a smoky flavor.
- Different Crusts: Explore different dough recipes, such as sourdough or focaccia, to create unique crust textures and flavors.
- Gourmet Toppings: Elevate your pizza with high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella, artisanal sausage, or gourmet mushrooms.
The Final Bite: A Culinary Journey with BGE
Cooking pizza on the Big Green Egg is a culinary adventure that allows you to experiment with flavors, techniques, and toppings. From classic combinations to innovative creations, the BGE empowers you to craft pizzas that are as delicious as they are visually stunning. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your BGE, and embark on a culinary journey to pizza perfection!
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use a regular baking sheet instead of a pizza stone?
A: While a baking sheet can be used, a pizza stone is recommended for optimal results. A pizza stone absorbs heat and distributes it evenly, resulting in a crispy crust.
Q: How do I know when my BGE is hot enough for pizza?
A: Aim for a temperature of 600-700°F (315-371°C). You can use a digital thermometer to check the temperature.
Q: What kind of wood should I use for pizza?
A: Cherry, pecan, and apple woods are popular choices for pizza, as they impart a mild and sweet flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the pizza from sticking to the peel?
A: Dust the peel with flour before placing the pizza on it. You can also use cornmeal for a slightly crispier crust.
Q: How do I store leftover pizza?
A: Let the pizza cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the oven or on the BGE.
