Mastering Blackstone Pizza: The Ultimate Guide to Griddle Perfection

Get ready to discover your new favorite way to make pizza! Cooking pizza on the Blackstone griddle transforms a classic dish into an incredibly easy, quick, and remarkably delicious meal. This simple recipe will transport you to a world of cheesy, savory bliss in about as much time as it takes to preheat a conventional oven. The Blackstone griddle, celebrated for making outdoor cooking effortlessly enjoyable, isn’t just for familiar favorites like chicken fried rice and smash burgers. It also excels at less traditional, yet equally mouthwatering, entrees such as Blackstone nachos and ribs on the Blackstone. This highly customizable pizza meal can be prepared from start to finish in under 30 minutes, delivering an absolutely delicious result every time.

Whether you’re embarking on a camping adventure, tailgating at a game, or simply enjoying a beautiful day outdoors with your family, making pizza on the Blackstone is a hassle-free method to whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will adore. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing it to serve as a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. With an almost limitless array of topping options, each family member or guest can craft their ideal personal pizza. This eliminates the need to prepare multiple distinct meals, making hosting a breeze and catering to diverse tastes with unparalleled ease and fun.

Why You Need to Try This Blackstone Pizza Recipe

Cooking pizza on a Blackstone griddle offers unique advantages that make it a standout choice for any occasion:

• Perfect for Outdoor Adventures: Blackstone pizza is an incredibly easy and quick meal, making it an ideal choice for camping, picnics, or any outdoor gathering. Unlike traditional pizza-making, you don’t need a bulky oven. The compact nature of a griddle means less gear to haul and fewer dishes to wash. The use of a shelf-stable, premade crust eliminates any worries about refrigeration, freeing up valuable cooler space for other ingredients or beverages. This simplicity allows you to focus more on enjoying the outdoors and less on complicated meal prep.
• Effortlessly Customizable: While this recipe spotlights a delicious BBQ chicken pizza, its true strength lies in its flexibility. Feel empowered to use any ingredients you have on hand or any toppings your heart desires. Imagine the possibilities: a classic pepperoni pizza, a vibrant all-veggie pizza bursting with fresh produce, a savory taco pizza, or even a gourmet creation with unique cheeses and herbs. This method ensures that every pizza, regardless of toppings, will cook to perfection, accommodating even the pickiest eaters and making it a fantastic option for interactive “build-your-own-pizza” nights.
• Budget-Friendly Feeding for a Crowd: Opting for Blackstone pizza is a smart and economical way to feed a group without breaking the bank. You can easily prepare two generously sized pizzas for less than $10, often the price of a single carryout pizza from a local shop. The savings multiply when you consider using existing fridge leftovers for toppings, transforming what might otherwise go to waste into a fresh and exciting meal. This approach makes hosting large gatherings or simply feeding a hungry family much more affordable and satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for Blackstone BBQ Chicken Pizza

Crafting this delicious BBQ chicken pizza on your Blackstone is straightforward with these key ingredients:

• 1 (12”) Premade Pizza Crust: The secret to this recipe’s ease and success lies in using a good quality premade crust. This eliminates the need to handle raw dough, which can be tricky on a griddle due to potential hot spots and uneven cooking. Precooked crusts guarantee a consistently crispy base without the risk of burning before the toppings are ready. Look for various types like thin, medium, or even gluten-free options to suit your preferences.
• 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter: Brushing melted butter onto the crust before adding toppings is a crucial step. It not only adds a rich, savory depth of flavor but also ensures a beautifully golden-brown and slightly crispy crust. The butter helps create a moisture barrier, preventing the sauce from making the crust soggy and contributing to that perfect texture.
• 1/2 Cup Barbecue Sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce will define the flavor profile of your pizza. Don’t hesitate to use your absolute favorite brand or even a homemade recipe. Whether you prefer a sweet and tangy sauce, a smoky and robust one, or a spicy kick, the BBQ sauce provides the perfect foundation for this unique pizza.
• 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, we highly recommend shredding mozzarella directly from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Be mindful not to overload your pizza with too much cheese; while tempting, excessive cheese can prevent it from melting properly before the crust becomes overcooked. A good, even layer is key to gooey, delicious results. Consider a blend with a touch of smoked gouda for an extra layer of flavor.
• 1 Cup Diced Cooked Chicken Breast: Convenience is paramount in this recipe. You can easily purchase precooked chicken breast from your grocery store, pick up a flavorful rotisserie chicken, or brilliantly repurpose leftovers from another meal like Blackstone BBQ chicken thighs. Ensure the chicken is diced into small, manageable pieces for even distribution and easier eating.
• 1/4 Cup Bacon Crumbles: Bacon adds an irresistible salty, smoky crunch to the pizza. Leftover bacon works perfectly here, or you can use readily available precooked bacon pieces from the store. Alternatively, you can fry up fresh bacon slices on your Blackstone griddle before starting the pizza for maximum flavor and freshness.
• 1/8 Red Onion, Sliced: Thin slices of red onion offer a delightful crispness and a pungent, fresh flavor that beautifully complements the smoky and sweet notes of the barbecue sauce. As the pizza cooks, the edges of the onion will soften and slightly caramelize, adding another layer of complexity. If red onion isn’t your preference, thinly sliced caramelized yellow onions also make an excellent substitution.
• 2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Cilantro: This vibrant herb is a must-have garnish. Sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro over the pizza immediately after it comes off the griddle. Its bright, peppery, and citrusy notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients, elevating the entire dish with a burst of freshness.
• 1/4 Cup Pickled Sliced Jalapeños (Optional): For those who appreciate a touch of heat, pickled jalapeño peppers are the perfect topping for BBQ chicken pizza. They deliver just the right amount of spicy kick to balance the savory and sweet elements. If you prefer to avoid heat, sliced banana peppers offer a mild tang and a nice “zing” without the spice, making them a great alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Blackstone Pizza

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect pizza on your Blackstone griddle:

• 1. Prepare the Crust: Begin by taking your premade pizza crust and generously brushing it with the melted butter. Pay special attention to coating the edges thoroughly, as this will help them crisp up beautifully and achieve a golden-brown finish, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.



• 2. Add Sauce and Cheese: Next, spoon your chosen BBQ sauce onto the buttered pizza crust. Using the back of the spoon, spread the sauce into an even, consistent layer, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust. Immediately after, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Ensuring even coverage of both sauce and cheese is crucial for a balanced flavor and consistent melting.



• 3. Apply Toppings: Now, it’s time for the delicious toppings! Evenly distribute the diced cooked chicken, bacon crumbles, thin slices of red onion, and the pickled jalapeños (if using) over the layer of mozzarella. Try not to overload the pizza, as too many toppings can make the crust soggy or prevent even cooking. A balanced distribution ensures every slice is perfect.



• 4. Griddle Cooking Process: Set your Blackstone griddle to its absolute lowest heat setting. This is critical for preventing the crust from burning before the cheese has a chance to melt. To further protect the crust and promote even cooking, place a pizza pan or a sturdy cookie sheet upside down directly on the griddle surface. Then, carefully place your assembled, uncooked pizza on top of this elevated surface. Close your griddle’s lid, or cover the pizza with a large, heat-safe cloche. This creates a mini-oven effect, trapping heat and steam to help the cheese melt beautifully and evenly. Cook the pizza for approximately 10-15 minutes, but be sure to check it frequently. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, fully melted cheese. If you notice the crust cooking too rapidly, either turn off the heat for a few minutes or gently slide the pizza to a cooler corner of the griddle. Patience here will yield a perfectly cooked pizza.



• 5. Finish and Serve: Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the Blackstone griddle. Transfer it to a cutting board or a cooling rack. Immediately sprinkle the fresh, chopped cilantro over the hot pizza for a burst of vibrant flavor. Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two before slicing to help the cheese set, then serve warm and enjoy your homemade Blackstone pizza!

Creative Variations and Easy Substitutions

The beauty of Blackstone pizza lies in its endless customization. Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Explore Diverse Toppings: While BBQ chicken pizza is a fantastic choice, don’t limit your creativity. A classic pepperoni and cheese pizza is always a foolproof crowd-pleaser. For a lighter, fresher taste, try a Margherita style with fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil. Other popular combinations include Hawaiian (ham and pineapple), Supreme (pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, olives), or a robust Meat Lover’s with various cooked meats. You can also swap out the BBQ sauce for a traditional marinara, a creamy white garlic sauce, or even a vibrant pesto base.
• “Make Your Own Mini Pizza” Night: Turn pizza night into an interactive experience by using mini premade pizza crusts, often found alongside standard sizes in grocery stores. These are perfect for creating a “pizza bar” where everyone can customize their own unique combination. The Blackstone griddle truly shines here, allowing you to cook multiple mini pizzas simultaneously, far more efficiently than a standard indoor oven, making it ideal for parties or family fun.
• Indulge in a Breakfast Pizza: Who says pizza is just for dinner? Transform your Blackstone into a breakfast station! Eggs, sausage, and bacon all cook exceptionally fast on the griddle. Prepare your favorite country gravy ahead of time, then griddle up your breakfast meats and scrambled eggs. Pile them onto a pizza crust with cheese and the gravy for a hearty, handheld meal that’s perfect for kicking off your morning, especially during camping trips.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Blackstone Pizza

Achieving the perfect Blackstone pizza involves a few key techniques:

• Always Use Precooked Dough: Through extensive recipe development, it became clear that starting with raw pizza dough on a Blackstone griddle carries a significant risk of burning. Like any griddle or grill, Blackstones can have varying hot spots, which are particularly problematic when trying to cook raw dough evenly without charring the bottom. To guarantee consistent success for everyone, using a premade, precooked crust is strongly recommended. Options like naan bread, pita bread, pre-baked pizza crusts, or even large flour tortillas for an ultra-thin version work wonderfully.
• Embrace Low and Slow Heat: Any heat setting higher than your Blackstone’s absolute lowest will likely cause your pizza crust to cook—or burn—too quickly. Patience is a virtue here. Start on the lowest setting and only incrementally increase the heat if, after a few minutes, it genuinely seems like the pizza isn’t progressing fast enough. The goal is to give the cheese ample time to melt into a gooey, bubbling, delicious blanket, while the crust becomes perfectly crisp and golden, not charred.
• Elevate Your Pizza for Even Cooking: Placing the pizza directly on the griddle surface can cause the crust to cook disproportionately fast due to intense direct heat. To create a gentle buffer and slow down the browning of the crust, elevate your pizza slightly. Simply take a pizza pan or a sturdy cookie sheet, flip it upside down, and place it on the griddle. Then, set your uncooked pizza on top of this elevated surface. This small space helps diffuse the direct heat, allowing the cheese and toppings to melt and cook through properly without overcooking or burning the crust.
• Don’t Overload with Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on every delicious ingredient, excessive toppings can lead to a soggy crust and uneven cooking. Stick to a moderate amount to ensure everything cooks through, the cheese melts properly, and the crust remains crisp.
• Preheat Your Griddle Properly: Even though you’re cooking on low, a consistent heat is important. Allow your Blackstone to preheat on low for about 5-10 minutes before placing the elevated pizza pan on it. This ensures a stable cooking environment.
• Use a Pizza Peel or Large Spatula: A pizza peel dusted with a little cornmeal or flour will make transferring your pizza to and from the griddle much easier. If you don’t have a peel, two large spatulas can work in tandem.
• Monitor Frequently: Griddle cooking is dynamic. Stay near your Blackstone and check the pizza every few minutes. Lift the crust gently with a spatula to assess its color and crispness, and watch for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly.
• Let it Rest: Once removed from the griddle, let your pizza rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off and making for cleaner cuts.

More Griddle and Pizza Inspiration

If you loved making pizza on your Blackstone, explore these other delicious recipes:

• Weber Grill Pizza
• Homemade Weight Watchers Pizza
• Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

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Blackstone Pizza

Servings: 4 servings

Making pizza on the Blackstone is sure to become your new favorite method. This easy recipe will only takes about as much time as preheating your oven.

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 (12-inch) premade pizza crust
• ▢ 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ▢ 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
• ▢ 1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
• ▢ 1/8 red onion, sliced
• ▢ 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapenos, optional
• ▢ 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

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Instructions 

• Brush the pizza crust with the melted butter, ensuring that the edges are well coated.
• Spoon the BBQ sauce onto the pizza crust and smooth into an even layer. Then, add the mozzarella in an even layer.
• Add the chicken, bacon, onion slices, and jalapenos to the pizza.
• Set your Blackstone to its lowest heat setting. Place a pizza pan or cookie sheet directly on the grill and set your uncooked pizza on top. Close your griddle’s lid or cover it with a large cloche to encourage the cheese to melt. Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking frequently until the cheese has melted and the crust is soft. If it seems to be overcooking, turn off the heat or move it to a corner of the griddle.
• Remove the pizza from the Blackstone and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 226gCalories: 547kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 26gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1280mgPotassium: 191mgFiber: 2.2gSugar: 20gCalcium: 312mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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