Grilled Vegetable Pizza by the Fire: A Delicious and Healthy Option

Gather 'round the campfire, folks! Today, we're going to explore a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your next outdoor cooking adventure - grilled vegetable pizza. Whether you're camping, hosting a backyard bonfire, or just looking to switch up your pizza night, this recipe is sure to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this masterpiece, you'll need a few key items:

• A portable campfire pit or fire pit (check out the selection at Take Fire for some great options)
• Pizza dough (you can make your own or pick up a pre-made ball from the grocery store)
• Assorted fresh vegetables (think bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Seasonings (garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper)
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings like olives, pepperoni, or fresh basil

Prepare the Dough and Veggies

Start by preheating your campfire pit or fire pit to a medium-high heat. While that's heating up, let's get the dough and veggies ready.

If you're making your own dough, follow your favorite recipe and let it rise. If you're using store-bought, simply unroll or stretch it out into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.

Next, slice your vegetables into thin, even pieces. This will help them cook evenly on the grill. Toss the veggies in a bit of olive oil and season them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Grill the Pizza

Once your fire is nice and hot, it's time to start grilling! Carefully transfer your pizza dough onto the grate or a pizza stone placed over the fire. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly charred and crispy.

Flip the dough over and quickly spread on the tomato sauce, leaving a bit of room around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange your seasoned vegetables on top.

Close the lid of your fire pit and let the pizza cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the veggies are tender.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Carefully remove the grilled vegetable pizza from the fire using tongs or a pizza peel. Slice it up and serve it hot, straight from the campfire. The smoky, charred crust paired with the fresh, fire-roasted veggies is a flavor combination that can't be beaten.

This dish is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. The grilled vegetables provide a boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the homemade dough and sauce allow you to control the ingredients.

So, the next time you're planning a camping trip, backyard bonfire, or just a cozy night in, consider whipping up a grilled vegetable pizza. It's sure to be a hit with family and friends, and it's a great way to get creative with your outdoor cooking skills. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Pizza

• Make sure your fire is hot enough to get a nice char on the crust, but not so hot that it burns the toppings.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations to find your favorite flavors.
• Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
• Use a pizza peel or large spatula to easily transfer the pizza to and from the fire.
• Keep a close eye on the pizza while it's cooking, as the fire can flare up and cause the crust to burn quickly.

Happy grilling, and bon appétit!