I never thought I’d be making pizza on anything other than my regular kitchen oven. That’s how everyone I knew did it. When my neighbor tried grilling pizza that one time, it turned into a charred mess that even the birds wouldn’t touch.
The problem wasn’t the outdoor cooking – it was the method. A Blackstone griddle gives you the perfect flat surface and even heat that pizza needs. Unlike traditional grilling where you’re wrestling with grates and flare-ups, making flatbread pizza on a Blackstone is actually easier than using your indoor oven. For anyone who’s nervous about outdoor cooking, this might just become your new go-to method.
Why You’ll Love This Flatbread Pizza
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20-30 minutes, this flatbread pizza is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Simple ingredients – With just 4 basic ingredients you probably already have, there’s no need for a special grocery store trip.
- Customizable – While this recipe uses classic pepperoni, you can easily swap in your favorite toppings to make it your own – perfect for picky eaters or family pizza night.
- Outdoor cooking fun – Using the Blackstone griddle adds a fun twist to pizza night and keeps your kitchen cool, especially during warm weather.
What Kind of Flatbread Should I Use?
The great thing about flatbread pizza is that you’ve got several options when it comes to choosing your base. You can grab store-bought naan bread, which tends to be a bit thicker and chewier, or go with traditional pita bread for a slightly thinner crust. Middle Eastern flatbreads like lavash or even Greek-style flatbreads work really well too – they all crisp up nicely on the Blackstone. If you’re at the grocery store, look for flatbreads that are fresh and pliable, not dried out or brittle, as these will give you the best texture when cooked. Just make sure whatever flatbread you choose isn’t too thin, as it needs to hold up to your toppings without falling apart on the griddle.
Options for Substitutions
This simple flatbread pizza recipe can be customized in several ways:
- Ready-made Flatbreads: You can swap the flatbreads with pita bread, naan, or even tortillas. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need to be adjusted – thinner bases will cook faster. You could also use pre-made pizza crusts if you prefer.
- Tomato-based Pizza Sauce: Out of pizza sauce? Try marinara sauce, or make a quick version by mixing tomato paste with Italian herbs and a bit of water. For something different, you could use pesto, alfredo sauce, or even olive oil with garlic as your base.
- Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is classic for pizza, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses. Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend. For a dairy-free option, there are several vegan cheese alternatives available.
- Pepperoni: Pepperoni can be replaced with any pizza topping you like – try ham, cooked Italian sausage, or keep it vegetarian with mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. The cooking method stays the same regardless of your topping choice.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Grilling
The biggest challenge when making Blackstone flatbread pizza is managing the heat – too hot and your crust burns before the cheese melts, too cool and you’ll end up with a soggy middle and unmelted cheese. For perfect results, preheat your Blackstone on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, and always check the temperature by doing a quick water drop test – the water should dance and evaporate within 2-3 seconds. Another common mistake is overloading your flatbread with toppings and sauce, which can make the center wet and prevent even cooking – stick to a thin layer of sauce and a moderate amount of cheese and toppings. To prevent the edges from burning while the center cooks, keep the flatbread moving every minute or so, and always watch for hot spots on your griddle that could cause uneven cooking. For the crispiest crust, try brushing the flatbread with a little olive oil before adding toppings, and remember to let your pizza rest for a minute after cooking to allow the cheese to set.
What to Serve With Flatbread Pizza?
When it comes to serving flatbread pizza, I love to pair it with a simple arugula salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice – the peppery greens are a perfect match for the cheesy, savory pizza. For a more filling meal, try serving your flatbread pizza with some garlic knots or a bowl of Italian-style soup on the side. If you’re hosting friends, start with some marinated olives and a plate of antipasto before bringing out the pizza. A glass of red wine or a cold beer wouldn’t hurt either – both go great with this casual, easy-to-love dish!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Got leftover Blackstone flatbread pizza? Place the slices in an airtight container, with pieces of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Pop it in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days. The flavors actually get even better after a day!
Freeze: These flatbread pizzas are perfect for freezing! Once cooled, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s super handy for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.
Reheat: To bring back that fresh-off-the-griddle taste, warm your pizza on the Blackstone for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. You can also use a regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or pop it in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. The crust will get nice and crispy again!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1300-1500
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 130-150 g
Ingredients
- 6 flatbreads (I like Stonefire Artisan Flatbreads for this recipe)
- 2 oz pepperoni
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup pizza sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by preheating your Blackstone grill to medium-high heat, which is approximately 350 degrees F.
This will ensure an even cooking surface for your pizzas.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizzas
Take each pre-made pizza crust and spread approximately ⅓ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the surface.
Next, add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Finish assembling by placing sliced pepperoni evenly across the top of the cheese.
Step 3: Cook the Pizzas on the Grill
Carefully slide the prepared pizzas onto the preheated grill.
Cover them and allow them to cook for 10-15 minutes.
Monitor the pizzas until the bottoms of the crusts turn a golden brown and the cheese on top has melted to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Let the Pizzas Rest and Serve
After removing the pizzas from the grill, let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
This resting time will also help settle the toppings.
Once rested, the pizzas are ready to be sliced and served.
Enjoy your freshly grilled pizzas!
