It feels like an age, but I’m finally back! If you’ve been wondering where I disappeared to, especially if you follow me on the 365 Days of Baking Facebook page, you know I was unexpectedly sidelined by a particularly nasty flu. This wasn’t just any common cold; it was the kind that leaves you achy, stuffed up, miserable, feverish, sneezing, and coughing for what felt like an eternity. It hit right in the middle of a very important family event – our daughter’s high school graduation, which brought company to our home two weeks ago. Dealing with a severe illness while hosting guests for such a celebratory occasion was certainly a challenge, but we navigated through it.
This flu bug truly knocked me off my feet for a full week. I spent countless hours here, finding solace and much-needed rest away from the shared bedroom:
I genuinely couldn’t sleep in my own bed with Mr. 365 without succumbing to a coughing fit. It was a long, isolating seven days, and I truly missed my husband’s company. Just as I started to feel human again, the bug made its rounds through the family. First, our son caught it, and he’s only now starting to bounce back. And as is often the case, Mr. 365 began feeling under the weather himself. It seems the flu had a grand tour planned for our household.
Despite the lingering effects, I managed to rally just in time to take our middle daughter to her two-day college orientation last Friday. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality one-on-one time with her, exploring her chosen school, and discussing her exciting year ahead. I absolutely adore the university she picked! It strikes the perfect balance: close enough for us to be there if she ever needs us, yet far enough for her to truly embrace her independence and new experiences. What makes this transition even easier is her genuine enthusiasm and love for the school. Her excitement is contagious, and it truly helps me prepare for August 16th, when I might just be singing a slightly different tune as I wave goodbye.
Upon our return Saturday night, I dove straight back into the kitchen on Sunday, Monday, and today. My goal was to finally get a new post up for all of you. However, as life often reminds us, things don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes, even the most anticipated recipes don’t quite turn out as envisioned, leaving you in a bit of a kitchen rut. I’m happy to report that I believe I’ve broken free from that slump and am feeling much more like my old self!
Mastering the Grill: A Delicious Journey to the Perfect Margherita Pizza
Tonight, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that, while not the most visually perfect pizza I’ve ever made, was undeniably delicious. This Grilled Margherita Pizza was so incredibly tasty that I simply couldn’t keep it to myself. I confess, my grilling technique still needs a little work. I waited a bit too long after flipping the dough the first time before adding the toppings. As a result, the mozzarella didn’t melt quite enough before the crust started to crisp a little too much. A quick fix involved popping it into the oven at about 350 degrees F for roughly 5 minutes to achieve that perfect gooey melt.
Another lesson learned was about heat management. Mr. 365 and I initially had the grill on high, which led to the crust charring pretty quickly. But don’t worry, you’ll undoubtedly master it! The key is to keep a close eye on your crust and moderate the heat carefully. Grilling pizza requires attention, but the reward is absolutely worth it.
I’m determined to master the grill this summer. For this recipe, I actually made a double batch of dough to ensure we had more than enough for dinner, and we still had plenty leftover. Plus, I was genuinely ravenous and craving the unique flavor of grilled pizza. There’s something truly special about the smoky char and crispy crust that only a grill can impart. This cooking method brings out a depth of flavor in the simple ingredients of a Margherita pizza – the fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella – that’s hard to replicate in a conventional oven. It’s an outdoor cooking adventure that elevates a classic dish.
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Grilled Margherita Pizza
Main Course
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 3/4-2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 envelope Fleischmann’s Pizza Crust Yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup very warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 tablespoons canola oil for brushing
- 8 oz. fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced thin
- ½ cup fresh whole basil leaves
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
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Add water and olive oil. Mix ingredients together with a wooden spoon until combined, about 1 minute.
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Gradually add a 1/2 cup of flour at a time until the dough forms into a soft ball. It will be slightly sticky, but add additional flour if needed.
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Preheat the grill to medium heat.
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Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 4 minutes, or until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour if necessary.
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Cut dough in half and form into two circles about 6 inches in diameter. Place each dough circle on a flat baking sheet or a pizza stone to facilitate transfer to the grill.
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Brush the tops of the dough with canola oil.
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Carefully flip or place the pizza dough, canola side down, onto the preheated grill. Brush the top (now facing up) with the remaining canola oil.
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Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes, or until the bottom is cooked through and distinctive grill marks are present.
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With two large spatulas, carefully flip the dough over. Promptly arrange sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and thin slices of mozzarella over the dough. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
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Cover the grill again for another 5 minutes, or until the crust is perfectly grilled and the cheese has melted into a gooey, irresistible layer. Transfer the finished pizzas to baking sheets or a cutting board to slice and serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 49g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 11g
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Saturated Fat: 1g
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Sodium: 437mg
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Potassium: 66mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Calcium: 17mg
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Iron: 3.2mg
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A Delicious Return: Why Grilled Pizza is a Summer Must-Have
This pizza was simply SO YUMMY! Despite my earlier admission of making a slight mess during the flipping process – largely because the dough was quite large – the 365 family unanimously agreed this recipe deserved a perfect rating: 4 rolling pins! And honestly, I’m craving another slice right now. There’s an unmistakable, delightful difference in flavor when pizza is cooked on the grill. The subtle smoky notes, the crispy yet chewy crust, and the beautifully melted toppings create a culinary experience that truly stands apart from traditional oven-baked pizza.
I’m genuinely excited to experiment more with grilled pizzas throughout the summer. The possibilities are endless, from trying various topping combinations to simply grilling plain pizza dough as a delicious flatbread. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and elevate a simple meal. This technique opens up a whole new world of pizza possibilities, making summer gatherings and weeknight dinners even more special.
Thank you all, my wonderful readers, for your incredible faithfulness and understanding during my unexpected absence. I am so profoundly grateful for each and every one of you, and it truly warms my heart to know you’re still here, eager for new recipes and stories. Believe me, I don’t plan on being gone this long again!
Explore More 365 Favorites!
If pizza isn’t quite what you’re craving today, don’t worry! I have plenty of other beloved recipes that are sure to satisfy. Here are a few other popular dishes from the 365 Days of Baking and More kitchen that have become family favorites and reader staples:
Savory Pepperoni Bread
This incredibly easy and flavorful Pepperoni Bread, made with refrigerated pizza dough, pepperoni, and provolone cheese, is rolled up and baked to perfection. It’s an absolute showstopper for parties or a delightful snack, especially when served with a warm marinara dipping sauce. Perfect for game day or a casual get-together!
Comforting Baked Stuffed Shells
Indulge in these rich and creamy Baked Stuffed Shells, generously filled with a blend of cheeses and baked in a savory marinara sauce. This classic Italian-American dish is pure comfort food, ideal for a hearty family dinner or preparing ahead for a busy week. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and a staple in many households.
Classic Basic Macaroni Salad
No summer BBQ or potluck is complete without a quintessential Basic Macaroni Salad. This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, creamy, and refreshing side dish that complements any outdoor meal. It’s simple to prepare, yet incredibly satisfying, making it a reliable hit for all your warm-weather gatherings. You’ll love its familiar, comforting taste.