This tasty pizza has creamy goat cheese and sweet honey drizzled on top, all melted and bubbly on a crispy crust. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Every bite is a fun mix of flavors! I love making this for friends; they always ask for seconds. Pair it with a simple salad, and you’re set for a delightful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Pre-made dough is a real time-saver! You can also use store-bought naan or pita bread for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own dough for a personal touch.
Goat Cheese: I love the tangy flavor of goat cheese, but if it’s not your style, feta cheese or ricotta can work as substitutes. They’ll give a different taste but still pair well with honey.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is great for stretching and melting. You can swap it for provolone or even vegan cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a lovely crunch. If you’re allergic or don’t have any, pecans or sunflower seeds also make good substitutes.
Honey: This is the star ingredient! Maple syrup can substitute honey for a similar sweetness and a unique flavor. If you prefer, try agave nectar as a vegan option.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs bring brightness. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used, but reduce the amount as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Grill Pizza Without Burning It?
Grilling pizza can be tricky, but it’s definitely worth it! The key is to control the heat and timing. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium. Too hot, and your crust will burn before the cheese melts.
- Brush the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking. Always place the oiled side down first!
- Watch closely! Grill the dough for about 3-5 minutes until it’s golden, then flip it carefully.
- After adding toppings, close the lid. This helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Check your pizza often towards the end—grilling times can vary based on your grill.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly grilled pizza every time!
How to Make Grilled Honey Goat Cheese Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 6 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tbsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup honey
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh arugula for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pizza takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need roughly 30 minutes to enjoy this tasty dish from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will get it nice and hot, perfect for cooking your pizza! While the grill is heating up, you can roll out the dough.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pre-made pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle—just make sure it’s not too thick, so it cooks evenly.
3. Brush with Olive Oil:
Take a brush and lightly coat one side of the dough with olive oil. Remember, this is the side that will go on the grill, helping it to get that nice crispy texture.
4. Grill the Dough:
Carefully place the dough, oil-side down, directly onto the grill. Close the lid and let it grill for about 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden brown bottom with some grill marks!
5. Flip the Dough:
Using tongs, gently flip the pizza dough over so the grilled side is facing up. This is where the fun begins, as we add all those yummy toppings!
6. Add the Toppings:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled goat cheese evenly over the grilled dough. Then, add the chopped walnuts and thyme leaves. Spread everything out evenly so every bite is delicious!
7. Grill Again:
Close the grill lid and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to be melting and bubbly—this is when it starts to smell amazing!
8. Drizzle with Honey:
Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, take it off the grill and drizzle the honey generously over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste—it’ll balance the sweetness beautifully.
9. Garnish (Optional):
If you’re feeling fancy, add some fresh arugula on top for a nice peppery flavor that compliments the cheesy goodness.
10. Slice and Serve:
Slice the pizza into pieces and serve it warm. Enjoy each cheesy, sweet, and nutty bite of this grilled honey goat cheese pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works just as well as homemade. Just ensure you let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling for easier handling.
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a similar tangy flavor or use ricotta for a creamier texture. Keep in mind that using a different cheese may slightly alter the taste but will still be delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to preserve the crispy crust.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add other toppings like caramelized onions, sliced figs, or even prosciutto for extra flavor. Just make sure not to overload the pizza to ensure it cooks evenly on the grill!
