Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Grilled Pizza Experience

When it comes to enjoying a delicious pizza, one of the best ways is to learn how to cook a Papa Murphy's pizza on a gas grill. Imagine the smoky flavor of a barbecue blending perfectly with the mouth-watering taste of Papa Murphy's! In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know to achieve the perfect grilled pizza. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a complete novice, this article will equip you with all the steps to create a pizza masterpiece.

Why Choose a Gas Grill for Cooking Your Papa Murphy's Pizza?

The traditional way of cooking a pizza has always been in an oven, but using a gas grill introduces a new world of flavor. This method mimics the high heat and smoky essence of a classic wood-fired oven, which is why many grilling enthusiasts consider it a must-try. Plus, cooking outside can be a lot of fun and keeps your home cooler in the summertime. Before diving into the specifics of how to cook a Papa Murphy's pizza on a gas grill, let's discuss the advantages of this cooking method:

• High-Temperature Control: Gas grills can reach higher temperatures than most home ovens, allowing for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
• Smoky Flavor: The grill imparts a unique smoky aroma that elevates the taste of your pizza, bringing it closer to an authentic pizzeria experience.
• Outdoor Enjoyment: Cooking on a gas grill lets you enjoy the outdoors while preparing dinner, making it a social and enjoyable event.

Getting Started: The Essentials

Before you begin, there are a few essential items you'll need. Ensuring you have these tools and ingredients ready will make the process much smoother:

Preparing Your Gas Grill

Before diving into the actual cooking process, it's essential to ensure your gas grill is prepped and ready. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your grill for cooking a Papa Murphy's pizza:

Step 1: Clean the Grill
Start by thoroughly cleaning the grates of your gas grill. Use a grill brush to remove any leftover residue from previous cooks. This step ensures that your pizza won't stick and will have a clean surface to cook on.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Just like preheating an oven, preheating your gas grill is crucial. Aim for a temperature range between 425F and 450F. Allow the grill to preheat for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This high heat is essential for achieving a crispy crust while ensuring the toppings cook evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza
While the grill is preheating, it's time to prepare your pizza. If you prefer, you can remove the pizza from its original tray and place it on a surface sprinkled with cornmeal. Cornmeal helps to prevent sticking and adds a slight crunch to the crust. Additionally, brush a light layer of olive oil on the crust edges for that golden-brown finish.

Cooking the Pizza on the Grill

Positioning the Pizza

When the grill has reached the desired temperature, it's time to place your pizza on the grill. Here's a detailed guide on the steps to take:

Step 1: Indirect Heating
Set up your grill for indirect cooking. If your gas grill has three burners, turn off the middle burner and leave the two side burners on. This setup ensures that your pizza will cook with the surrounding heat rather than direct flame, which could burn the crust and leave the toppings undercooked.

Step 2: Use Aluminum Foil
Place a piece of aluminum foil on the grill grates where you plan to position the pizza. This foil not only prevents sticking but also helps distribute heat more evenly. Carefully place your Papa Murphy's pizza onto the aluminum foil.

Step 3: Close the Lid
Close the grill lid to create an oven-like environment. Keeping the lid shut captures the heat and smoke, which is vital for cooking the pizza evenly and infusing it with that signature grilled flavor.

Monitoring and Rotating the Pizza

Cooking on a gas grill requires close attention to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Check Frequently
Keep an eye on the pizza but avoid lifting the lid too often, as this will allow heat to escape and extend the cooking time. Check the pizza every 5 minutes to monitor its progress.

Step 2: Rotate the Pizza
If you notice that one side of the pizza is cooking faster than the other, use a pizza turner or a pair of tongs to rotate it. This method ensures even cooking and prevents any hot spots from burning the crust.

Step 3: Complete Cooking
Papa Murphy's pizzas generally take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook on a gas grill. The exact time can vary based on your grill and the thickness of the pizza. Look for a crispy crust and bubbling, golden-brown cheese as indicators that the pizza is ready.

Serving and Enjoying Your Grilled Pizza

Removing the Pizza from the Grill

Once your pizza is perfectly grilled, it's time to remove it from the grill. Here's how to do it safely:

Step 1: Turn Off the Grill
Before you remove the pizza, ensure all burners are turned off. This step is crucial for maintaining safety and avoiding burns.

Step 2: Use Appropriate Tools
Use a pizza peel or large spatula to carefully lift the pizza off the grill. Having a cutting board ready nearby will allow you to transfer the pizza swiftly.

Cutting and Serving

After removing the pizza from the grill, here are the steps for cutting and serving:

Step 1: Let It Rest
Allow the pizza to rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period helps the cheese settle and makes cutting easier.

Step 2: Slice with Care
Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife to slice the pizza into your preferred number of pieces. A cutting board will provide a stable surface for slicing.

Step 3: Serving Suggestions
Serve your grilled pizza with your favorite side dishes or beverages. The smoky flavor pairs excellently with a light salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette or a chilled glass of white wine.

Cleaning Up After the Feast

Once you've enjoyed your delicious grilled pizza, it's important to take care of your grill and cookware. Here are the recommended steps and products for cleaning:

Cleaning the Grill
Use a grill brush to clean the grill grates while they are still warm. This step helps remove any leftover cheese or toppings that may have stuck to the grates.
Optionally, use a dedicated cookware cleaner to keep your grill in top shape.

Cleaning the Cutting Board and Knife
After cutting your pizza, wash the cutting board and knife with warm, soapy water. To maintain the longevity of your cutting board, consider conditioning it with cutting board oil.

Final Thoughts: Your Grilled Pizza Experience

Learning how to cook a Papa Murphy's pizza on a gas grill is a skill that can elevate your barbecue game and delight your taste buds with every bite. By following this detailed guide, you can recreate that perfect pizzeria experience in the comfort of your backyard. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night in, grilled pizza is a fantastic and flavorful option that is sure to impress. Don't forget to share this guide with your fellow grilling enthusiasts and encourage them to try grilling their Papa Murphy's pizza next time they fire up the gas grill.

For more grilling inspiration and products to enhance your outdoor cooking experiences, check out these links:
Grill Brush
Pizza Turner
Pizza Cutter
Kitchen Knife
Cutting Board
Cookware Cleaner
Cutting Board Oil

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