Although people usually use pizza stones in an oven, they are also an excellent tool for your grill. But, it is best if you know how to do things properly, or else they might break. So, in this post, you will find instructions on how to use a pizza stone on a grill.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use a Pizza Stone on a Grill
Grilled pizza cooked on a pizza stone is probably the best way to cook your pizza at home. But, it would be best if you did it properly.
Follow this guide to know how to use a pizza stone on a grill:
Preheat your pizza stone
Place your pizza stone on top of the grill grates while your grill is off. It would be best to ensure that your grill is at room temperature so your stone will not break.
If you use a charcoal grill, it is best to place your pizza stone before you light your coals. Also, it would be best to place your stone where it comes to temperature simultaneously with the grill and coals.
Prepare your pizza
For this step, you must get a metal pizza peel that will not catch fire. It would also help to sprinkle a generous amount of cornmeal on your peel to prevent the dough from sticking.
Add your sauce and toppings once your dough is ready. But, avoid going overboard with the toppings because they can make the pizza soggy, making it stick to the stone.
Transfer the pizza onto your pizza stone
Open your grill hood and sprinkle an even layer of cornmeal on the stone before transferring your uncooked pizza. It would be best to place it right after adding the layer so the cornmeal does not burn.
Gently slide the pizza onto the stone, pointing the peel at a 45-degree angle at the far side of the stone. Then, gently pull the peel towards you.
Grill your pizza
Give your pizza ample time to cook, ensuring that you close the grill hood, helping it cook quicker and more evenly. It should only take around five to ten minutes, depending on how thick it is and how many toppings you added.
Remove the pizza from the grill
If you sprinkled a generous amount of cornmeal on the stone and peel, you should be able to slide the cooked pizza in one smooth motion easily. Then, finally, transfer your pizza for serving.
Why is my pizza sticking to the stone?
Many factors can cause sticking. Here are some of the reasons why your pizza is sticking to the stone:
- First, your pizza dough might be too wet.
- The dough has a hole.
- The pizza needs more time to cook.
- You did not sprinkle enough cornmeal.
- You added too many toppings, which made your pizza soggy.
- You did not preheat the stone properly.
How to unstick pizza from a pizza stone?
Sometimes, your pizza will stick to the pizza stone even if you take precautions. So, it is essential to know how to unstick it properly. Try using your metal peel to scrape the pizza off little by little. But be sure to be gentle and turn off your grill first. It may also help to use tongs or a spatula to help slide your pizza onto the peel.
You can wait for your stone to completely cool before you scrape it if you feel like it is too difficult to handle. Then, shake your pizza towards the edge until it completely unsticks from the pizza stone.
How to keep pizza from sticking to stone?
If you plan to cook your pizza on a stone again, it is essential to know how to prevent it from sticking. Here are some tips on how to keep pizza from sticking to your stone:
Apply a generous amount of dusting flour
Before you place the pizza directly on the stone, you must dust it with a sufficient amount of cornmeal or flour. They will help form a barrier between the pizza and the stone. Also, this barrier will prevent your pizza from sticking, so make sure to apply a generous layer.
Preheat the stone correctly
It is best to always preheat your pizza stone for at least thirty minutes before placing your pizza. Doing so will ensure that your stone is hot and ready for baking so that it can cook your pizza correctly.
Line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil
Although lining your stone with aluminum foil or parchment paper does not result in “authentic pizza,” it can help your pizza from sticking. You can place your pizza onto lightly oiled aluminum foil or parchment paper before placing it on your pizza stone.
Doing so is beneficial, especially if you find that your pizzas continually stick to the stone even after dusting it with flour. But, avoid applying oil to your stone because oils can make it crack and eventually break.
Slide dental floss under the pizza
You can also try sliding a dental floss under the pizza to loosen it. Do this step by running the floss under the pizza’s entire length.
Keep the pizza stone clean
Leftover bread crust or pizza can stick to the stone, which can cause the next baked food to adhere to the charred pieces. So, it is best to keep your pizza stone clean.
How to clean a pizza stone?
As mentioned, keeping your pizza stone clean is essential if you want each pizza to be as perfect as it can be. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean a pizza stone:
Step 1. Wait for your stone to cool down completely
First, you will allow the pizza stone to cool down before cleaning thoroughly. Doing so will help you prevent the stone from cracking or breaking.
Step 2. Wet the stone with a tiny amount of hot water
Avoid submerging your stone or using too much water.
Step 3. Lightly scrub it with a stone brush
It is best to do this step thoroughly and gently to ensure no food residue remains. Also, it is best to avoid using any metal materials when scrubbing to prevent scratching your stone.
Step 4. Wipe the stone
Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe away any remaining debris that can make your pizza stick to the stone the next time you use it.
Step 5. Air-dry or use a clean towel to dry the stone
Note that using your pizza stone before it completely dries is one reason why pizza stones crack and break. Also, it is an excellent idea to store the stone at room temperature to keep its integrity.
It is also best to avoid putting any oils on your pizza stone because it can cause the stone to smoke, crack, and break. Also, instead of creating a non-stick surface, the pores on the stone will only soak up the oil, which can damage it.
How to remove stains from a pizza stone
Note that a well-used pizza will show many dark, discolored areas, which is normal. It may not look like a brand new slab, but it gets better over time. So, there is no need to remove them. But, if you cannot stand the sight of a dirty stone, follow this guide on how to remove stains from a pizza stone:
- Remove any food debris by scraping them away – Doing so will help you scrub the stone more thoroughly, so it is best to do this step beforehand.
- Make a paste with equal parts of warm water and baking soda. Mix the baking soda and water until it forms a paste with the same consistency as a toothpaste. Using this paste will help you remove deeper stains on your stone that regular wiping and scraping connote remove.
- Scrub the stains away using the paste. Use a stone brush or soft toothbrush to clean the stone. Note that it is best to use small, circular motions and aim for the discolored areas to clean them thoroughly.
- Wipe the stone with a damp cloth. Wipe the layer of paste using a damp cloth after scrubbing. Also, you can revisit the problem areas with the past and brush after you wipe the stone. So, it is best to repeat the process until the result satisfies your preferences.
- Wait for the stone to completely dry. Because this cleaning method will allow moisture into your stone, you will let it dry for a longer time. Make sure that there is no longer leftover moisture that could damage your stone before using it again. It is also best to store your pizza stone at room temperature to prevent cracking and breaking.
Summary
As mentioned, using a grill is one of the best ways to cook pizza at home. But it would help if you did it correctly, or else you might ruin your food. So, with this guide, you know how to use a pizza stone on a grill. Also, the other tips should help you make the most out of your pizza grilling experience.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.