Grilled Pineapple Pizza
Sweet-and-savory pizzas make excellent summertime fare.
Makes two 12-inch pizzas
INGREDIENTS
- Spears from 2 cored, peeled fresh pineapples
- ½ recipe Pizza Crust for the Grill dough
- Cornmeal and flour for dusting
- Vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup Slow-Simmered Tomato Sauce
- ½ pound sliced mozzarella cheese
- ½ pound sliced provolone cheese
- 2 cups finely diced Canadian bacon
- 1 small red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese
Using a well-oiled or nonstick vegetable basket, grill the pineapple spears over medium heat until exteriors are lightly browned and the fruit is heated through and fragrant. Remove from the grill and set aside. When cooled enough to handle, cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
On a lightly floured board or on parchment, roll out two 12-inch dough circles. Place one circle of dough on a metal pizza peel or rimless baking sheet generously sprinkled with flour and cornmeal.
Check gas or charcoal grill settings. One area should be hot, while another side or corner is medium-hot. Brush the grill rack liberally with vegetable oil. Slide the pizza onto the grill rack over the hot coals or heating element. Close the lid immediately and grill for 2 to 3 minutes or until pizza dough is cooked on the bottom and grill marks appear. Remove dough to peel or baking sheet, turning the grilled side up.
Brush the grilled pizza side with half the olive oil, then quickly spread half the tomato sauce over the grilled crust. Cover the sauce with half the slices of mozzarella and half the slices of provolone. Top with half the diced pineapple, half the Canadian bacon, and half the red bell pepper. Sprinkle with 1 cup of Cheddar cheese.
Carefully slide the pizza back onto the grill, placing it over the medium-hot area. Close grill cover and cook 3 minutes. Check to make sure crust isn't browning too quickly. If it is, move some coals to the opposite side or lower gas grill thermostat. Continue to cook for another 4 to 5 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and serve. Repeat process with second pizza.
