Cooking Pizza On Big Green Egg Without Stone
Introduction
Big Green Egg is a versatile and popular smoker and grill that can also be used for baking. One of the things that you can bake on the Big Green Egg is pizza. However, many people think that you need a pizza stone to achieve a crispy crust. In this article, we will show you how to cook pizza on Big Green Egg without a stone.
Why Cook Pizza On Big Green Egg?
There are several reasons why cooking pizza on Big Green Egg is a great idea. First of all, the high temperature that the Big Green Egg can reach will allow you to cook the pizza quickly, which will result in a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Secondly, the smoky flavor that the Big Green Egg imparts will give your pizza a unique and delicious taste.
What You Need
To cook pizza on Big Green Egg without a stone, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Pizza sauce
- Cheese
- Toppings of your choice
- Cornmeal
- Big Green Egg
- Thermometer
- Pizza peel or a flat baking sheet
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Big Green Egg
Start by lighting the Big Green Egg and bringing the temperature up to 500-550°F (260-290°C). You can use either lump charcoal or briquettes, but make sure that you don't use any lighter fluid or other chemicals that can affect the taste of your pizza. Once the temperature has stabilized, close the lid and let the Egg heat up for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
While the Big Green Egg is heating up, prepare your pizza dough. You can either make your own dough from scratch or use a pre-made one. Make sure that the dough is at room temperature and that you have enough flour or cornmeal to prevent it from sticking to the peel or baking sheet.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce on top of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, or peppers. Make sure that you don't overload the pizza, as this can make it difficult to slide it onto the Big Green Egg.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Sprinkle some cornmeal on the pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent the pizza from sticking. Gently slide the pizza onto the Big Green Egg, using a quick back-and-forth motion. Close the lid and let the pizza cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Check the Temperature
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pizza. It should be around 190-200°F (88-93°C) for the dough to be fully cooked. If the temperature is too low, you can leave the pizza on the Big Green Egg for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pizza from the Big Green Egg using the pizza peel or a spatula. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious and smoky pizza!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook pizza on Big Green Egg without a stone:
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs, artisanal cheese, and homemade sauce, to enhance the flavor of your pizza.
- If you don't have a pizza peel, you can use a flat baking sheet instead. Just make sure that it is sturdy enough to hold the pizza.
- If your pizza is sticking to the peel, you can sprinkle some more cornmeal or flour underneath it.
- If you want a crispier crust, you can brush the edges of the dough with olive oil or garlic butter before baking.
Conclusion
Cooking pizza on Big Green Egg without a stone is a simple and delicious way to enjoy homemade pizza with a smoky and crispy crust. By following the instructions and tips in this article, you can create a perfect pizza that will impress your family and friends. So fire up your Big Green Egg and get ready to bake!
