Last Updated on January 30, 2023
Have you ever wanted to make your own pizza at home? Forget ordering takeout, why not try something new and use a pizza stone on a charcoal bbq? It’s easy enough for anyone with some basic grilling knowledge and will have everyone asking how they can get their hands on one of these delicious pizzas. This guide covers everything from what you need to get started, preparing the BBQ, prepping your pizza stone and cooking it – so let’s dive in and learn how to use a pizza stone on a charcoal bbq.
Table of Contents:
- What You Need to Get Started
- Preparing the BBQ
- Prepping Your Pizza Stone
- Cooking Your Pizza
- FAQs in Relation to How to Use a Pizza Stone on a Charcoal Bbq
- Conclusion
What You Need to Get Started
Getting started with a pizza stone on your charcoal BBQ is easy, but there are a few items you’ll need to get the job done. First and foremost, you’ll need the pizza stone itself. Look for one that’s made of ceramic or cordierite material, as these materials can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking. You should also make sure it’s large enough to fit your BBQ – most stones come in sizes ranging from 8-14 inches in diameter.
Next up is charcoal – this will be used to heat up the pizza stone before cooking your pizzas. For best results, use natural lumpwood charcoal which burns hotter than briquettes and produces less smoke, so you don’t end up with a smoky tasting pizza. A chimney starter is also useful for getting the coals lit quickly and evenly distributed over the grill grate when ready.
Once you have all the necessary items, you’re ready to begin prepping your charcoal BBQ and get grilling with a pizza stone.
Preparing the BBQ
Lighting the Charcoal
When it comes to lighting charcoal for a BBQ, there are several methods you can use. The most common is using lighter fluid and a match or lighter. Before adding any fuel, make sure your grill is in an open area away from anything flammable such as trees or shrubs. Once you’ve determined that the area is safe, place the charcoal in an even layer on one side of the grill and pour about half a cup of lighter fluid over them. Then light it with either a match or a long-handled barbecue lighter. Allow the flames to burn until they die down before adding more fuel if needed.
Adjusting Temperature
Once your coals have been lit and are glowing red hot, you can adjust their temperature by moving them around within the firebox of your BBQ using tongs or a shovel, depending on how much heat you need for cooking pizza on your stone. For example, if you want high heat, then move all of them towards one side, so they will be closer together; conversely, if you want low heat, spread them out evenly across both sides of the firebox so that they won’t be directly exposed to each other’s flame which will help keep temperatures lower overall.
Maintaining Heat
To maintain consistent temperatures while cooking pizza on your stone, it helps to have some kindling wood nearby, such as small pieces of dry pine needles or twigs. These can easily be added into existing coal beds when necessary without having to relight everything again from scratch every time temperatures start dropping too low during extended cook times, which happens often. This method also works great for keeping things going at higher heats since these types of woods tend to ignite quickly and burn hotter than regular charcoal briquettes do alone; just remember not to add too much at once otherwise, temps could spike up uncontrollably.
Once the BBQ is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to move on to prepping your pizza stone for cooking.
Prepping Your Pizza Stone
Before you can use your pizza stone on the BBQ, it needs to be prepped. Seasoning and preheating are key steps in getting the best results from your pizza stone.
Seasoning
To season your pizza stone, brush a thin layer of olive oil over its surface. This will help prevent sticking and ensure an even heat distribution when cooking with it. Let the oil sit for 10 minutes before wiping off any excess with a paper towel or cloth. Repeat this process two more times to fully season the stone.
Preheating
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place the seasoned pizza stone in the centre of the oven and let it heat up for at least 30 minutes before using it on the BBQ or baking anything on top of it. Make sure that all sides of the stone have been heated evenly by rotating it halfway through preheating time if necessary.
After use, allow your pizza stone to cool completely before cleaning or storing away in a dry place like a cupboard or pantry shelf lined with parchment paper so that no moisture is trapped underneath, which could cause cracking over time. If you plan on using your pizza stone again soon, leave it out until ready for reuse as long as there is no risk of contamination from other kitchen surfaces, such as raw meat or fish touching its surface during storage time.
Once your pizza stone is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next step: cooking your pizza.
Cooking Your Pizza
Prepping Your Pizza Stone
Before you can cook your pizza, you need to prepare the pizza stone. Start by preheating the stone on a medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes. This will help ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the surface of the stone. Make sure to keep an eye on it during this time, as it can quickly overheat if left unattended.
Assembling Your Pizza
Once your pizza stone is hot enough, it’s time to assemble your pizza. Start by lightly dusting a clean work surface with flour or cornmeal before rolling out your dough into a thin circle shape (about 1/4 inch thick). Then top with desired ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats. Finally, carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone using either a large spatula or a peeler tool.
Cooking Your Pizza
Now that your pizza is ready for cooking adjust the temperature of your BBQ so that it’s set between 375°F – 425°F (190°C – 220°C). Place lid on BBQ and allow about 5 minutes for the heat to distribute evenly throughout the grill before adding in any food items. When ready, place assembled pizzas onto preheated stones inside BBQ and close the lid again, allowing 3-5 minutes for the bottom crusts to crisp up before rotating them 180 degrees halfway through the cooking process (this helps prevent burning). After another 3-5 minutes, remove pizzas from the grill using the same tools used when transferring them earlier and enjoy.
For best results, make sure not to use too much oil when assembling toppings, as this can cause flare ups while grilling, which could lead to unevenly cooked crusts or even burnt spots. Additionally, try experimenting with different types of wood chips, such as hickory or mesquite, which will give each pie its own unique flavour profile, depending on the type used.
FAQs in Relation to How to Use a Pizza Stone on a Charcoal Bbq
How do you cook pizza stone on a charcoal grill?
Cooking pizza on a charcoal grill is easy and delicious. Start by preheating the grill for 10-15 minutes with all vents open, then reduce heat to medium-low. Place your pizza stone on the grate and close the lid. Allow it to cook for 8-10 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved. To prevent burning, use tongs to rotate the stone every few minutes while cooking. When finished, remove from heat using oven mitts or gloves and enjoy.
Will pizza stone crack on grill?
No, a pizza stone will not crack on a grill. Pizza stones are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and are designed to be used in the oven or on the grill. However, it is important to ensure that you preheat your pizza stone before use and avoid rapid temperature changes, which could cause cracking. Additionally, take care when handling your pizza stone, as dropping it onto hard surfaces may also cause cracks.
How long to heat pizza stone on BBQ?
It is recommended to heat a pizza stone on a BBQ for around 20 minutes. Preheat the BBQ to its highest temperature and then turn it down slightly before placing the stone on the grill. Make sure that you allow enough time for the stone to become hot, as this will ensure an even cook of your pizza. Monitor the temperature of your BBQ throughout cooking and adjust accordingly if necessary. Once heated, use oven mitts or tongs to remove from the heat and place your pizza onto the preheated surface for optimal results.
Conclusion
With the right equipment and preparation, you can enjoy delicious pizzas with that smoky flavour we all love. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – just remember to use a pizza stone on your charcoal bbq for best results.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.