How to Cook Deep Dish Pizza on Big Green Egg

If you’re craving a delicious deep dish pizza and happen to have a Big Green Egg, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a mouthwatering deep dish pizza using your trusty Big Green Egg.

We’ll guide you through selecting the right ingredients, preparing the pizza dough, building the perfect sauce, layering toppings and cheese, and finally, cooking and serving your masterpiece.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with your pizza-making skills!

Selecting the Right Ingredients

Before you start cooking your deep dish pizza on the Big Green Egg, make sure you’ve selected the right ingredients. The type of pizza dough you choose is crucial to achieving that perfect crust. Traditional deep dish pizzas are made with a thick and buttery crust, while some prefer a lighter and fluffier crust. You can experiment with different pizza dough types, like a classic dough made with all-purpose flour or a cornmeal-based dough for added texture. Whichever type you choose, make sure to knead the dough properly and allow it to rise before using it.

When it comes to the sauce, there are plenty of options to consider. While tomato sauce is the most common choice, you can get creative with alternative pizza sauces. Pesto sauce adds a burst of fresh flavors, while barbecue sauce gives your deep dish pizza a tangy and smoky twist. For a creamy and indulgent option, try using Alfredo sauce instead. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different sauces to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

Preparing the Pizza Dough

First, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients for preparing the dough. Here are the steps to prepare the perfect pizza dough for your deep dish pizza on the Big Green Egg:

• Start by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

• In a separate large bowl, mix together flour and salt.

• Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture.

• Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a sticky dough forms.

• Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Apply gentle pressure and fold the dough over itself, repeating this motion for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Remember, kneading is crucial for developing gluten and allowing the dough to rise properly.

Once you have finished kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Now, you’re ready to shape your dough and create the deep dish pizza of your dreams!

Building the Perfect Pizza Sauce

Once your dough has risen, you can start building the perfect sauce for your delicious homemade pizza. Achieving the right pizza sauce consistency is crucial for a mouthwatering pizza experience.

To start, choose high-quality tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as a base. These provide a rich flavor and smooth texture. To enhance the taste, add herbs and spices that complement the overall flavor profile. Classic options include oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to create a unique blend that suits your taste buds. Remember to add salt and pepper to taste.

To make the sauce thicker, simmer it over low heat for a longer period. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of water or tomato juice. Allow the sauce to cool before spreading it onto your pizza dough.

With the right pizza sauce consistency and a balanced mix of herbs and spices, your homemade pizza will surely be a hit.

Layering Toppings and Cheese

When layering your toppings and cheese, make sure to evenly distribute them across the pizza to create a delicious and balanced flavor. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect pizza.

Here are some tips to help you master the art of layering:

• Start with a thin layer of pizza sauce to provide a flavorful base for the toppings.

• Next, add your favorite ingredients such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Be generous but ensure that each bite will have a variety of toppings.

• Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings. Mozzarella is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with alternative cheese options such as provolone, fontina, or even a blend of different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

• Add any additional toppings like olives, onions, or fresh herbs to enhance the taste and appearance of your pizza.

• Finally, sprinkle a bit more cheese on top to create a golden and gooey crust.

Preparing the Big Green Egg for Cooking

To ensure the best cooking experience on your Big Green Egg, it’s important to have a good understanding of temperature control. This discussion will provide you with some helpful tips on how to maintain the perfect temperature for your desired cooking method.

We’ll also cover the importance of preheating the ceramic grill and choosing the right charcoal to achieve optimal results.

Temperature Control Tips

Maintaining a consistent temperature is key for achieving a perfect deep dish pizza on the Big Green Egg. To help you achieve the perfect crust, here are some temperature control techniques to keep in mind:

• Preheat the Big Green Egg to a high temperature, around 500°F, to ensure a crispy crust.
• Use a pizza stone or baking steel to distribute heat evenly and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
• Monitor the temperature using a digital thermometer to ensure it stays within the desired range.
• Adjust the top and bottom vents to control the airflow and maintain a steady temperature throughout the cooking process.
• Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and prolong the cooking time.

Preheating the Ceramic Grill

Now that you’ve mastered temperature control, let’s move on to another important aspect of ceramic grill maintenance: preheating.

Preheating your ceramic grill is crucial for achieving consistent cooking results and ensuring the longevity of your grill. Before starting any cooking, it’s recommended to preheat your grill for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the ceramic to gradually heat up and reach the desired temperature evenly.

Preheating also helps to burn off any residual grease or debris, keeping your grill clean and ready for cooking. Remember, maintaining your ceramic grill is essential for its performance and durability.

If you’re looking for alternative cooking methods, the ceramic grill offers versatility for grilling, smoking, baking, and more. So, get ready to explore the endless possibilities of cooking with your ceramic grill!

Choosing the Right Charcoal

Choosing the right charcoal for your ceramic grill can greatly impact the flavor and cooking experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your charcoal:

• Charcoal flavor profiles: Different types of charcoal, such as hardwood lump or briquettes, offer distinct flavor profiles. Hardwood lump charcoal provides a smoky, natural flavor, while briquettes offer a consistent and predictable taste.

• Charcoal temperature control: Look for charcoal that provides good temperature control. Lump charcoal tends to burn hotter and faster, while briquettes offer a more controlled and even heat distribution.

• Ash production: Consider the amount of ash produced by the charcoal. Lump charcoal generally produces less ash, making it easier to clean up after cooking.

• Burn time: Check the burn time of the charcoal. Lump charcoal tends to burn faster, while briquettes provide a longer burn time.

• Price: Consider the cost of the charcoal. Lump charcoal is usually more expensive, while briquettes are more affordable.

Cooking and Serving the Deep Dish Pizza

When it comes to making the perfect deep dish pizza, there are two key factors to consider: the thickness of the pizza dough and the choice of cheese toppings.

Finding the right balance between a thick and doughy crust and a thin and crispy one is crucial in achieving the desired texture.

As for the cheese, there are endless options to choose from, but finding the best one that melts perfectly and complements the other flavors is essential for a delicious deep dish pizza experience.

Pizza Dough Thickness

You’ll want to aim for a dough thickness of about 1/4 inch for your deep dish pizza on the Big Green Egg. This thickness ensures that the crust will be sturdy enough to hold all the delicious toppings and cheese.

Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to pizza dough thickness:

• The thickness of the dough can affect the cooking time. Thicker dough will require a longer cooking time to ensure that the center is fully cooked.
• Too thin of a dough may result in a crispy crust, while too thick of a dough may result in a doughy center.
• Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough evenly to achieve the desired thickness.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the thickness depending on your personal preference.
• Experiment with different dough thicknesses to find the perfect balance of crust and toppings for your taste.

Best Cheese Toppings?

Now that you’ve got your pizza dough thickness sorted out, let’s move on to the best cheese toppings for your deep dish pizza on the Big Green Egg. Choosing the right cheese is crucial for that gooey, melty goodness we all love. Here are some of the best melting cheeses to consider:

Cheese	Flavor	Melting Point
Mozzarella	Mild, creamy	130-140°C
Provolone	Sharp, smoky	160-180°C
Cheddar	Sharp, tangy	150-160°C
Fontina	Nutty, buttery	130-140°C

To create unique and delicious flavor combinations, you can mix and match these cheeses. For example, a blend of mozzarella and provolone will give you a creamy and smoky taste, while cheddar and fontina can add a tangy and nutty twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect cheese combination. Now, let’s move on to the next step in creating your mouthwatering deep dish pizza on the Big Green Egg.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a step-by-step guide on how to cook deep dish pizza on a Big Green Egg.

By selecting the right ingredients, preparing the dough and sauce, layering the toppings and cheese, and properly cooking and serving the pizza, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.

With a little practice and experimentation, you can customize your pizza to your liking and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

So fire up the Big Green Egg and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering deep dish pizza!