Blackberry Bacon Basil Grilled Pizza: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

Blackberry bacon basil grilled pizza: Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized! Imagine the smoky char of a perfectly grilled pizza crust, topped with the sweet burst of juicy blackberries, the savory crunch of crispy bacon, and the fragrant freshness of basil. It sounds like a culinary dream, right? Well, it’s a dream you can easily make a reality!

While pizza’s origins are firmly rooted in Italy, the concept of topping a flatbread with delicious ingredients has been around for centuries in various cultures. This particular combination, however, is a modern twist, a playful dance between sweet, salty, and herbaceous flavors that elevates the humble pizza to gourmet status. It’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, bringing together the best seasonal ingredients in a way that’s both unexpected and utterly delightful.

People adore this blackberry bacon basil grilled pizza because it’s an explosion of textures and tastes. The slight tang of the blackberries cuts through the richness of the bacon, while the basil adds a refreshing herbal note. Grilling the pizza imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that you just can’t achieve in a conventional oven. Plus, it’s incredibly fun to make! Gathering around the grill with friends and family, crafting your own personalized pizzas, is a fantastic way to spend a warm evening. So, fire up your grill and get ready to experience pizza like never before!

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Blackberry Basil Sauce:
• 1 pint (2 cups) fresh blackberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Toppings:
• 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Optional: A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze after grilling

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This rise is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the dough.
5. Punch Down and Divide: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough in half (or into smaller portions if you prefer smaller pizzas). Shape each portion into a ball.
6. Second Rise (Optional): For even better flavor and texture, cover the dough balls and let them rest for another 30 minutes. This second rise allows the gluten to relax further, resulting in a more tender crust.

Making the Blackberry Basil Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. Add Blackberries and Simmer: Add the fresh blackberries to the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the blackberries have softened and released their juices.
3. Incorporate Basil and Balsamic: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. You can use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the blackberries to help thicken the sauce.
5. Cool Slightly: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. You can also blend the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender for a smoother consistency, if desired. I personally like it a little chunky!

Preparing the Bacon:

1. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon using your preferred method. You can fry it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or even microwave it.
2. Drain and Crumble: Once the bacon is cooked, drain off any excess grease. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.

Grilling the Pizza:

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the pizza dough from sticking.
2. Stretch the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out one of the dough balls into a desired shape (round, oval, or rectangular). Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Grill One Side: Carefully transfer the stretched dough to the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly charred and slightly puffed up. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
4. Flip the Dough: Using tongs or a large spatula, carefully flip the dough over.
5. Add the Sauce and Toppings: Immediately spread the blackberry basil sauce evenly over the grilled side of the dough. Top with the crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
6. Grill the Second Side: Close the grill lid and continue grilling for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bottom of the crust is cooked through.
7. Remove and Garnish: Carefully remove the pizza from the grill using a large spatula or pizza peel. Transfer it to a cutting board.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. If desired, drizzle with a little honey or balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Slice and serve immediately.
9. Repeat: Repeat the grilling process with the remaining dough and toppings.

Tips for Grilling Pizza Successfully:

• Don’t Overload the Pizza: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and difficult to handle on the grill.
• Keep a Close Eye on the Grill: Grilling pizza requires constant attention to prevent burning. Adjust the heat as needed.
• Use a Pizza Peel: A pizza peel makes it much easier to transfer the pizza to and from the grill. If you don’t have a peel, use a large spatula.
• Pre-cook Toppings: If you’re using toppings that take a long time to cook (like vegetables), pre-cook them slightly before adding them to the pizza.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try different cheeses, meats, vegetables, and sauces.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Spicy Pizza: Add more red pepper flakes to the blackberry basil sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the pizza before grilling.
• Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like goat cheese, provolone, or fontina.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the pizza before grilling for a sweeter flavor.

Conclusion:

This Blackberry Bacon Basil Grilled Pizza isn’t just another pizza recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The sweet and tart blackberries perfectly complement the smoky bacon, while the fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that ties everything together. Trust me, the combination is unexpectedly divine and will have your taste buds singing. It’s a must-try because it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Forget ordering takeout; this homemade pizza is far superior and a whole lot more fun to create.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite combination, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a vegetarian option, swap the bacon for grilled halloumi cheese or roasted red peppers. If you’re not a fan of blackberries, try using raspberries or even thinly sliced figs for a different sweet and fruity twist. You could also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after grilling for an extra layer of tangy sweetness.

Serving Suggestions: This pizza is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or dinner. However, it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a grilled chicken breast or a simple pasta dish. And don’t forget the drinks! A refreshing glass of lemonade, iced tea, or even a light-bodied red wine would be the perfect accompaniment.

Variations to Explore:

* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza before grilling for a subtle heat.
* Cheese Swap: While I love the creamy mozzarella, you could also try using goat cheese or brie for a richer, more decadent flavor.
* Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to add a unique aromatic dimension.
* Bacon Upgrade: Use thick-cut bacon or even maple-glazed bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
* Dessert Pizza: For a sweet treat, skip the bacon and basil and add a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon to the blackberries before grilling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! It’s become a staple in my household, and I know it will be in yours too. The beauty of this blackberry bacon basil grilled pizza lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun way to get creative in the kitchen.

So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience pizza perfection. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] and let me know what variations you tried. Did you add a spicy kick? Did you swap the cheese? I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think! Happy grilling!

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