This grilled honey goat cheese pizza is a tasty twist on a classic! With creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of honey on a crispy crust, it’s both sweet and savory.
When the cheese melts, oh boy, it’s a flavor party! I love making this for friends because everyone gets so excited to try a unique pizza like this. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can make your own dough or use a store-bought crust for ease. If you want a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower base.
Goat Cheese: This adds a creamy tang. If goat cheese isn’t your thing, cream cheese, feta, or ricotta can make good substitutes, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is my go-to for its melting quality. You can swap it with provolone or even vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free.
Walnuts: These add a nice crunch. Feel free to replace them with pecans or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Fresh Thyme: If you don’t have thyme, basil or oregano work well too. I personally love using whatever herbs are fresh in my garden!
Honey: The sweetness of honey complements the savory flavors. If you prefer, maple syrup or agave can be a great alternative.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grilled Pizza Without Burning It?
Grilling pizza can be a little tricky, but with some simple steps, you’ll nail it! First, preheat your grill well to get perfect marks and a tasty crust. Make sure to oil the pizza crust to avoid sticking. Here’s a quick guide:
- Set your grill to medium-high heat and allow it to reach temperature.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, place it on the grill before preheating.
- Once the grill is hot, place your oiled crust on it, watching closely. It should only take 2-3 minutes for grill marks to form.
- Flip it quickly and add your toppings before it’s too crisp!
- Cover with the grill lid after flipping to help the cheese melt properly.
With a little attention, you’ll get a perfectly grilled pizza with delicious flavors and textures!
How to Make Grilled Honey Goat Cheese Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust or dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or other fresh herbs of choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Arugula or mixed greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza will take about 10 minutes of preparation time and about 10 minutes of cooking time. So, you can enjoy it in approximately 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it on the grill so it can heat up as well. This helps get that perfect crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Dough (if needed):
If you’re using homemade pizza dough, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape it so it fits your grill. If you’ve got a pre-made crust, you can skip this step and go straight to oiling!
3. Oil the Crust:
Brush one side of the pizza crust with olive oil. This will help the crust not stick to the grill and help it get nice and crispy.
4. Grill the First Side:
Carefully place the oiled side of the crust down on the grill. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes. You want to see grill marks and for the bottom to become slightly crispy.
5. Flip and Top:
Once that side is grilled, flip the crust over. Quickly spread the crumbled goat cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the cooked side. It’s all about that cheesy goodness!
6. Add the Toppings:
Next, sprinkle the chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves on top of the cheeses, and season with salt and pepper. This will add a wonderful flavor to your pizza.
7. Grill the Second Side:
Close the grill cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and the crust is cooked through. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Drizzle with Honey:
Once your pizza is beautifully cooked, take it off the grill and drizzle some honey over the top. This adds a delightful sweetness!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, add some arugula or mixed greens for a fresh touch. Slice your pizza and serve it warm—enjoy the amazing sweet-savory flavors!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a tangy flavor, or use ricotta for a creamier texture. Just keep the mozzarella for that delicious meltiness!
What If I Don’t Have a Grill? Can I Bake This Pizza?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and use a pizza stone or a baking sheet. Roll out the crust as directed, add your toppings, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegan?
Yes! You can use a vegan pizza crust and substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. For the honey, use agave syrup or maple syrup for a similar sweetness without the animal products.
