Do you want to satisfy your pizza cravings without using your boring old oven? Look no further than the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This versatile grill isn’t just for steaks and veggies; it can also cook up delicious, crispy pizzas.
Traditional pizza ovens may not be practical for most households, and countertop ovens don’t quite capture the fire and smoky flavor of a wood-fired oven. But with the Ninja Woodfire Grill, you can enjoy all the perks of a wood-fired oven in the comfort of your own home.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make mouth-watering pizzas on your Ninja Woodfire Grill. From classic Margheritas to gourmet pies with unconventional toppings, we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through everything from prepping the dough to cooking it to perfection on the grill. So let’s get started – grab some dough and fire up that Ninja Woodfire Grill.
Contents
Prepping the Grill: How to Preheat the Grill for Perfect Pizza
Look no further than your trusty Ninja Woodfire grill. But before you start tossing dough, it’s essential to prep and preheat your grill correctly to ensure the perfect pizza every time.
First things first, make sure the grates are clean by using a wire brush or grill scraper to remove any debris or leftover food. Next, turn on all burners and set them to high heat. Let the grill heat up for at least 15 minutes, and periodically check the temperature with a thermometer. The ideal temperature for cooking pizza on a Ninja Woodfire grill is between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now that your grill is preheated, it’s time to get your pizza ready for cooking. Brush the pizza dough with olive oil and place it on a pizza peel. Add sauce and toppings of your choice before sliding it onto the hot grates. If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it on the grill grates and let it heat up for about 30 minutes before placing your pizza on top. This will ensure an evenly cooked crust with a crispy finish.
But what if you don’t have a pizza stone or steel? No problem. You can still create delicious pizza on your Ninja Woodfire grill by using a cast iron skillet. Preheat your grill to around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit and let your skillet heat up for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer your dough into the skillet and add your toppings. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and let it cook for around 10-12 minutes.
While cooking, keep an eye on your pizza and use a long-handled spatula or tongs to rotate it occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the crust and the toppings used, but generally, it takes between 8-12 minutes for a pizza to cook on a woodfire grill.
Cooking with a Pizza Stone or Steel: Step-by-Step Instructions
It’s time to take matters into your own hands and cook homemade pizza on your Ninja Woodfire grill with a pizza stone or steel. With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be a pizza-making pro in no time.
To start, preheat your grill with the pizza stone or steel inside for about 30 minutes. This is essential for ensuring that your pizza cooks evenly and has a crispy crust. As the grill heats up, prepare your pizza dough and toppings to your liking. Roll out the dough onto a floured surface and transfer it onto a pizza peel that’s been dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
With your pizza assembled, carefully slide it onto the preheated pizza stone or steel using the pizza peel. Close the grill lid and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn – every grill is different, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
As the crust turns golden brown and the cheese gets melted and bubbly, use the pizza peel to carefully remove the pizza from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Trust us, this step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together and avoiding a messy slice.
Looking for some topping inspiration? Try classic pepperoni and mushroom, a veggie-packed pie with fresh tomatoes and basil, or even experiment with dessert pizzas topped with Nutella and fruit.
Alternatives to a Pizza Stone or Steel: Using a Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re a true pizza aficionado, then you know that the perfect crust is everything. And if you’re lucky enough to have a Ninja Woodfire grill, then you have the perfect tool to cook your pizza to perfection. But what if you don’t have a pizza stone or steel? Fear not. There’s an alternative that might just surprise you: the cast iron skillet.
Cast iron skillets are known for their ability to retain heat and distribute it evenly, making them a great option for cooking pizza on the grill. Not only does using a cast iron skillet eliminate the need for a pizza stone or steel, but it also has several advantages of its own.
Advantages of Using a Cast Iron Skillet:
- Even Heat Distribution: Cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly, which means your pizza will cook evenly too. This results in a perfectly crispy crust every time.
- Crispy Crust: With a cast iron skillet, you can achieve a crispy crust without the need for a pizza stone or steel. The skillet heats up quickly and retains heat well, ensuring that your pizza crust is crispy every time.
- Non-Stick Surface: Grilling pizza can be tricky because the dough can stick to the grill grates. However, using a cast iron skillet eliminates this problem. The skillet provides a non-stick surface that makes it easy to remove your pizza from the grill with no mess.
- Versatility: Cast iron skillets are versatile tools that can be used for many types of cooking. So even if you’re not making pizza, you can still get plenty of use out of your skillet.
Using a cast iron skillet for pizza on your Ninja Woodfire grill is easy. Simply preheat it on the grill for about 15 minutes before adding your dough and toppings. Then let it cook for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy and golden brown.
Tips and Tricks for Making Delicious Wood-Fired Pizza on Your Ninja Woodfire Grill
If you’re looking to up your pizza game, there’s no better way than making wood-fired pizza on your Ninja Woodfire Grill. With its high heat and smoky flavor, it’s the perfect tool for creating delicious, crispy crusts. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly every time:
Use Quality Dough
The foundation of any good pizza is the dough. For a wood-fired pizza, use high-quality pizza dough made with high-gluten flour and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours. This will give the dough time to develop its flavor and texture, resulting in a crispy crust that’s chewy on the inside.
Preheat Your Grill
To achieve that perfect crispy crust, preheat your grill to at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This will cook your pizza quickly and evenly while giving it that smoky, wood-fired flavor.
Use a Pizza Stone
A pizza stone is crucial for making wood-fired pizza. It helps distribute heat evenly and ensures that the crust cooks evenly without burning. Place the stone on the grill grates and allow it to preheat for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Keep It Simple
When it comes to toppings, less is more. Stick to simple, high-quality ingredients like fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Overloading your pizza with too many toppings can result in a soggy crust, so keep it simple and let the flavors shine.
Rotate and Monitor Your Pizza
To ensure even cooking, rotate your pizza every few minutes using a peel or tongs. Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure it doesn’t burn or become overcooked – timing is key when it comes to wood-fired pizza.
Toppings and Dough: Choosing the Best Ingredients for Your Pizzas
The secret is in choosing the right toppings and dough. With well-selected ingredients, you can achieve a crispy crust, a smoky flavor, and an overall delicious pizza experience.
To start, let’s talk about dough. You need a dough that is easy to work with, has a good texture, and will cook evenly on the grill. Whole wheat, sourdough, or traditional white flour are all excellent choices. Remember to let your dough rise properly before rolling it out to ensure it won’t stick or tear.
Now onto toppings. While there are endless possibilities for pizza toppings, some popular options include tomato sauce, cheese, meats like pepperoni or sausage, vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, and herbs like basil or oregano. But why not take it up a notch? Try adding unique toppings like prosciutto, figs, or arugula for a gourmet twist.
It’s important to consider how your toppings will cook on the grill. Thinly sliced meats and vegetables will cook evenly and prevent burning. For raw meats, pre-cook them before adding them to your pizza for food safety reasons.
In summary, selecting the best ingredients for your Ninja Woodfire grilled pizzas requires some thought and creativity. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Choose a dough that is easy to work with and will cook evenly.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for toppings.
- Get creative with your toppings. Try unique combinations like figs and prosciutto.
- Thinly slice meats and vegetables for even cooking.
- Pre-cook any raw meats before adding to your pizza.
Doneness Tests: How to Know When Your Pizza is Ready
Then get ready to learn the secrets of doneness testing to ensure that your pizza comes out perfectly cooked every time. From checking the color and sound of the crust to using a thermometer and lifting up one side of the pizza with a spatula, these tests are essential for achieving the perfect pizza.
Firstly, let’s talk about the color of the crust. A golden-brown and crispy crust is a sign that your pizza is ready. However, don’t rely solely on color as it can vary depending on the type of crust and toppings used. So, keep an eye on the color but also use other tests to confirm.
Another great test is the sound of the crust. When you tap on the crust, it should make a hollow sound that indicates it is cooked through and ready to be taken off the grill. This is particularly useful when you’re not sure if your crust has been cooked thoroughly.
But if you want to be extra sure, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pizza. Your pizza should reach an ideal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for it to be considered fully cooked. This is especially important if you’re using toppings like raw meat or eggs that need to reach their recommended internal temperatures.
And lastly, use a spatula to lift one side of the pizza slightly and check if the bottom crust is evenly cooked. If it’s still doughy or has uncooked spots, then it needs more time on the grill. This test is helpful in ensuring that your pizza is cooked evenly.
Serving Suggestions: The Best Sides to Serve with Grilled Pizzas
Grilled pizzas are a delicious and perfect meal for any occasion, but what really takes it to the next level are the sides that complement it. With a Ninja Woodfire grill, you can cook up some crispy and gooey pizzas that will leave your guests wanting more. But what should you serve alongside these mouth-watering pizzas? Fear not, we have put together some of the best serving suggestions for the best sides to serve with grilled pizzas.
First up, we have salad. Salad might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pizza, but trust us, it’s a winning combination. A fresh and crisp salad can balance out the richness of the pizza and provide some much-needed nutrients. You can keep it simple with a light vinaigrette dressing or go all out with a more complex salad featuring mixed greens, fruits, nuts, and cheese.
Next on our list is grilled vegetables. Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds some smoky flavor to the mix. You can choose from a variety of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Brush them with some olive oil and seasonings, and grill them until they are tender and slightly charred for a mouth-watering side dish.
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? This classic side dish is a no-brainer when it comes to serving with pizza. The combination of crispy bread with garlic butter is simply irresistible. You can use store-bought bread or make your own by toasting some sliced bread and rubbing it with garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.
If you’re looking to elevate your meal, an antipasto platter is an excellent way to add some variety to your menu. Cured meats, cheeses, olives, roasted peppers, and other Italian-inspired items create a perfect pairing with your grilled pizzas. This platter is perfect for sharing and will impress your guests with its delicious flavors and variety.
Finally, we have roasted potatoes. This easy and delicious side dish is a great way to round out your meal. Toss some potatoes with olive oil and seasonings, then roast them in the oven until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The potatoes add some much-needed texture to the meal and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Clean Up and Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Ninja Woodfire Grill in Top Shape
If you want to enjoy the perfect wood-fired pizza from your Ninja Woodfire grill, it’s essential to keep it clean and well-maintained. Neglecting your grill can lead to a host of problems, from uneven cooking to equipment failure. To ensure your grill performs at its best, here are some crucial clean up and maintenance tips that you need to know.
Importance of Cleaning After Each Use
Cleaning your Ninja Woodfire grill after each use is crucial. A dirty grill can impact the taste of your food and even cause health issues. Moreover, food particles and grease buildup can damage the grill over time. So, make sure to remove any food debris from the grates using a grill brush or scraper. Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth to remove any grease or residue.
Performing a Deep Clean
A deep clean of your Ninja Woodfire grill every few months is also essential. Disassemble the grill and clean each component thoroughly. Soak the grates in warm soapy water and scrub them with a brush to remove any stubborn residue. Clean out the ash drawer and inspect the burners for any clogs or damage.
Regular Maintenance
It’s crucial to regularly check and replace any worn or damaged parts of your Ninja Woodfire grill. This includes the ignition system, burners, and grates. Lubricate any moving parts with cooking oil to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Regularly inspecting your grill in this way will help you spot issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Cooking Pizza on Your Ninja Woodfire Grill
If you’re using your Ninja Woodfire grill to cook pizza, keeping it clean is even more important. The last thing you want is for leftover food debris or grease to affect the taste of your pizza. So, start by removing any remaining food debris using a grill brush or scraper. Then, wipe down the grates with a damp cloth.
Using a Specialized Grill Cleaner
For tougher stains or grease buildup, you can use a specialized grill cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the cleaner to the grates and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a brush or sponge. Make sure to rinse the grates with water and dry them thoroughly before storing them.
Ek7tIZthpMk” >
Conclusion
In summary, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is a versatile and reliable cooking tool that can satisfy your pizza cravings with ease. By using various preparation and cooking techniques, you can create mouth-watering pizzas with crispy crusts and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you prefer using a pizza stone or steel, a cast iron skillet, or simply placing the dough directly on the grates, the Ninja Woodfire Grill can deliver delicious results every time. However, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients for both your dough and toppings to achieve the perfect pizza.
From classic combinations like tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh basil to unique toppings like figs and prosciutto, there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating your ideal pizza. Don’t forget to pair your grilled pizzas with sides like salad, grilled vegetables, garlic bread, antipasto platters or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Lastly, keeping your Ninja Woodfire Grill clean and well-maintained is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Regular cleaning after each use and deep cleaning every few months will help prevent grease buildup and keep your grill functioning at its best.
