Grilled Peach, Basil, and Vegan Goat Cheese Pizza: The Ultimate Summer Grilling Recipe
This Grilled Peach, Basil, and Vegan Goat Cheese Pizza is an absolute triumph! Imagine soft, caramelized grilled peaches, generously spread with creamy vegan “goat” cheese, all beautifully enhanced by fresh basil and a delectable, tangy balsamic drizzle. It’s truly the perfect pizza for those warm summer evenings, a dish that celebrates seasonal flavors with every single bite.
There’s a special kind of magic that comes with homemade pizza, an experience I wholeheartedly believe everyone should savor. Forget greasy takeout; when you craft a pizza in your own kitchen, it always, always tastes superior. From the moment you decide on the perfect crust thickness – whether you prefer it thin and crispy or thick and chewy – to the freedom of piling on an endless array of your favorite toppings without an extra fee (imagine that!), homemade pizza reigns supreme. You can even add more cheese than any commercial pizza company would ever deem “acceptable,” creating a truly personalized culinary masterpiece.
One of the greatest joys of pizza is its incredible versatility. It effortlessly adapts to your mood, your dietary needs, and especially the season. And when summer rolls around, this grilled peach, basil, and vegan goat cheese pizza truly shines. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and unexpectedly delicious combination that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Before we dive into the recipe, I have a hilariously embarrassing pizza story to share. Trust me, it would be criminal not to!
My Hilarious (and Stormy) First Grilling Adventure
The making of this particular pizza comes with quite an unforgettable tale, one that involves an unexpected summer storm brewing the very second I placed the pizza dough on the grill. This was a momentous occasion for me – my very first time lighting our charcoal grill solo. My husband, the undisputed grill master of our family, was away, and I, being the overly adventurous individual that I am, was armed with his “easy-enough” instructions delivered over the phone. I confidently proceeded to arrange the coals and ignite the grill. What could go wrong, right?
Well, approximately three seconds after I carefully laid the pizza dough onto the scorching hot grates, the heavens decided to open up. I am not exaggerating; it was as if the skies unleashed a torrential downpour. To add to the chaos, a strong wind decided to join the party, blowing the rain vigorously inwards towards my precious pizza and meticulously prepared toppings. Fortunately, I was positioned under our back patio cover, but the rain was still an issue. My quick thinking led me to dramatically turn the entire grill towards the living room, hoping to prevent the rain from completely soaking my dough. This, however, meant that my perfectly organized mise en place – all my beautiful toppings laid out and ready – were now in the direct path of the sideways rain. Cue me frantically running back and forth, a blurry mess of motion, trying to shield every ingredient from the miniature hurricane unfolding in my backyard.
If you’re laughing, that’s perfectly fine, because I’m laughing right along with you even now! And, of course, cue me utterly burning the entire first crust. All that frantic dashing and ingredient-saving meant my attention was diverted from the rapidly cooking dough. Pro tip from a seasoned (or perhaps, burned) grill rookie: do not burn the crust, okay? Lesson learned.
After sacrificing one entire pizza crust and waiting for the rains to finally subside, I was immensely proud to finally produce this stunning beauty. The struggle was real, but the reward was absolutely worth it.
A Symphony of Summer Flavors: Peaches, Basil, and Vegan “Goat” Cheese
This grilled peach, basil, and vegan goat cheese pizza is truly a culinary gem. Fruit pizzas, in general, are seriously underrated, and this one makes a strong case for their deliciousness. The grilling process transforms the peaches, caramelizing their natural sugars and softening them to create a tender, almost “meaty” texture. This subtle sweetness, enhanced by the smoky char from the grill, provides a fantastic base for the other ingredients.
The creamy vegan goat cheese is a star player, adding a delicate tanginess and a rich, luxurious creaminess that beautifully contrasts with the peaches. It melts just enough to bind all the flavors without becoming overly heavy. Then there’s the fresh basil – its vibrant, aromatic notes cut through the sweetness and richness, bringing an essential brightness to the pizza. Honestly, next time, I’m already planning to take it up a notch by turning that fresh basil into a luscious pesto using a delicious pesto recipe, spreading it alongside the vegan goat cheese for an even deeper flavor profile.
And let’s not forget the balsamic reduction – whether you call it a drizzle, a glaze, or a reduction, it’s the ultimate finishing touch. This rich, sweet, and tangy sauce ties all the elements together, providing that perfect “cherry on top” bite. You can be as generous or as conservative as you like with the drizzle, but fair warning: you’ll likely find yourself reaching for more as you devour each slice. It’s intensely flavorful and addictive.
Why Homemade Grilled Pizza is a Game Changer
Beyond the sheer deliciousness of this specific recipe, making pizza at home, especially on the grill, opens up a world of culinary possibilities. It’s an interactive and fun cooking experience, perfect for entertaining or a casual family dinner. The grill imparts an incredible smoky flavor and a uniquely crisp crust that you simply can’t achieve in a conventional oven. Plus, grilling is a fantastic way to keep your kitchen cool during the summer months!
The freedom to customize is unparalleled. Want a gluten-free crust? No problem. Prefer a whole wheat dough? Go for it. The beauty of homemade lies in your control over every ingredient. This also means you can easily adapt the recipe to what’s fresh and in season. While peaches are phenomenal here, imagine swapping them for grilled figs, plums, or even some thinly sliced grilled apples in the fall. The vegan goat cheese adds a wonderful dimension for those looking for plant-based alternatives, offering all the tang and creaminess without dairy. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe framework.
So, here’s to many more pizza recipes shared with all of you, and to you absolutely devouring this incredible grilled peach, basil, and vegan goat cheese pizza in the meantime. Enjoy every last bite!
Grilled Peach, Basil and Vegan Goat Cheese Pizza
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Ingredients
Grilled Peach, Basil and Vegan Goat Cheese Pizza
- 1 1/2 grilled/roasted peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1 pizza dough, homemade or store-bought + olive oil to brush (gluten free if necessary)
- 4 oz vegan goat cheese, 113 g
Balsamic Reduction Sauce
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Balsamic Reduction Sauce
- In a pot over medium high heat, heat all the ingredients and stir. Watch carefully – the glaze should begin to thicken after 5 minutes and you want it thick enough to stick to the back of a spoon, but not to thicken into a glob. It becomes very thick very quickly so watch carefully.
- Once glaze has thickened, remove from heat.
Grilled Peach, Basil and Vegan Goat Cheese Pizza
- Heat up your grill to high heat. If you have a coal grill, set it so that your pizza is over the direct heat. I make that in the centre of the grill. You can grill your peaches from beforehand, or right before.
- Have all your toppings on a table beside the grill for when you’re ready to use them.
- Flour a clean working surface lightly and roll out or stretch the pizza dough with your hands to about a 12-inch circle (or as thick or thin as you desire, just ensure it is even throughout). Don’t do a rimmed crust since it will give difficulties while cooking on the grill.
- Brush one side of the dough with olive oil.
- When the grill is heated, place the olive oil brushed side down onto the grill. Cook for about 2-4 minutes until grill marks appear and dough begins to cook. Your dough may begin to get air pockets on the top side of the pizza. Check after it’s been on for 2 minutes to ensure the crust doesn’t burn.
- When you’re ready to flip the dough, ensure all your ingredients are ready. Flip the dough and begin arrange the ingredients quickly on the pizza. Close the grill and allow to cook through for about 3 to 5 minutes, checking periodically for doneness and to ensure the crust doesn’t burn. If it begins to burn, move to an indirect part of the grill so that it can continue to cook. Check to ensure the dough is completely cooked and remove and slice accordingly.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction. Allow to cool slightly, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.