National Dish Uruguay: Grilled Pizza (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Grilled Pizza, Uruguay’s smoky, sizzling take on a beloved classic! Rather than going in the oven, the base is cooked straight over the coals, soaking up the rich, charred aromas that South American barbecue is famous for. Crisp at the edges, blistered underneath and crowned with bubbling cheese, it is the kind of dish that turns a relaxed evening with friends into a proper occasion. Fire up the grill and bring a taste of Montevideo to your own back garden.
About Grilled Pizza
Grilled Pizza, known locally as pizza a la parrilla, is a wonderfully distinctive dish from Uruguay that marries the familiar joys of pizza with the country’s deep-rooted love of cooking over an open flame. Instead of baking, the base is set directly on the grill, which lends it an irresistible, smoky flavour you simply cannot achieve in a conventional oven. The combination of fresh vegetables, melting cheese and good-quality cured meats makes every grilled pizza a feast for the senses. Perfect for barbecue nights or a special celebration, it is as much a showpiece as it is a delicious meal.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g pizza dough
- 100 g tomato sauce
- 150 g mozzarella
- 100 g chorizo, or another sausage of your choice
- 1 pepper (red or yellow)
- 1 onion
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (such as oregano)
Shopping for the ingredients
For a truly delicious grilled pizza, it pays to use fresh, good-quality ingredients, most of which are easy to find in supermarkets or at a local market. The pizza dough and the cheese matter most, as they set the foundation of the dish’s flavour, so choose them with care. Pick out a tasty, fresh sausage and crisp vegetables too, so you can make the most of the barbecue and let those smoky notes really shine.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking your grilled pizza, gather and prepare all of your ingredients. The dough can be made from scratch or bought ready-made to save time. Slice the peppers and onions thinly, and cut the chorizo into small pieces. Getting everything chopped and within easy reach ahead of time means the cooking goes smoothly once the grill is hot — and it makes the whole process far more relaxed.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the grill to a medium heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and shape it as you like.
- Drizzle a little oil onto the grill grate, or brush the base lightly with oil, to stop it sticking.
- Lay the dough on the grill and cook briefly until the underside is golden brown.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base.
- Scatter on your toppings of choice — mozzarella, chorizo, peppers and onions.
- Cover the grill and cook for a further 5–10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Lift off the grill, garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Grilled pizza is easy to adapt for those avoiding gluten or lactose. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pizza dough, widely available in health-food shops and supermarkets. When it comes to cheese, a lactose-free alternative melts just as beautifully. Do check any sausage or cured meat for hidden gluten and lactose too, so that everyone at the table can tuck in with confidence.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of grilled pizza, swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative, or simply build the topping around a generous mix of vegetables and plant protein. Veggie sausages work brilliantly, as do extra vegetables such as courgette, mushrooms and spinach. A scattering of fresh herbs and spices lifts the flavour even further. This is a flexible recipe that adapts easily to a vegetarian or vegan diet without losing any of its character.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your grilled pizza, keep an eye on the temperature and avoid letting the grill run too hot. A steady medium heat cooks the base evenly and stops it catching and burning. Brush the dough lightly with oil before it goes on to encourage a crisp crust. A pizza stone placed on the grill is another clever trick, distributing the heat more evenly for an even better result.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the great joys of grilled pizza is just how adaptable it is. Vary the toppings however you fancy, piling on different vegetables or cuts of meat to suit the crowd. Experiment with alternative sauces, such as a smoky BBQ base or a white-wine sauce, to create entirely new flavours. This is the perfect dish for getting creative and pleasing every guest at the table — much like the all-in approach of Zucchini au Gratin.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have a particular ingredient to hand, there are plenty of tasty swaps to fall back on. In place of chorizo, reach for any other sausage, or even grilled vegetables for a protein-rich, meat-free option. Instead of tomato sauce, try pesto or tapenade for a different flavour altogether. Be creative and use whatever you enjoy or happen to have in.
Drink pairing ideas
A well-chosen drink can make your grilled pizza even more memorable. A refreshing, ice-cold lager or a fruity regional red wine pairs beautifully with the pizza’s smoky notes. A lively cocktail also makes a fine companion. For an alcohol-free option, freshly pressed juices or homemade lemonade round things off nicely and complement the flavours of the pizza.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation goes a long way towards how a meal is enjoyed. Serve your grilled pizza on a wooden board for a rustic, inviting look. Finish it with a scattering of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to dress it up. A small dip or sauce served in a separate dish lets guests tailor each slice to their own taste. A thoughtful presentation makes the whole dish all the more appealing.
A bit of history
Grilled pizza has its origins in Uruguay, where cooking over fire — the celebrated asado tradition — holds a special place in everyday life. Wood or charcoal is often used to coax out that perfect flavour. This way of cooking reflects not only the creativity of the culture but also a genuine love of good food and good company. Barbecue evenings are a cherished ritual in many Uruguayan homes, and pizza has earned its place as a firm fixture of Uruguayan cuisine.
More recipe ideas
- Zucchini au Gratin
- Pumpkin in Syrup
- Focaccia on the grill
- Empanadas with assorted fillings
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Grilled chicken with chimichurri
Summary: Grilled Pizza
Grilled pizza offers a unique taste of Uruguay — endlessly adaptable and perfect for sociable gatherings. Cooking fresh ingredients over the coals gives you not only a remarkable depth of flavour but also a beautiful centrepiece for the table. Let your imagination run free as you try this recipe, and savour the flavours of South American cooking. Whether served as a main course or as part of a barbecue feast, grilled pizza is sure to win over everyone who gathers round. For a sweeter finish to the meal, round things off with Pumpkin in Syrup.
