Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood by the grill, the aroma of peppery brown butter wafted through the air, instantly igniting my taste buds. This Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Caesar Salad is my go-to recipe for transforming gatherings into delightful culinary experiences. It combines the smoky charm of grilled pizza with the classic freshness of a Caesar salad, making it a light meal that’s perfect for summer evenings or casual outings. What makes this dish even more irresistible is how quickly it comes together, allowing you to focus less on cooking and more on enjoying the company around you. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, giving everyone a taste of comfort without compromising on flavor. Ready to take your pizza game to the next level? Let’s dive in! Why is Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza special? Savory Elevation: The rich, nutty flavor of pecorino romano combined with the warmth of brown butter creates a taste sensation that’ll elevate your pizza night. Speedy Prep: In just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that impresses without consuming your entire evening. Vegetarian Delight: This recipe caters to vegetarian diets while still delivering comforting flavors that everyone will adore. Textural Harmony: Enjoy a smoky, crisp crust complemented by a creamy Caesar topping, resulting in a perfect balance of crunch and richness. Versatile Options: Want to mix things up? Try adding grilled vegetables or swapping the Caesar salad for a light arugula salad to suit your mood. This pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza Ingredients • Prepare to delight your palate with these essential ingredients for a delicious grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza. For the Dough Sourdough Pizza Dough – The ideal base for a flavorful pizza; sourdough enhances the depth of flavor. Water – Essential for activating the yeast and providing hydration to the dough. Sourdough Starter or Fresh Discard – A natural leavening agent; can substitute with store-bought yeast. Olive Oil – Adds a wonderful flavor and ensures a tender crust. Honey – Introduces a touch of sweetness; agave syrup can work as a substitute. Bread Flour – Builds the structure of your pizza; all-purpose flour is a workable alternative. Kosher Salt – Crucial for enhancing overall flavor. For the Toppings Butter – Used for browning and infusing rich flavor; vegan butter works for a dairy-free option. Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a delightful kick; always opt for freshly ground for maximum flavor. Pecorino Romano Cheese – The hallmark of this dish, offering a salty, nutty taste; parmesan can be used if necessary. For the Caesar Salad Chopped Romaine Lettuce – Provides the perfect crunch and freshness to balance the rich pizza. Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing – A creamy complement for the salad; feel free to substitute with a vegan version. Additional Pecorino Romano for Salad – Sprinkling more cheese enhances the creaminess and flavor overall. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be one step closer to creating a mouthwatering Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza that’s bound to become a family favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza Step 1: Dough Prep The night before making your Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza, combine the sourdough starter, water, bread flour, salt, olive oil, and honey in a large bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours, until doubled in size and bubbly. Step 2: Brown Butter On the day of grilling, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly ground black pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the butter to brown slightly and fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma. Watch for a nutty scent and a golden hue, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside. Step 3: Prepare Salad In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce with Greek yogurt Caesar dressing and some grated pecorino romano cheese. Mix well until the lettuce is evenly coated and the flavors meld together. Set this refreshing salad aside while you grill your pizza, letting it stay crisp and cold. Step 4: Grill Dough Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for around 500°F (260°C). On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a 10-12 inch round, using your hands or a rolling pin. Carefully transfer the dough onto a floured pizza peel for easy movement to the grill. Step 5: Grill Pizza Slide the shaped dough onto the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until you see grill marks and it becomes slightly charred. Using tongs, carefully flip the dough and grill the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, brush generously with the peppery brown butter and sprinkle with pecorino romano cheese for that perfect finish. Step 6: Serve Remove the grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza from the grill and let it rest briefly. Serve immediately, either topped with the Caesar salad for a delightful combination or as a side, allowing everyone to customize their slice with salad. This vibrant dish will surely impress your guests! Expert Tips for Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is not too sticky. If it feels tacky while shaping, add a bit more flour to achieve a smooth texture. Grilling Vigilance: Keep a close eye on the grill! Cooking times may vary, and even a minute can mean the difference between perfectly charred and burnt crust. Pepper Balance: Don’t be shy with the freshly ground black pepper, but adjust to your taste! A little can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of your grilled Cacio e Pepe pizza. Serving Fresh: This pizza is best enjoyed straight off the grill. If you have leftovers, store them properly and reheat to retain that fresh grilled flavor. Experimenting Variations: Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables or different cheeses to customize your grilled Cacio e Pepe pizza to suit your personal palate! What to Serve with Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza Transform your delightful pizza night into a full-fledged feast with these perfect pairing options that truly sing together. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of buttery mashed potatoes provides a comforting contrast to the smoky grilled pizza. Perfect for filling up on cozy flavors! Zesty Lemon Arugula Salad: Bright, peppery arugula drizzled with lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the pizza. Grilled Asparagus: Slightly charred asparagus spears add a touch of smoky flavor and a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall harmony of your meal. Herbed Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread smeared with fresh herbs complements the savory flavors of the pizza while adding that delightful crunch we all love. Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of colorful, caramelized seasonal vegetables serves as a gorgeous and healthful side, providing both texture and pops of flavor to brighten your plate. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or fruity Pinot Grigio beautifully pairs with the smoky, cheesy notes of the pizza, refreshing your palate with every sip. Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, rich and airy chocolate mousse makes a glorious ending, balancing the savory elements from dinner with a luscious sweetness. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light medley of seasonal fruits can cleanse your palate, offering a sweet, juicy contrast that feels vibrant and invigorating. Embrace the art of pairing to elevate your Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza experience! How to Store and Freeze Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza Fridge: Store leftover grilled Cacio e Pepe pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps it fresh and prevents becoming soggy. Freezer: For longer storage, place well-wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Reheat slices in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust chewy. Serving Tip: Enjoy your reheated grilled Cacio e Pepe pizza with a fresh Caesar salad on the side for a delightful meal experience! Make Ahead Options These Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the sourdough pizza dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and letting it rise overnight. Additionally, make the Caesar salad ahead of time—just toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Greek yogurt dressing and grated pecorino, refrigerating it for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep the salad separate until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to enjoy, grill the pizza and brush on the delicious brown butter right before serving; this way, you’ll enjoy a delightful meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor! Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza Variations Feel free to explore a world of flavors and textures with these delightful variations that make this grilled pizza uniquely yours! Cheese Swap: Substitute pecorino with mozzarella or goat cheese for a different creamy delight. Each cheese brings its own character to this dish. Lighter Greens: Replace the Caesar salad with arugula or mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a zesty twist. This adds brightness and freshness, perfect for summer. Grilled Veggies: Add grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to the top for a hearty vegetable boost. These veggies not only enhance the flavor but also raise the nutritional value. Protein-Packed: For a meatier vibe, layer on some grilled chicken or shrimp. The added protein turns your pizza into a complete meal while keeping it satisfying. Spicy Kick: Craving a little heat? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy chili oil before serving. It’ll awaken your taste buds and provide a new layer of flavor. Dairy-Free Delight: Use a vegan cheese option and replace Greek yogurt Caesar dressing with a homemade avocado dressing for a creamy yet dairy-free experience. Everyone deserves a tasty meal! Sweet Twist: Add a few slices of grilled peaches on top as a finishing touch. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the salty pecorino, creating a sassafras of flavors. Don’t forget to try this delightful pizza alongside dishes like Peach Chipotle Grilled for a meal that’s bursting with flavor! Or perfect it with a side of Grilled Shrimp Bowl for even more satisfaction. The options are endless, so personalize it to your heart’s content! Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza Recipe FAQs How do I select the right sourdough starter? Absolutely! The best sourdough starters should be bubbly and have a pleasant tang. If you’re using store-bought, a fresh, active starter will yield the best results. If creating your own, let it ferment for at least 5-7 days to develop flavor and strength. What’s the best way to store leftovers? For perfect storage, pop your leftover grilled Cacio e Pepe pizza in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This prevents sogginess! Ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain its freshness. Can I freeze this pizza? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag, and you can store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating! What should I do if my dough is too sticky? Great question! If your dough feels excessively sticky when shaping it, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency. It’s essential to have a manageable dough to get a perfect crust! Is the dish suitable for those with dairy allergies? Very much! To make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with vegan butter and swap out pecorino cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also use a vegan Caesar dressing for those avoiding dairy altogether. How can I prevent my pizza from burning on the grill? To prevent burning, monitor the grill closely while cooking! Cooking times can vary based on grill type and dough thickness; aim for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Have a spatula ready to check for doneness and flip as soon as it begins to char. Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza with a Fresh Caesar Twist Discover the deliciousness of Grilled Cacio e Pepe Pizza, a vegetarian delight perfect for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsDough Rising Time 12 hours hrsTotal Time 12 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 batch Sourdough Pizza Dough Enhances flavor depth.1 cup Water Essential for dough hydration.1/2 cup Sourdough Starter or Fresh Discard Can substitute with yeast.2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds flavor and tenderness.1 tablespoon Honey Sweetness can be substituted with agave syrup.3 cups Bread Flour All-purpose flour is an alternative.1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavor.For the Toppings4 tablespoons Butter Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.1 tablespoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Opt for freshly ground for maximum flavor.1 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese Parmesan can be used as a substitute.For the Caesar Salad4 cups Chopped Romaine Lettuce Provides crunch and freshness.1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing Vegan version can be substituted.1/4 cup Additional Pecorino Romano for Salad Enhances creaminess and flavor. Equipment GrillMixing BowlSkilletPizza Peel Method Dough PreparationThe night before, combine the sourdough starter, water, bread flour, salt, olive oil, and honey in a large bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, cover and let rise for 8-12 hours.Brown ButterMelt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add freshly ground black pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until butter browns.Prepare SaladToss together chopped romaine lettuce, Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, and grated pecorino cheese. Set aside.Grill DoughPreheat grill to high heat. Shape dough into a 10-12 inch round on a floured surface.Grill PizzaCook dough on grill for 2-3 minutes on one side until marked. Flip and grill other side for 2-3 minutes. Brush with brown butter and sprinkle with cheese.ServeRemove pizza from grill, let rest briefly, and serve immediately with Caesar salad. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesThis pizza is best enjoyed straight off the grill. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat properly to maintain flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
