Grilled Peach Pizza is a sweet-savory twist on summer grilling, combining caramelized fresh peaches with creamy cheese and crisp pizza crust. This creative pie is built on a grilled pizza base and topped with juicy grilled peach slices, tangy goat cheese, and fresh arugula for a contrast of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect appetizer or light meal for entertaining or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
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Fresh peaches, ripe and sliced
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Olive oil (for brushing)
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Goat cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)
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Fresh arugula (or baby greens of choice)
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Balsamic glaze (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cornmeal or flour (for the grill)
Directions
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Preheat Grill: Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil grates.
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Roll and Prep Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle grill grates with cornmeal or flour.
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Grill Dough: Place dough directly on the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and the underside is golden. Flip and cook for 1–2 more minutes. Remove from grill.
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Grill Peaches: Brush peach slices with olive oil and grill for 1–2 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
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Assemble Pizza: Spread grilled dough with goat cheese, then layer on grilled peach slices. Add salt, pepper, and optional drizzle of balsamic glaze.
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Finish: Return assembled pizza to the grill briefly to warm through and melt cheese slightly (1–2 minutes).
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Serve: Remove from grill, top with fresh arugula, slice, and serve immediately.
Nutrients (Estimated per slice – based on 6 slices)
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Calories: ~240 kcal
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Protein: ~8g
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Fat: ~10g
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Saturated Fat: ~4g
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Carbohydrates: ~28g
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Sugars: ~6g
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Fiber: ~2g
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Sodium: ~280mg
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Calcium: ~60mg
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Vitamin C: ~8% DV
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Iron: ~1.5mg
Why Grilled Fruit Belongs on Pizza
Peaches are one of summer’s most iconic fruits, and grilling them enhances their natural sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness that elevates their flavor profile. The sugars in the peach caramelize slightly over the heat, creating a beautiful depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the pizza. The slight char on the edges provides a smoky, almost meaty note, which balances the creaminess of goat cheese and the spice of fresh greens like arugula. Grilling fruit might seem unconventional, but once you try it, it’s easy to see why it has become a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
The Perfect Base: Crispy, Smoky Grilled Dough
What makes this pizza truly special is the grilled crust. Cooking pizza dough directly on a hot grill yields a lightly charred, bubbly, and irresistibly crisp base. The grill gives the crust a smoky depth that an oven simply can’t replicate, while the quick cooking ensures the interior remains tender. Brushing the dough with olive oil before grilling helps achieve those signature golden grill marks and prevents sticking. The crust becomes the perfect canvas—sturdy enough to hold juicy peaches and creamy cheese, yet light and crisp for a fresh summer feel.
Goat Cheese: A Creamy, Tangy Counterpoint
Goat cheese is the creamy, tangy heart of this pizza, offering a rich, spreadable base that melts just enough when warmed on the grill. Its tartness cuts through the sweetness of the peaches, enhancing the savory element of the dish. Goat cheese also provides a luxurious mouthfeel without being heavy, making it ideal for warm-weather dishes. For a milder variation, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be used, but goat cheese remains the standout choice for its bold flavor and creamy contrast.
Fresh Arugula for Peppery Brightness
Once the grilled dough is topped with cheese and peaches, the pizza is finished with a handful of fresh arugula just before serving. This final touch adds a burst of freshness, slight bitterness, and peppery bite that balances the rich and sweet elements. Arugula also adds a lovely visual element—its vibrant green leaves making the dish pop with color. Other greens like baby spinach, microgreens, or even basil can be used, but arugula’s crispness and distinct flavor profile make it the ideal choice for this summer pie.
Balsamic Glaze: Optional But Irresistible
For those who love a little extra punch, a drizzle of balsamic glaze brings the entire dish together. It adds acidity, sweetness, and a touch of umami that enhances both the peaches and the cheese. The glaze acts like a finishing sauce, tying the dish together and giving it that restaurant-quality finish. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you’re looking to elevate the flavors even further.
A Dish Made for Sharing and Entertaining
Grilled Peach Pizza is a natural choice for entertaining. It’s simple to prepare, easy to slice and serve, and always makes an impression with its bold, colorful presentation. The unexpected combination of fruit and cheese on pizza is a conversation starter, while the familiar format keeps it approachable for guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, bringing a dish to a potluck, or enjoying a relaxed meal with family, this pizza delivers on flavor and visual appeal.
Customize It to Your Taste
One of the best things about this pizza is how easily it can be customized. Add thin slices of prosciutto or pancetta for a salty, savory layer. Swap the goat cheese for creamy blue cheese for extra funk and tang. Add crushed pistachios for a bit of crunch, or sliced red onions for extra sharpness. You can even experiment with different fruit—nectarines, plums, or figs are all delicious alternatives to peaches. The key is to keep the balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and fresh intact.
A Great Option for Light Dining
This pizza isn’t just delicious—it’s also a smart choice for a lighter meal. With fewer toppings than a traditional pizza and the inclusion of fresh produce, it feels less heavy while still being satisfying. The peaches offer natural sweetness without added sugar, the arugula adds fiber and antioxidants, and the goat cheese provides protein and calcium in a smaller portion. It’s a well-rounded dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down, making it perfect for hot summer days when lighter fare is most appealing.
Tips for Grilling Success
To ensure grilling success, make sure your dough is well-oiled and your grill is clean and hot. Don’t overload the crust with toppings—grilled pizza is best when it’s kept simple and balanced. Keep the ingredients ready and close at hand, as grilling goes quickly once you start. And be sure to grill the peaches just long enough to get good marks without making them mushy. The goal is soft, caramelized edges and a juicy center that holds up to slicing.
The Nutritional Benefits of Seasonal Ingredients
Peaches are more than just delicious—they’re packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Grilling them locks in their nutrients while enhancing their flavor. Arugula provides calcium, vitamin K, and folate, while goat cheese is a great source of protein and healthy fats in moderation. Using fresh, whole ingredients not only enhances flavor but ensures you’re fueling your body with nourishing, clean foods. This pizza is proof that indulgent dishes can still be fresh and wholesome.
Conclusion
Grilled Peach Pizza is a dazzling display of seasonal ingredients, bold flavor contrasts, and satisfying textures—all built on the simple joy of grilled dough. With sweet peaches, creamy goat cheese, peppery greens, and the smoky kiss of the grill, it transforms a classic comfort food into a light and elegant summer meal. Whether served as a main course or shared as a stylish appetizer, this dish is a celebration of summer’s finest flavors. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s destined to become a staple in your warm-weather cooking rotation. Try it once, and you’ll wonder how you ever grilled without it.