Smoky Backyard Homemade Pizza Recipe
Updated: May 18
Who doesn’t love fresh pizza made at home? This homemade smoked pizza recipe adds rich smoky flavor and takes backyard pizza night to a whole new level.
This smoky backyard homemade pizza is packed with bold flavor and is guaranteed to make your neighbors a little jealous while it cooks on the smoker. It uses simple ingredients you can find at any local grocery store, and it’s completely customizable with endless topping ideas.
Our family loves making fun food for big games, and this smoked pizza is requested every time.
This recipe is easy, smoky, and is a hit everyone will love. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes on the smoker.
Smoky Backyard Homemade Pizza Recipe Ingredients
Naan Flatbread - Our go-to base for smoked pizza is naan flatbread. It’s slightly crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, making it perfect for a quick homemade smoked pizza. Naan is also sturdy enough to hold plenty of toppings without falling apart.
Best Homemade Pizza Sauce (Simple & Flavorful)- Use our homemade pizza sauce to complement the flatbread and bring bold tomato flavor to every bite. A good sauce is the key to a great homemade pizza recipe. Best Homemade Pizza Sauce (Simple & Flavorful)
Olive Oil- Olive oil adds flavor and moisture to the flatbread while helping prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Since smoked pizza cooks at a lower temperature than traditional pizza ovens, olive oil works perfectly for keeping the crust tender.
Mozzarella Cheese- Mozzarella melts beautifully on pizza and gives you that classic stretchy cheese pull. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it the perfect cheese for homemade smoked pizza. We recommend using freshly grated mozzarella from a block for the best melt and flavor, but pre-shredded mozzarella works well too for convenience.
Italian Seasoning- Choose your favorite blend and sprinkle it over the pizza for a classic herby flavor that balances the richness of the sauce, cheese, and meats.
Pepperoni (Optional)- A pizza classic. Pepperoni adds great texture, bold flavor, and a slight kick of spice that pairs perfectly with smoky pizza.
Yellow Onions (Optional)- Yellow onions add a deep, savory flavor that becomes slightly sweet as they cook on the pizza.
Garlic (Optional)- Garlic adds incredible aroma and savory flavor to the pizza while also providing natural nutritional benefits.
Fresh Tomatoes (Optional)- Fresh tomatoes bring a bright, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and meats.
Hot Peppers (Optional)- We make our own fermented hot peppers, but any spicy pepper will work. They add a bold kick that pairs well with the smoky flavor of the pizza.
Bell Peppers (Optional)- Bell peppers add a touch of sweetness along with a light crunch that brightens up the pizza.
Crushed Red Pepper (Optional)- A classic pizza topping that adds a quick burst of heat. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your pizza.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional)- Parmesan adds a salty, sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pizza. In our house, we actually use even more Parmesan than mozzarella.
Mushrooms (Optional)- Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and a hearty texture that almost feels “meaty,” making them a great addition to any pizza.
Italian Sausage (Optional)- Choose mild, medium, or hot Italian sausage for extra savory flavor and richness.
Smoky Backyard Homemade Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
4 naan flatbreads
Best Homemade Pizza Sauce (Simple & Flavorful) - Click the link to try ours!
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 block mozzarella cheese (freshly grated) or 2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Step 1: Preheat the Smoker and Oven
Preheat your smoker to 225–275°F and add your favorite wood chips. We recommend a mix of cherry and hickory for the best smoky flavor.
At the same time, preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Oil the Flatbread
Lightly brush each naan flatbread with about 1/4 tablespoon of olive oil to add flavor and help prevent sogginess.
Step 3: Pre-Bake the Flatbread
Place the flatbreads directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet/pizza pan. Bake for 3–5 minutes until slightly crisp.
This step helps create a sturdy base for your smoked pizza.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Evenly spread your homemade pizza sauce over each flatbread.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Top with freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. You can also mix in Parmesan cheese for a sharper, saltier bite.
Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Customize each pizza with your favorite toppings—this is where you can get creative with your homemade smoked pizza recipe.
Step 7: Smoke the Pizzas
Place the pizzas on the smoker (2 at a time if needed). Close the lid and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust reaches your desired crispness.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the pizzas from the smoker and let them cool for 3–4 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your smoky, flavorful pizza!
Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Pizza
Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting
Don’t overload with toppings to keep the crust crisp
Try different wood chips (apple, pecan, hickory) for unique flavors
Pre-baking the naan is key to avoiding a soggy crust
This homemade smoked pizza recipe is the perfect way to bring bold, wood-fired flavor right to your backyard. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a game day gathering, this easy smoked pizza on naan is guaranteed to impress. With its crispy crust, melty cheese, and endless topping options, it’s a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza night that everyone will love.
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