Grilled Shrimp Pizza Recipe

This Grilled Shrimp Pizza Recipe combines juicy grilled tiger shrimp, smoky roasted red pepper pesto, crispy pancetta, creamy goat cheese, mozzarella, and fresh herbs on a perfectly crisp barbecue pizza crust. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this gourmet pizza recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive homemade meal that’s perfect for pizza night, backyard barbecues, and casual entertaining.

The Inspiration

Pizza has always been one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, but cooking it on the barbecue introduces an entirely new level of flavour. High heat and a pizza stone create a beautifully crisp crust that rivals traditional wood-fired ovens, while the smoky environment enhances every topping.

Inspired by the creative outdoor cooking featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo reimagine classic pizza by pairing grilled seafood with bold Mediterranean ingredients. Instead of a traditional tomato sauce, this recipe features a vibrant roasted red pepper pesto made with garlic, basil, Parmigiano Reggiano, toasted macadamia nuts, and olive oil. The pesto delivers a rich, slightly smoky flavour that perfectly complements the sweetness of grilled shrimp.

The combination of creamy mozzarella, tangy goat cheese, crispy pancetta, briny black olives, and sweet red onions creates a balanced pizza packed with contrasting textures and flavours. Every ingredient contributes something unique, making each slice satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

For the pizza

1 lb store-bought pizza dough
12 jumbo tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined (size 16-20)
1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup mozzarella, grated
½ cup of goat cheese, crumbled
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup black olives, pitted and halved
1/3 cup pancetta, cut into 1/3-inch cubes and cooked until crispy
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
All-purpose flour, for dusting

For the pesto

1 jar of roasted red bell peppers, strained and patted dry
2 garlic cloves, smashed
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated fine
¼ cup toasted macadamia nuts, chopped
¼ cup basil leaves, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Methods

Pre-heat grill on medium high (425F).
Place a pizza stone on one side of the BBQ.
Start letting the store-bought pizza dough rise at room temperature.
Place roasted red bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar, parm, macadamia nuts, basil, salt and pepper in a food processor.
Blitz until smooth but slightly coarse texture.
Toss shrimp with olive oil and garlic.
Season with salt and pepper.
Place shrimp on hot grill and cook 2 minutes per side.
Remove shrimp from grill and start building the pizza.
Punch down dough gently with your fist.
Dust your workstation with flour.
Roll out dough using your hands or a rolling pin until you reach 14 inches in diameter.
Spread pesto over the base of the pizza, leaving the last inch clean of any sauce.
Sprinkle cooked pancetta over the pesto and top with both cheeses.
Nestle in the shrimp and add olives and onions all around.
Using a floured pizza paddle or the bottom of a baking sheet, slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone.
Close the lid of the BBQ and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Once the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, remove the pizza from the grill and let cool for 4-5 minutes.
Cut into 8 equal slices, top with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Shrimp Pizza Recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, pizza nights, family dinners, and outdoor entertaining. Pair it with a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or a fresh tomato salad for a complete meal. Its Mediterranean-inspired flavours also complement antipasto platters, roasted vegetables, or light pasta dishes.

For casual entertaining, slice the pizza into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer alongside other grilled favourites. The smoky crust, creamy cheeses, and grilled shrimp make this pizza an impressive centrepiece that’s equally suited for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Grilled Shrimp Pizza Recipe is a perfect example of how barbecue cooking can elevate classic comfort food. Inspired by Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this recipe combines fresh seafood, bold Mediterranean flavours, creamy cheeses, and a crispy grilled crust to create a pizza that’s both elegant and approachable.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!