These Grilled Smokie Pizza Sandwiches are the ultimate fusion of a crispy, cheesy pizza and a smoky, juicy sandwich! Featuring grilled bacon & cheddar smokies, gooey mozzarella, tangy pickled jalapeños and onions, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of hot honey, this recipe is perfect for summer BBQs, game days, or a fun family meal. With a golden, grilled pizza dough wrapping all these delicious flavors together, this sandwich is sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:
▢ 6 bacon & cheddar smokies (such as Grimm’s)
▢ 700g pizza dough, divided into 6 equal balls
▢ Olive oil, for brushing
▢ 200g mozzarella, shredded
▢ 300mL passata (strained tomatoes)
▢ 2 cups arugula, loosely packed
▢ 2 medium tomatoes, diced (wet core removed, sprinkled with salt & dried oregano)
▢ Mustard, to taste (optional)
▢ Hot honey, for drizzling (optional)

For the Quick-Pickled Jalapeños & Red Onions:
▢ 2 medium jalapeños, thinly sliced
▢ ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
▢ 1 cup water
▢ ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
▢ 1 tablespoon white sugar
▢ 2 teaspoons salt

Directions

Step 1: Make the Quick-Pickled Jalapeños & Onions
Place the jalapeños and red onions in separate mason jars.

In a small saucepan, combine water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Turn off the heat, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then pour the mixture over the vegetables. Seal the jars and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat half of your charcoal or gas grill to high heat (500°F) with the lid closed.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a floured surface, stretch each pizza dough ball into a 6-inch circle.

Brush the inside of the dough lightly with olive oil.

Step 4: Stuff & Grill the Dough & Smokies
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over half of each dough circle.

Fold the dough over the cheese, pressing the edges to seal. Lightly brush the top with olive oil.

Place the stuffed dough, oil-side down, on the indirect heat side of the preheated grill. Brush the second side with oil and close the lid.

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the dough puffs up and turns golden brown.

Reduce the grill to medium-high heat and place the smokies on direct heat. Grill for 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes. If they cook too quickly, move to indirect heat.

Move the pizza dough pockets to direct heat and cook for 1 minute per side to crisp up.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Carefully open each grilled dough pocket.

Spread passata (tomato sauce) over the melted cheese.

Add a layer of pickled jalapeños and red onions for a tangy, spicy kick.

Top with fresh arugula and seasoned diced tomatoes.

Place a grilled smokie in the center.

Step 6: Finish & Serve
Drizzle with mustard and hot honey (if using).

Fold the sandwich back together, press gently, and slice in half if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 530 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Protein: 24 g
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg
Sodium: 980 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Smokie Pizza Sandwich Recipe

This unique sandwich is the best of both worlds—combining the satisfying crisp of pizza dough with the rich, smoky goodness of a sausage sandwich. Here’s why you need to make it:

The Perfect BBQ Meal: This sandwich grills beautifully, getting that charred, crispy crust while keeping the inside warm and gooey.
Loaded with Flavor: The combination of grilled smokies, gooey mozzarella, zesty tomato sauce, and tangy pickled jalapeños & onions makes every bite irresistible.
Crispy Yet Soft: The grilled pizza dough develops a golden, crisp exterior while staying soft and chewy inside.
Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily adjust the heat level, swap cheeses, or add extra toppings to make it your own.
A Fun Twist on a Classic Hot Dog or Pizza Pocket: This sandwich takes all the familiar comfort foods you love and combines them into one epic handheld meal.

The Inspiration Behind Grilled Smokie Pizza Sandwiches

This recipe is inspired by several classic comfort foods:

Pizza Pockets & Calzones: The stuffed pizza dough gives it that cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite.
Gourmet Grilled Sausages: Bacon & cheddar smokies add that savory, smoky richness that elevates the sandwich.
Street-Style Hot Dogs & Sandwiches: The toppings—spicy jalapeños, zesty onions, fresh tomatoes, and arugula—create layers of flavor just like a loaded hot dog.

By grilling everything together, the charred smokiness takes this dish to the next level, making it a must-have for summer cookouts.

Key Ingredients That Make This Recipe Stand Out

Each component in this sandwich plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors:

Bacon & Cheddar Smokies: These flavorful sausages add a savory, smoky kick and a melty cheese filling that makes them extra indulgent.
Pizza Dough: Instead of using a regular bun or bread, this sandwich is wrapped in grilled pizza dough, which crisps up beautifully while staying soft and chewy inside.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly, creating a stretchy, gooey cheese layer inside the pizza dough.
Passata (Strained Tomatoes): A simple yet fresh tomato sauce base that keeps things light and flavorful.
Quick-Pickled Jalapeños & Red Onions: These add tangy acidity and heat, balancing out the richness of the smokies and cheese.
Arugula: A peppery, fresh contrast to the bold, smoky flavors.
Diced Tomatoes (Seasoned with Oregano & Salt): Add a fresh, juicy bite that enhances the tomato sauce.
Hot Honey & Mustard (Optional): A sweet-spicy drizzle that ties everything together with a kick of heat.

Health Benefits of Grilled Smokie Pizza Sandwiches

While this sandwich is comfort food at its best, it also includes some nutrient-dense ingredients:

Good Source of Protein: With 24g of protein per serving, this sandwich helps keep you full and satisfied.
Healthy Fats & Fiber: The combination of arugula, tomatoes, and pickled veggies adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Lower in Sugar Than Traditional Sandwiches: Using pizza dough instead of a bun reduces added sugars found in processed sandwich breads.

For a lighter version, you can:

Use chicken or turkey sausages instead of pork smokies.
Swap mozzarella for part-skim cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
Use whole-wheat pizza dough for extra fiber.

Best Ways to Serve Grilled Smokie Pizza Sandwiches

This grilled sandwich is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks:

With Crispy Fries or Wedges: Serve with garlic Parmesan fries or sweet potato fries for a classic pairing.
With a Light Salad: A simple cucumber, tomato, and feta salad balances the richness of the sandwich.
With a Side of Pickles or Slaw: Tangy pickles or a crunchy slaw add a refreshing contrast.
With a Cold Beer or Lemonade: A hoppy IPA, lager, or citrusy lemonade complements the smoky and spicy flavors.

Creative Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your sandwich:

Spicy Buffalo Twist: Drizzle with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a hot wing-inspired version.
BBQ Lover’s Edition: Swap the tomato sauce for BBQ sauce and add crispy onions.
Hawaiian Style: Add grilled pineapple slices for a sweet-savory contrast.
Tex-Mex Inspired: Use pepper jack cheese, guacamole, and chipotle mayo for a smoky, spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Swap smokies for grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based sausages.

Tips for Making the Best Grilled Smokie Pizza Sandwiches

To get the perfect balance of crispy, gooey, and smoky, follow these pro tips:

Preheat the Grill Properly: Make sure your grill reaches 500°F for the perfect char.
Don’t Overload the Dough: Too many toppings can make the sandwich hard to seal and grill evenly.
Use High-Quality Pizza Dough: If making from scratch, let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Pickle the Jalapeños & Onions in Advance: This enhances the flavor and makes assembling the sandwich easier.
Brush the Dough with Olive Oil: This ensures a crisp, golden crust and prevents sticking.

Best Drinks to Pair with This Smoky, Cheesy Sandwich

This bold, flavorful sandwich pairs well with refreshing drinks that balance its richness:

Lager or IPA: A crisp, slightly bitter beer complements the smokiness of the sandwich.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A great non-alcoholic option that refreshes the palate.
Spicy Margarita or Whiskey Sour: The sweet, citrusy notes contrast beautifully with the cheesy, smoky flavors.
Iced Tea with Mint: A light, herbal drink that cools the palate.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to store and reheat leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store assembled but ungrilled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat on the grill or in a 375°F oven until crispy and heated through.

Conclusion

Grilled Smokie Pizza Sandwiches are the ultimate BBQ-inspired fusion food, combining crispy grilled pizza, smoky sausages, gooey cheese, and tangy toppings in one unforgettable sandwich.

Whether you’re making them for a casual backyard dinner, a summer cookout, or a game day feast, these sandwiches deliver restaurant-quality flavor in a fun and easy-to-eat format. Try them today and take your grilled sandwich game to the next level!

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