How to Cook Biscuits on a Gas Grill

Grilling is one of the most versatile cooking methods, allowing you to prepare everything from steaks to desserts. But did you know that you can cook biscuits on a gas grill? This unique method not only gives your biscuits a smoky, outdoor flavor but also offers the convenience of cooking without heating up your kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook delicious, fluffy biscuits on a gas grill.

1. Equipment and Tools Needed

To successfully cook biscuits on a gas grill, gather the following items:

• Gas Grill: A grill with temperature control is essential for consistent results.
• Cooking Surface: Use a cast iron skillet, pizza stone, or aluminum baking sheet to bake the biscuits evenly.
• Grill Thermometer: Ensures accurate temperature monitoring.
• Heat-Resistant Gloves: Protect your hands while handling hot surfaces.
• Tongs or Spatula: For easy handling of the biscuits.
• Aluminum Foil: Useful for creating an additional heat barrier if needed.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing biscuits with butter or toppings.

2. Ingredients

The beauty of this method is that it works with any biscuit dough, whether homemade or store-bought. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Biscuit Dough: Choose your favorite recipe or ready-made dough.
• Grease: Butter, oil, or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• Optional Toppings: Add shredded cheese, garlic, or herbs for extra flavor.
• Flour: For dusting if you’re working with homemade dough.
• Butter or Honey: For serving to enhance flavor.

3. Preparing the Grill

To replicate an oven-like environment, set up your gas grill correctly:

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to 375°F (190°C). Use a grill thermometer to verify the temperature.
2. Set Up for Indirect Cooking: Turn off the burners on one side of the grill. Place your cooking surface on the cooler side.
3. Prepare the Surface: Grease the cast iron skillet, pizza stone, or baking sheet lightly to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
4. Add a Water Pan: Place a small pan of water on the hot side of the grill to create steam. This helps the biscuits stay moist and rise properly.

4. Preparing the Biscuits

If you’re using homemade dough, roll it out and cut it into rounds with a biscuit cutter. For store-bought dough, simply separate and arrange the biscuits. Place them on the greased cooking surface, leaving enough space between each biscuit to allow for rising. For extra flavor, brush the tops with melted butter or sprinkle with herbs.

5. Cooking Process

1. Place Biscuits on the Grill: Arrange the prepared biscuits on the preheated surface inside the grill.
2. Close the Lid: This helps maintain a consistent temperature and allows the biscuits to bake evenly.
3. Monitor the Temperature: Aim to keep the grill temperature steady at around 375°F. Avoid frequent lid opening, as this causes heat loss.
4. Rotate the Surface: Halfway through cooking, rotate the skillet or baking sheet to ensure even browning.
5. Check Moisture Levels: Peek occasionally to ensure the biscuits aren’t drying out. Add more water to the pan if necessary.

6. Checking for Doneness

Cooking time varies depending on the size of the biscuits and grill temperature. Generally, biscuits take 15-20 minutes to cook. Check for doneness by:

• Observing the Color: The tops should be golden brown.
• Using a Toothpick: Insert it into a biscuit; it should come out clean.
• Checking Texture: The biscuits should feel firm and not doughy.

If you prefer extra crispiness, let the biscuits cook for an additional 2-3 minutes with the lid slightly open.

7. Serving and Variations

Once your biscuits are perfectly baked, remove them from the grill and serve immediately. They’re delicious with butter, jam, or honey. For a savory twist, pair them with grilled meats or soups. You can also experiment with different flavors by incorporating cheese, garlic, or herbs into the dough before baking.

For a sweeter variation, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top before baking or drizzle with icing after they’ve cooled slightly.

8. Troubleshooting and Tips

• Maintain Consistent Temperature: Avoid frequent lid opening to keep the heat steady.
• Prevent Burning: If the bottoms of the biscuits cook too quickly, place an extra baking sheet or layer of foil under the cooking surface.
• Adapt for Your Grill: Adjust the burner settings and cooking time depending on your specific grill’s heat distribution.
• Use a Probe Thermometer: To ensure the biscuits’ internal temperature reaches about 200°F, which is ideal for a fluffy texture.

Conclusion

Cooking biscuits on a gas grill is an innovative and fun way to elevate your outdoor cooking game. With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can achieve biscuits that are just as fluffy and delicious as those baked in a traditional oven. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening outside, grilled biscuits are sure to impress. Give this method a try and savor the unique flavor of biscuits cooked on the grill.