How to Cook Pizza in a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven | Full 2023 Updated Guide

To buy a wood-fired pizza oven is to buy a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The intense heat generated by burning wood creates the perfect environment for baking pizza, resulting in a crispy crust, smoky flavours, and perfectly melted cheese.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking pizza in a wood-fired pizza oven. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a passionate pizza enthusiast, this guide will provide you with insights and techniques to create delicious homemade pizzas that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Where to start when cooking with a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?

The first step in cooking with a wood-fired oven is to buy a wood-fired pizza oven online and just as important is selecting the right wood.

Hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry are ideal choices as they burn hotter and longer, providing the intense heat required for a perfect pizza.

Which woods work best and which do not?

Avoid softwoods like pine, as they can impart an unpleasant taste to the pizza. It's best to use seasoned wood such as fruitwoods, hardwoods, olivewood, and mesquite that has been dried for at least six months to ensure a clean burn and avoid excessive smoke.

How is the wood-fired pizza oven prepared?

Before you start cooking, it's essential to prepare your oven properly. Remove any ash or debris from the oven floor using a long-handled brush or shovel. Place your wood in a neat stack on one side of the oven, leaving enough space for airflow.

Start the fire by lighting a small amount of kindling and then gradually adding larger pieces of wood. Allow the fire to burn for about an hour, until the oven reaches the desired temperature, usually around 700-800 degrees Fahrenheit (370-430 degrees Celsius).

How are the dough and toppings prepared?

While your wood-fired pizza oven is heating up, it's time to prepare the dough and toppings. You can make pizza dough from scratch using flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise for a few hours. Divide the dough into individual portions.

Next, prepare your favourite toppings. Traditional options like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil, and pepperoni are always a good idea, but feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

What is the best way to cook pizza in a wood-fired pizza oven?

Preheat the oven to the desired temperature and dust a wooden pizza peel or baking sheet with flour or cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the dough on the peel and stretch it into the desired shape.

Quickly add your sauce, cheese, and toppings, being mindful not to overload the pizza as it may become soggy. Once the pizza is ready, use the peel to slide it onto the hot oven floor. Be cautious and work swiftly to minimise heat loss from the oven.

What is the recommended cooking time for a wood-fired pizza oven?

Cooking time may vary depending on your oven's temperature and the thickness of the pizza. In a well-heated wood-fired oven, pizzas generally cook within 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on the pizza, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

When the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly charred, carefully remove the pizza from the oven using the peel. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

What are the tips and tricks to a tasty, perfectly cooked wood-fired pizza?

• The most essential requirement for cooking authentic wood-fired pizza is a proper oven, specifically a wood-fired pizza oven. A conventional electric oven simply cannot replicate the distinct flavours that can only be achieved by using real wood as the fuel source.

• Experiment with different types of wood to add unique flavours to your pizza. For example, fruitwoods like apple or cherry can impart a sweet, subtle flavour, while hardwoods like oak or hickory offer a more robust smokiness.

• Rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and a balanced blend of crispness and tenderness. This ensures that each bite of the pizza is cooked to perfection with a balanced blend of crispness.

• Use a pizza stone or pizza steel to create a crispier crust. Place the stone or steel on the oven floor before preheating, allowing it to absorb heat. When you slide the pizza onto the hot stone or steel, it helps to transfer heat directly to the dough, resulting in a beautifully crisp crust.

• Prevent your pizza from sticking by preheating your pizza peel before transferring the pizza to the oven. By placing the peel in the oven for a few minutes before use, it ensures that the dough won't stick to the surface, making it easier to slide the pizza into the oven with confidence.

• Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Adjust the thickness of the dough, the amount of toppings, and cooking time to find your ideal combination. Enjoy the learning process and master the art of wood-fired pizza making.

 Or, if you're interested learn more about what foods can go in a pizza oven other than pizza.

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Cooking pizza in a wood-fired pizza oven is an art form that requires practice and a love for good food. Through experience, you can create mouthwatering pizzas with crispy crusts, melty cheese, and smoky aromas.

Restaurant-quality pizzas can be made easily in your backyard with the right wood-fired pizza oven and a few tips and tricks. Buy wood fired pizza oven online and impress your friends and family with your wood-fired pizza prowess while sharing delicious homemade pizzas together.

To buy a pizza oven online, visit Appliances Delivered and get more cooking guides as well. Most wood-fired ovens will double up as a bbq and pizza oven combo, you can also contact us at e-mail: customercare@appliancesdelivered.ie or phone: 01 8453562 to have your oven delivered right to your door today!