How to Cook Pizza in a Wood Fired Oven | Full 2023 Updated Guide (2024)

How to Cook Pizza in a Wood Fired Oven | Full 2023 Updated Guide (1)

Welcome to our scrumptious world of wood-fired pizza ovens! There's simply nothing that compares to the mouthwatering aroma and tantalizing taste of a freshly baked pizza cooked to perfection in an outdoor pizza oven. For those in pursuit of the ultimate pizza experience, a wood-fired pizza oven is the secret ingredient to crafting the best pizza you've ever tasted.

Unlocking the magic of the perfect pizza begins with understanding the art of achieving a crispy, golden crust, and beautifully charred toppings. It's all about finding that sweet spot in temperature, which typically ranges between a blazing 400 to 450°C. By harnessing the power of this extreme heat, your pizza will be cooked from the bottom up by the oven floor and from the top down by the oven's internal temperature. This dual action ensures that your dough transforms into a crispy masterpiece while your toppings reach peak deliciousness.

How to Cook Pizza in a Wood Fired Oven | Full 2023 Updated Guide (2)

So, whether you're a pizza aficionado or just starting your journey into the realm of wood-fired pizza ovens, we're here to guide you every step of the way. From selecting the perfect outdoor pizza oven to mastering the techniques that lead to delectable, crispy pies, our friendly and informative blog will provide all the tips and tricks you need to make your backyard the go-to spot for the best pizza in town!

Choosing the Right Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Factors to consider when purchasing an outdoor pizza oven

If you're looking to embark on the exciting journey of making delicious pizzas at home, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the perfect outdoor pizza oven. The traditional brick pizza oven has been a popular choice for many enthusiasts, offering a rustic charm and exceptional heat retention. However, modern home pizza ovens have expanded in variety, and it's essential to find the right fit for your needs.

Consider factors such as your budget, available outdoor space, desired cooking capacity, and preferred fuel source. While a high-quality pizza oven may require a larger initial investment, it can significantly enhance your cooking experience and last for years to come.

Popular wood-fired pizza oven models and brands

With a variety of home pizza ovens on the market, it's essential to research the best options available. One standout model is the Cru Wood Fired Pizza Oven, designed for optimal performance and ease of use. This sleek oven reaches the high heat necessary for the perfect pizza, rivaling even the most sought-after brick pizza oven.

Although wood-fired ovens are a popular choice, other fuel sources, such as gas or charcoal, can also produce excellent results. Each of these options offers unique features, allowing you to find the perfect match for your outdoor cooking space and personal preferences.

Setting up your outdoor pizza oven

Once you've chosen the ideal home pizza oven, it's time to set up your new culinary centerpiece. Start by selecting a safe, level location with proper ventilation and clearance from flammable materials. Some larger brick pizza ovens may require a dedicated base or foundation, while smaller, portable models can be set up on a sturdy table or outdoor kitchen counter.

Before diving into pizza making, take the time to learn how to properly heat and maintain your oven's temperature. While wood-fired ovens like the Cru Wood Fired Pizza Oven can reach the high heat needed for a crispy crust, they may take longer to heat up than a conventional oven or cast iron pan. Familiarize yourself with your oven's unique heating process, and you'll be one step closer to pizza perfection!

Making The Best Wood Fired Oven Pizza in 4 Easy Steps

Mastering the art of cooking your own pizza in a wood-fired oven is easier than you might think! The most challenging part of crafting the perfect wood oven baked pizza is simply waiting for your dough to rise and the oven to reach the desired temperature. Personally, I've whipped up countless wood-fired oven pizzas, and my all-time favorite has been using the Cru ovens, thanks to its simplicity and speed.

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Making wood oven baked pizza will be different compared to your usual frozen pizza you toss in the conventional oven.

Once you taste your first homemade wood fired pizza you will realize how you can’t go back to regular pizza.

But before running off to get your pizza ingredients, here are four steps you should follow to make sure your homemade wood fired pizza is done right.

Creating a wood oven baked pizza offers a unique and mouthwatering experience that's a cut above the average frozen pizza you'd pop into a conventional oven.

Once you savor your first homemade wood-fired pizza, you'll find it hard to go back to ordinary pizza.

Before you dash off to gather your pizza ingredients, follow these four steps to ensure your homemade wood-fired pizza turns out just right:

1. Prep the Wood Fired Oven Pizza Unit

Before you start preparing your homemade pizza and learninghow to cook pizza in a wood fired oven, you should fire up the oven first.

The ideal wood fired oven pizza temperature is 700 degrees. Some ovens need an hour or more to reach that high level of heat, which is what makes firing it up ahead of pizza preparation a good idea.

By the time the last pepperoni's in place, your pizza woodfired oven will be ready to go.

Cru Ovens makes a model that can reach the desired heat level within 15 minutes, which is great news for those with hordes of hungry family and friends.

2. Craft and Shape the Pizza Dough

The tastiest wood fired oven pizzas generally have the same solid foundation: well-crafted dough. Hand-tossed is considered among the best. While kneading the dough can be a bit tricky, you can get the hang of it with enough practice. Here are a few pointers:

  • Shape a ball of pizza crust dough into a disk on a floured surface
  • Flatten the disk using your fingers
  • Shape and flatten until the diameter is 12 inches

The more you handle pizza dough, the easier it'll be for you to know when the dough's just right. Ideally, pizza dough should feel strong yet stretchy. Avoid using a roller to roll it out — this may result in the dough becoming too thin in spots.

3. Add the Toppings

Now that the pizza wood-fired oven is fired up and the pizza dough is ready, you can add all the yummy toppings, starting with a rich sauce that's made up of tomatoes, garlic, peppers, olive oil, and spices.

Modern chefs have started putting their own delicious spin on pizza sauces, so don’t be afraid to mix it up creatively and use a garlic-based or cream one instead.

Once you've got the sauce down, you can move on to the other toppings, from the type or types of cheese you'll use to other classic options, like Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausages, tomatoes, pineapple slices, and peppers.

You can also color outside of the culinary lines by piling on smoked seafood, barbecued chicken, shredded pieces of steak, or even bacon and eggs for a breakfast pizza.

Those who don’t consume meat can still get their fill of pizza goodness by creating a vegetarian pizza with roasted vegetables, herbs, tofu, and specialty cheeses.

4. Place in The Pizza Wood fired Oven

So now the pizza's prepped and the pizza woodfired oven likely reached 700 degrees. If it hasn't, wait till it does. Tasty homemade wood fired pizza needs to be baked at this temperature or it may not reach its full potential.

If the temperature has reached 700 degrees, let's start making some wood oven baked pizza. Grab a pizza peel and lightly sprinkle flour or cornmeal on it before placing your pizza on it. Then, use it to slide your pizza into the oven.

Rotate the pizza several times to ensure that it bakes evenly. You'll know it's ready when the surface is a bubbly, golden brown. When that happens, take the pizza out of the wood fired oven and let it sit for about five minutes so it cools a bit — otherwise, it'll be too hot to handle let alone taste.

Boom, you're done and finally knowhow to cook pizza in a wood fired oven for all your future parties.

Choosing the Right Wood Fired Pizza Oven Temperature

Just like learninghow to cook pizza in a wood fired oven. Knowing the perfect wood fired pizza oven temperature is just as important.

Depending on the wood fired pizza oven recipes you use the temperature will be adjusted.

You can use wood fired pizza ovens to bake or cook anything you want much like a conventional oven, andyou can use the same temperatures that you’d use in a regular one — except really good pizza, that's still 700 degrees.

You can use a Cru wood-fired oven to bake bread, cakes, and pies. Yeasted bread and pie crusts actually benefit from a sudden blast of even heat at the start of the baking process to establish a crisp crust. If you're looking to roast chicken, keep the wood-fired oven's heat at 350 degrees to prevent it from drying out. When roasting red meat or pork, brown the meat first at a temperature of around 400 degrees in an oven-safe pan then turn the heat down to 375 degrees for the remaining cooking time.

Final Thoughts on Wood Oven Baked Pizza

Wood-fired ovens are a fantastic addition to both home and commercial kitchens, unlocking a world of culinary possibilities. Many talented chefs and home cooks alike find themselves developing their own wood-fired pizza oven recipes, as well as experimenting with delectable desserts, artisan breads, and a variety of inventive dishes.

Curious about exploring the diverse world of wood-fired oven pizzas and the countless culinary delights you can create or bake in one? At Cru Ovens, we've got you covered. Visit our website and don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to provide you with all the wood-fired pizza oven recipes, techniques, and equipment you need to succeed. From mastering the art of cooking pizza in a wood-fired oven to discovering the essentials for a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, we're your one-stop-shop for all things wood-fired!

As an expert in wood-fired pizza ovens, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. Here are the key points:

Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens

Wood-fired pizza ovens are known for creating a unique and delicious pizza experience. The extreme heat generated by these ovens, typically ranging between 400 to 450°C, is the secret to achieving a crispy, golden crust and perfectly charred toppings. The intense heat cooks the pizza from both the bottom and the top, resulting in a crispy dough and flavorful toppings.

Choosing the Right Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

When selecting an outdoor pizza oven, there are several factors to consider. These include your budget, available outdoor space, desired cooking capacity, and preferred fuel source. Traditional brick pizza ovens offer exceptional heat retention and a rustic charm, while modern home pizza ovens come in a variety of options, including wood-fired, gas, and charcoal. It's important to choose an oven that fits your needs and enhances your cooking experience.

Popular Wood-Fired Pizza Oven Models and Brands

There are various models and brands of wood-fired pizza ovens available on the market. One standout model is the Cru Wood Fired Pizza Oven, known for its optimal performance and ease of use. This sleek oven can reach high temperatures and rival even the most sought-after brick pizza ovens. While wood-fired ovens are popular, other fuel sources like gas or charcoal can also produce excellent results. It's important to research and choose an oven that suits your outdoor cooking space and personal preferences.

Setting Up Your Outdoor Pizza Oven

Once you have chosen the ideal pizza oven, it's important to set it up properly. Select a safe and level location with proper ventilation and clearance from flammable materials. Larger brick pizza ovens may require a dedicated base or foundation, while smaller portable models can be set up on a sturdy table or outdoor kitchen counter. It's also crucial to learn how to properly heat and maintain your oven's temperature, as wood-fired ovens may take longer to heat up compared to conventional ovens or pans.

Making the Best Wood-Fired Oven Pizza in 4 Easy Steps

Making pizza in a wood-fired oven is easier than you might think. Here are four steps to follow for a delicious wood-fired pizza:

  1. Prep the Wood-Fired Oven: Fire up the oven and let it reach the desired temperature, which is typically around 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Some ovens may take longer to reach this temperature, so it's important to plan accordingly.
  2. Craft and Shape the Pizza Dough: Create a well-crafted dough by shaping it into a disk and flattening it to a diameter of around 12 inches. Avoid using a roller to roll out the dough.
  3. Add the Toppings: Start by adding a rich sauce made of tomatoes, garlic, peppers, olive oil, and spices. Then, add your desired toppings, such as cheese, meats, vegetables, or even unique combinations for a creative twist.
  4. Place in the Wood-Fired Oven: Use a pizza peel to transfer the pizza into the preheated oven. Rotate the pizza a few times to ensure even baking. The pizza is ready when the surface is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving .

Choosing the Right Wood-Fired Pizza Oven Temperature

The temperature of a wood-fired pizza oven is crucial for achieving the best results. While the ideal temperature for baking pizza is around 700 degrees Fahrenheit, different recipes and dishes may require adjustments. For example, bread and pies can be baked at similar temperatures, while roasting chicken or red meat may require lower temperatures. It's important to familiarize yourself with your oven's temperature range and adjust accordingly for different recipes.

In conclusion, wood-fired pizza ovens offer a unique and mouthwatering pizza experience. By understanding the art of achieving a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings, you can create delicious pizzas at home. Remember to consider factors like budget, space, and fuel source when choosing an outdoor pizza oven, and follow the proper steps for setting up and using your oven to achieve the best results. Happy pizza making!

How to Cook Pizza in a Wood Fired Oven | Full 2023 Updated Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the best temperature for a wood fired pizza oven? ›

Your wood fired pizza oven temperature will have a wider, hotter range than a conventional oven. For pizza, the oven temperature should be at least 700 degrees, but ideally 850 degrees and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. For other rustic breads, like focaccia and baguettes, aim for 550 degrees to 650 degrees.

Do you use a tray in a wood fired pizza oven? ›

The pizza stone/brick reaches very high temperatures therefore if you cook directly on the stone, you may find that the base of the pizza cooks well before the toppings. Cooking on a metal pizza tray until the last minute will ensure your toppings are cooked right through before the base.

How long to preheat a wood fired pizza oven? ›

It usually takes up to 1 hour to fully heat up a wood fired pizza oven. However, this does depend on the size and design of your pizza oven, the wood used and the weather outside. Smaller ovens can be heated up in 40 minutes, larger ovens could take as long as 2 hours or even more to heat up to the right temperature.

What is the best fuel for a wood fired pizza oven? ›

Kiln dried logs could be the right pizza oven fuel for you

The less moisture, the better the burn. So while seasoned hardwood logs are great, you can find an even drier customer to add into the pizza oven fuel mix. Step forward kiln dried logs.

What is the best temperature to bake pizza? ›

Generally, the hotter the oven, the better the pizza will be. The best oven temperature for pizza is between 450 and 500 degrees F (250 to 260 degrees C). Pizza ovens cook at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees F. You can't get that hot in your home oven, but the higher you can go, the better.

Why is my wood fired pizza soggy? ›

The steam from the base can't escape, so it condenses on your crispy surface and turns it wet and soggy. Use a pizza stone or a pan with holes to get a crispy pizza crust. A pizza stone will keep your pizza hot and its porousness will absorb some condensation.

Why is the bottom of my wood fired pizza burning? ›

Traditional Neapolitan pizza has charring on both the edges and bottom. The pizza is baked in a wood-burning oven at 900 degrees and cooks within minutes. Charring is a result of the high heat from baking the dough directly on the oven and the heat coming down from the oven ceiling.

How do you make a super crispy pizza? ›

Palm down, slide your hands under dough and lifting carefully place on to a hot pizza stone. Bake at 500°F for 4 minutes. Remove from oven and top with your favorite toppings (don't go too crazy with the toppings, a little goes a long way). Return to oven for 6-8 minutes.

How do you keep the bottom of pizza crispy? ›

A baking steel helps the underside of your pizza brown and crisp to perfection. The recommended option is a baking steel, which most home pizza bakers prefer. A baking steel has significant thermal mass, plus it excels in an extra category: thermal conductivity.

Is wood fired pizza dough different? ›

Wood-Fired Pizza Dough Recipe FAQs

While you can technically use the same recipes for both, ones that do the best in a pizza oven often don't use oil inside and they also use a little less flour and yeast.

How long do you cook pizza in a wood oven? ›

Once your pizza oven has reached 700°F+ degrees, carefully place the pizza in the oven using a pizza peel. You will need to rotate the pizza every 20 seconds to turn the part of the pizza closest to the fire away from it. Continue doing this for an even bake. Your pizza should be done in about one to two minutes.

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