Best Outdoor Pizza Oven Recipes: Master the Art of Pizza Making

Outdoor pizza ovens are a great way to bring the restaurant experience to your backyard. With the right tools and techniques, you can make delicious pizzas that rival those of your favorite pizzeria.

In this article, we will share some of the best outdoor pizza oven recipes that you can try at home.

Before we dive into the recipes, it's important to understand your outdoor pizza oven. Different types of outdoor pizza ovens have different temperature ranges and cooking times, so it's important to know how to use your oven to get the best results.

Additionally, having the right tools, such as a pizza peel and a pizza cutter, can make the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.

3 Key Takeaways

• Understanding your outdoor pizza oven is essential for making great pizzas.
• Essential tools such as a pizza peel and pizza cutter can make cooking with an outdoor pizza oven easier.
• With the right dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, you can make delicious pizzas in your outdoor pizza oven.

Understanding Your Outdoor Pizza Oven

When it comes to making delicious pizzas in your outdoor pizza oven, it's important to understand how your oven works. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Preheating is key: Before you start making pizzas, make sure your oven is preheated to the proper temperature. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your oven. Check the manufacturer's instructions for recommended preheating times and temperatures.
• Temperature control is important: Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for making great pizzas. Some ovens have built-in temperature gauges, while others require you to use an external thermometer. Make sure you know how to monitor and adjust the temperature as needed.
• Choose the right fuel: Whether you're using a wood-fired oven, a gas-powered oven, or an electric oven, it's important to choose the right fuel. Different fuels can affect the flavor and texture of your pizzas, so choose the one that works best for your tastes and cooking style.
• Use the right tools: To make great pizzas, you'll need the right tools. This includes a pizza peel for transferring pizzas in and out of the oven, a pizza stone for even cooking, and a pizza cutter for slicing your pies.
• Experiment and have fun: Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your outdoor pizza oven. Try different toppings, sauces, and cooking techniques to find what works best for you. With a little practice and patience, you'll be making delicious homemade pizzas in no time!

Essential Tools for Outdoor Pizza Oven Cooking

When it comes to outdoor pizza oven cooking, there are a few essential tools that we recommend having on hand to make your pizza-making experience more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some of our top picks:

Pizza Peel

A pizza peel is an essential tool for transferring your pizza in and out of the oven. It's a flat paddle with a long handle that allows you to slide your pizza onto the hot surface of the oven and remove it once it's cooked.

We recommend using a wooden pizza peel, as it's durable, lightweight, and won't scratch the surface of your oven.

Infrared Thermometer

An infrared thermometer is a handy tool for checking the temperature of your oven. It uses a laser to measure the surface temperature of your oven, allowing you to adjust the heat as needed.

This is especially important when cooking pizza, as the temperature of your oven can greatly affect the outcome of your pizza.

Pizza Cutter

A pizza cutter is a must-have tool for slicing your pizza into perfect slices. We recommend using a sharp, stainless steel pizza cutter with a comfortable handle for easy use.

Ash Rake

An ash rake is a useful tool for moving wood around in your outdoor pizza oven for even heating. It's also handy for pushing wood and cinders out of the way and exposing the hot cooking surface once your oven is heated and ready to use.

Pizza Stone

A pizza stone is a great addition to your outdoor pizza oven setup. It helps distribute heat evenly and can help prevent your pizza from sticking to the surface of your oven. We recommend using a high-quality pizza stone made from cordierite or ceramic for the best results.

Pizza Oven Brush

A pizza oven brush is a handy tool for keeping your oven clean and free of debris. It's designed to easily sweep away ash and other debris from the surface of your oven, making it easier to use and maintain.

Overall, having these essential tools on hand will make your outdoor pizza oven cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient. With the right tools, you can create delicious, restaurant-quality pizza right in your own backyard.

Best Dough Recipes for Outdoor Pizza Oven

When it comes to making the perfect pizza in an outdoor pizza oven, the dough is the foundation of the dish.

A great dough recipe can make all the difference in creating a delicious, crispy crust that holds up well to your favorite toppings. Here are our top picks for the best dough recipes for outdoor pizza ovens.

Traditional Neapolitan Dough

If you're looking for a classic homemade pizza dough recipe that will transport you straight to Naples, then this traditional Neapolitan recipe is the way to go.

This dough is made with just four simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. It's important to use high-quality ingredients and to let the dough rise slowly to develop the flavor and texture.

Ingredients	Measurement
00 flour	500 grams
Water	325 milliliters
Sea salt	10 grams
Fresh yeast	3 grams

1. Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Divide the dough into four equal portions and shape into balls.
6. Place the balls on a floured surface and cover with a damp towel.
7. Let the dough rise for at least 6 hours at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
8. Stretch the dough out into a thin round shape and add your favorite toppings.

Whole Wheat Dough

For a healthier twist on traditional pizza dough, try this whole wheat recipe. This dough is packed with fiber and nutrients, and it's a great way to make your pizza a little bit more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients	Measurement
Whole wheat flour	2 cups
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Warm water	1 cup
Honey	1 tablespoon
Active dry yeast	1 packet
Salt	1 teaspoon
Olive oil	2 tablespoons

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a ball.
7. Place the ball on a floured surface and cover with a damp towel.
8. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Stretch the dough out into a thin round shape and add your favorite toppings.

Gluten-Free Dough

If you're following a gluten-free diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious pizza. This gluten-free dough recipe is made with a blend of gluten-free flours and is just as delicious as traditional pizza dough.

Ingredients	Measurement
Gluten-free all-purpose flour	1 1/2 cups
Tapioca flour	1/2 cup
Active dry yeast	1 packet
Salt	1 teaspoon
Sugar	1 teaspoon
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Warm water	3/4 cup

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add the olive oil and warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and shape into a ball.
6. Place the ball on a floured surface and cover with a damp towel.
7. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Stretch the dough out into a thin round shape and add your favorite toppings.

These are our top picks for the best dough recipes for outdoor pizza ovens. Whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan-style pizza or a healthier whole wheat or gluten-free option, these recipes are sure to impress.

Top Sauce Recipes for Outdoor Pizza Oven

When it comes to making a delicious pizza, the sauce is just as important as the crust and toppings. Here are our top sauce recipes for outdoor pizza oven that will take your pizza game to the next level.

Classic Tomato Sauce

The classic tomato sauce is a must-have for any pizza lover. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Here is our go-to recipe for a classic tomato sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

White Garlic Sauce

If you're looking for a creamy and flavorful sauce, white garlic sauce is the way to go. It is perfect for veggie or chicken pizzas. Here is our recipe for a delicious white garlic sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture turns golden brown.
4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously.
5. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce is a game-changer for pizza lovers who want to try something new. It is packed with flavor and goes well with any toppings. Here is our recipe for a delicious pesto sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of pine nuts
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture becomes a paste.
3. Slowly pour in the olive oil while pulsing.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

In conclusion, these are our top sauce recipes for outdoor pizza oven that will elevate your pizza game. Whether you prefer a classic tomato sauce, a creamy white garlic sauce, or a flavorful pesto sauce, these recipes are sure to impress.

Cheese Selection for Outdoor Pizza Oven

When it comes to making delicious pizza in an outdoor pizza oven, the cheese selection is crucial. The right cheese can make all the difference in the taste and texture of your pizza. Here are some tips for selecting the best cheese for your outdoor pizza oven:

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza. It has a soft and creamy texture that melts beautifully in the oven. When selecting mozzarella for your pizza, look for fresh and high-quality options.

Fresh mozzarella comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including balls, logs, and pre-shredded. We recommend using sliced or shredded fresh mozzarella for the best results.

Shredded Cheese Blends

If you want to add some extra flavor to your pizza, consider using a shredded cheese blend. These blends typically include a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and other cheeses.

They can add a delicious depth of flavor to your pizza and are perfect for those who want to experiment with different cheese combinations.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard and salty cheese that can add a lot of flavor to your pizza. It's perfect for sprinkling on top of your pizza before baking. Parmesan cheese can also be used in combination with other cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.

Vegan Cheese

For those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, there are plenty of vegan cheese options available. These cheeses are typically made from nuts or soy and can be a great alternative to traditional cheese.

Look for vegan cheese options that are specifically designed for melting in the oven.

Overall, selecting the right cheese for your outdoor pizza oven is all about finding the right balance of flavor and texture.

Experiment with different cheese combinations to find the perfect one for your taste buds.

Choosing Toppings for Outdoor Pizza Oven

When it comes to choosing toppings for your outdoor pizza oven, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer classic combinations or more unconventional toppings, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly every time.

Vegetable Toppings

Vegetables are a great way to add color, texture, and flavor to your pizza. Here are some of our favorite vegetable toppings:

• Tomatoes: Fresh or roasted, tomatoes are a classic pizza topping that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
• Mushrooms: Whether you prefer button, cremini, or shiitake, mushrooms are a versatile topping that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.
• Bell Peppers: Red, green, yellow, or orange, bell peppers add a pop of color and sweetness to your pizza.
• Onions: Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor to your pizza, while raw onions add a bit of crunch.
• Olives: Black or green, olives add a salty, briny flavor to your pizza that pairs well with other toppings.

Meat Toppings

Meat toppings are a great way to add protein and flavor to your pizza. Here are some of our favorite meat toppings:

• Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping, pepperoni adds a spicy kick to your pizza.
• Sausage: Whether you prefer sweet or spicy, sausage is a flavorful topping that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.
• Ham: Sliced or diced, ham adds a salty, smoky flavor to your pizza.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to your pizza.
• Chicken: Grilled or roasted, chicken is a lean protein that pairs well with a variety of other toppings.

Seafood Toppings

Seafood toppings are a great way to add a unique flavor to your pizza. Here are some of our favorite seafood toppings:

• Shrimp: Grilled or sautéed, shrimp adds a sweet, briny flavor to your pizza.
• Clams: Steamed or roasted, clams add a rich, buttery flavor to your pizza.
• Anchovies: A divisive topping, anchovies add a salty, fishy flavor to your pizza that pairs well with other toppings.
• Tuna: Whether fresh or canned, tuna adds a meaty texture and a rich, savory flavor to your pizza.
• Salmon: Smoked or grilled, salmon adds a rich, smoky flavor to your pizza that pairs well with cream-based sauces.

When it comes to choosing toppings for your outdoor pizza oven, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect pizza for you.

Cooking Techniques for Outdoor Pizza Oven

When it comes to cooking pizza in an outdoor pizza oven, there are a few techniques that we have found to be particularly effective.

Here are some of our favorite techniques to ensure that your pizzas come out perfectly every time:

Preheating Your Oven

One of the most important steps in cooking pizza in an outdoor pizza oven is to preheat the oven properly.

This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for cooking your pizza. Depending on the type of oven you have, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Using the Right Type of Wood

The type of wood you use in your outdoor pizza oven can have a big impact on the flavor of your pizza.

We recommend using high-quality, dry hardwoods like maple, oak, hickory, ash, beech, or fruit woods like cherry or apple. Avoid softwoods like pine and spruce, as they can produce a lot of smoke and don't burn as cleanly.

Stretching Your Dough

Stretching your dough properly is key to making a great pizza. We recommend using a light touch and working the dough gently, being careful not to tear it.

If you're having trouble stretching your dough, try letting it rest for a few minutes before trying again.

Cooking Your Pizza

Once your oven is preheated and your dough is stretched, it's time to cook your pizza. We recommend cooking your pizza for 2-3 minutes, rotating it periodically to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Keep an eye on the crust and remove the pizza from the oven when it's golden brown and crispy.

Experimenting with Toppings

One of the great things about making pizza in an outdoor pizza oven is that you can experiment with a wide variety of toppings.

From classic margherita to more exotic combinations like fig and prosciutto, the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things!

Overall, cooking pizza in an outdoor pizza oven can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these techniques, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas in your own backyard.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Outdoor Pizza Oven

Keeping your outdoor pizza oven clean and well-maintained is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your outdoor pizza oven:

1. Wait for the oven to cool down

Before cleaning your outdoor pizza oven, make sure that it has completely cooled down. We recommend waiting until the next day after cooking to clean it.

2. Collect the ash

Using pizza oven tools like an ash rake, collect the ash and wood remnants into a pile near the mouth of the oven. Then, use a shovel to remove the ash and dispose of it properly.

3. Clean the oven floor

Use a brush or a scraper to remove any remaining food debris or ash from the oven floor. You can also use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the floor clean.

4. Clean the oven dome

The oven dome can be cleaned using a brush or a scraper to remove any food debris or ash. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean them.

5. Cover the oven

When your outdoor pizza oven is not in use, it's a good idea to cover it to protect it from the elements. Moisture from rain can damage your oven no matter what it's made of. We suggest covering your oven up with a weather-resistant cover.

6. Regular maintenance

To keep your outdoor pizza oven in top condition, it's important to perform regular maintenance.

This includes checking for any cracks or damage to the oven, inspecting the chimney and flue for blockages, and ensuring that the oven door and hinges are in good working order.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your outdoor pizza oven clean and well-maintained, ensuring that it will continue to provide you with delicious pizzas for years to come.

Other Types of Outdoor Pizza Oven Recipes

Neapolitan pizza dough recipe for wood-fired oven

Ingredients:

• 500g "00" flour
• 325ml water
• 10g salt
• 5g fresh yeast

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water.
3. Add the water to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 2 hours at room temperature.
6. Divide the dough into four equal pieces and shape them into balls.
7. Place the dough balls on a floured surface and cover them with a damp cloth.
8. Let the dough balls rise for another 2 hours.
9. Stretch the dough balls into pizza bases and add your desired toppings.
10. Cook the pizzas in a wood-fired oven at 450-500°C for 60-90 seconds.

Electric pizza oven recipes

Electric pizza ovens are a convenient and easy way to make pizza at home. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own using a recipe like the one above.

Once you have your dough, you can add your favorite toppings and bake the pizza in the electric oven according to the manufacturer's instructions.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, sauce, and toppings to create unique and delicious pizzas.

Charcoal pizza oven recipes

Charcoal pizza ovens are perfect for outdoor cooking and can produce delicious, smoky pizzas. To make a charcoal pizza, start by lighting the charcoal and letting it burn until it turns white.

Then, spread the hot coals evenly in the oven and place the pizza on the cooking surface. Cook the pizza until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can also experiment with adding wood chips to the charcoal to add a smoky flavor to your pizza.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has provided you with some inspiration for your next outdoor pizza party.

With the right outdoor pizza oven and the right ingredients, you can create delicious and unique pizzas that will impress your guests.

Remember to preheat your oven properly, and to experiment with different toppings to find the perfect combination for your taste.

Whether you prefer classic Margherita or more adventurous combinations like BBQ chicken or roasted artichoke, there's a recipe out there for everyone.

In addition to pizza, your outdoor pizza oven can also be used to cook a variety of other dishes, from pulled pork to roasted vegetables. So don't be afraid to get creative and try new things.

To make the most of your outdoor pizza oven, be sure to invest in some essential accessories like a pizza peel and a pizza stone. These will help you achieve the perfect crust and make it easier to transfer your pizza in and out of the oven.

Overall, cooking with an outdoor pizza oven is a fun and rewarding experience that can bring friends and family together. So why not give it a try and see how it can elevate your next outdoor gathering?

If you are in need of a pizza oven, then check out our article on Best Ooni Pizza Ovens.

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