How to make Pizza in a Wood Fired Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking pizza in a wood fired oven is an ancient art that promises an amazing flavor unlike any other. If you’re looking to find out how to make pizza in a wood fired oven and want to try your hand at this traditional cooking method, then this guide is here to help. From choosing the right ingredients to getting the perfect crust, we will walk you through every step of the process to create a delicious pizza in your own wood fired oven.

Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens

The enchantment of making a pizza in a wood-fired oven is something special. The mixture of smoke, intense heat and flame produces a crunchy crust, correctly cooked toppings, and a delightful aroma that permeates the atmosphere. If you’ve ever gone to an authentic Italian pizzeria, you know how delightful a wood-fired pizza is. But did you also know that you can make your own wood-fired pizza at home? With a few tips and a bit of practice, you can become an expert in making pizza in a wood-fired oven.

How To Make Pizza In a Wood Fired Oven

Cooking pizza in a wood fired oven is about getting the right temperature and timing. The best oven temperature to cook pizza in the wood fired oven is around 700-800 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat allows the pizza to cook quickly and evenly, creating a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.

To cook pizza in a wood-fired oven, you’ll need to start by building a fire in the oven. Use hardwood like oak, maple, or hickory to create a hot, even fire. Once the fire has burned down to coals, use a brush or scraper to clean the oven floor, removing any ash or debris.

Next, slide the pizza onto a pizza peel and carefully place it on the oven floor. Use a long-handled pizza peel to turn the pizza every 30 seconds or so, ensuring that it cooks evenly on all sides. The pizza should be ready in about 2-3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust and the toppings you’ve chosen.

Want to know calories then explore Calories in a wood fired pizza.

Best Temperature to Cook Pizza in a Wood Fired Oven

As mentioned earlier, the best temperature to cook pizza in a wood-fired oven is around 700-800 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat allows the pizza to cook quickly and evenly, creating a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. However, it’s important to note that every oven is different, and it may take some trial and error to find the perfect temperature for your particular oven. Start with a lower temperature and work your way up until you find the right temperature for your oven.

How Long to Cook Pizza in a Wood-Fired Oven

The amount of time it takes to cook pizza in a wood-fired oven depends on the thickness of the crust and the toppings you’ve chosen. In general, a thin-crust pizza with minimal toppings will cook faster than a thick-crust pizza with lots of toppings. A typical pizza will take about 2-3 minutes to cook in a wood-fired oven.

How Long to Cook Pizza in a Wood-Fired Oven

The amount of time it takes to cook pizza in a wood-fired oven depends on the thickness of the crust and the toppings you’ve chosen. In general, a thin-crust pizza with minimal toppings will cook faster than a thick-crust pizza with lots of toppings. A typical pizza will take about 2-3 minutes to cook in a wood-fired oven.

How to Make Pizza Dough for a Wood-Fired Oven

The key to making great pizza in a wood-fired oven is to use the right dough. Pizza dough for a wood-fired oven should be made with high-protein flour, which creates a crispy, chewy crust that can stand up to the high heat of the oven. Here’s a simple recipe for perfect pizza dough:

Ingredients

• 4 cups high-protein flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl and stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
6. Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or stretch the dough by hand.
7. Once the dough is rolled out, add your desired toppings and slide the pizza onto a pizza peel

How to Make Pizza in a Wood Fired Oven at Home

Making pizza in a wood-fired oven at home is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Invest in a good-quality wood-fired oven. You can find wood-fired ovens online or at specialty kitchen stores. Choose an oven that is the right size for your needs and that fits within your budget.
• Use high-quality ingredients. The best pizza starts with the best ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality cheese, vegetables, meats, and herbs for the best results.
• Practice makes perfect. It may take a few tries to get the hang of cooking pizza in a wood-fired oven. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Keep practicing and experimenting with different doughs, toppings, and cooking techniques until you find the perfect combination.

Wrapping Up