If you love pizza, and you have an outdoor oven, then you’re in for a real treat. Cooking pizza in an outdoor oven is a unique and delicious experience that everyone should try at least once. But before you can start cooking up some pizzas, you need to know a few things about how to do it properly. Read on to learn everything you need to know about cooking pizza in your outdoor oven so you can get started right away.
Get the Right Oven
There are two main types of outdoor pizza ovens: wood-fired and gas-fired. Wood-fired ovens are the traditional type of oven and they’re usually made out of brick. They work by burning wood to create heat, which is then transferred to the cooking chamber where the pizza is cooked. These ovens can reach very high temperatures, which is ideal for cooking pizzas. Even though ovens like these require a bit more maintenance, If you’re serious about making pizzas, then a wood-fired oven is the way to go.
On the other hand, gas-fired use either natural gas or propane to generate heat. These are much easier to control than wood-fired ones since you can simply adjust the gas flow to change the temperature. They’re also much easier to clean since there’s no ash or soot to deal with.
Preheat the Oven
One of the most important things to keep in mind when cooking pizza in your outdoor oven is to make sure that the oven is properly preheated. This means heating it to at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and preferably even higher if possible. If you don’t preheat the oven sufficiently, then your pizza will not cook evenly and may even come out undercooked. This is especially important when cooking pizza in an outdoor oven since it can take longer to heat up than indoor ovens. For the best results, preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes before you start cooking.
Use the Right Type of Pizza Stone
Another important tip for cooking pizza in your outdoor oven is to use the right type of pizza stone or baking surface. A pizza stone is ideal because it helps to absorb some of the heat from the oven so that the bottom of the pizza doesn’t get burned. It also helps to create a crispier crust. You can either use a traditional pizza stone made out of ceramic or stone, or you can use a steel baking sheet. If you’re using a steel baking sheet, be sure to preheat it in the oven before you start cooking so that it’s nice and hot when the pizza goes on.
Keep the Oven Door Closed
Another important tip to keep in mind when cooking pizza in your outdoor oven is to make sure that you keep the door closed as much as possible. This helps to keep the heat in and prevents the pizza from getting overcooked on one side. It’s also important to rotate the pizza a few times during cooking so that it cooks evenly all around. Just be sure to use a pizza peel or other long-handled tool to do this and try to do it as fast as possible so that the heat doesn’t escape from the oven. It may be a bit of a balancing act, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Even though cooking pizza in an outdoor oven is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish, be sure to follow these tips so that you can get the best results. With a little practice, you’ll be cooking pizzas like a pro in no time. So next time you’re hosting a party or get-together, fire up the oven and give it a try. Your guests will love it.
