If you’re lucky enough to have a pizza oven in your backyard, you might be wondering what other culinary delights you can create beyond just pizza. Luckily, a pizza oven is a versatile cooking tool that can be used for a variety of dishes.
From roasted vegetables to homemade bread, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking in a pizza oven. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best dishes to cook in a pizza oven, so you can take your outdoor cooking game to the next level. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your delicious and unique creations!
What to Cook in a Pizza Oven?
Pizza ovens are not just for making pizzas. They are versatile cooking machines that can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes. From bread to roasted vegetables, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with a pizza oven. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Pizza
The most obvious thing to cook in a pizza oven is, of course, pizza. A pizza oven is designed to cook pizzas quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. You can make traditional pizzas with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese or experiment with different toppings like prosciutto, arugula, and goat cheese. The possibilities are endless.
When making pizza in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
2. Bread
Another great thing to cook in a pizza oven is bread. A pizza oven is perfect for baking bread because it creates a steamy environment that helps the bread rise and develop a crispy crust. You can make all kinds of bread in a pizza oven, from sourdough to baguettes.
To get the best results, it’s important to preheat the pizza oven to around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the bread. You can also use a pizza stone or a cast-iron skillet to bake the bread.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables in a pizza oven is a great way to bring out their natural flavors and create a crispy texture. You can roast all kinds of vegetables in a pizza oven, from potatoes to Brussels sprouts.
To roast vegetables in a pizza oven, simply toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings and place them in a cast-iron skillet. Roast them in the pizza oven at around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit until they are tender and crispy.
4. Meat
A pizza oven is also great for cooking meat. You can grill steaks, roast chicken, or even smoke brisket in a pizza oven. The high temperature of the pizza oven creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist and tender.
To cook meat in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a cast-iron skillet or a roasting pan to cook the meat.
5. Desserts
Yes, you can even make desserts in a pizza oven. From fruit crisps to chocolate chip cookies, there are endless possibilities when it comes to dessert in a pizza oven.
To make desserts in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet to bake the desserts.
6. Casseroles
Casseroles are another great thing to cook in a pizza oven. You can make lasagna, mac and cheese, or even shepherd’s pie in a pizza oven. The high temperature of the pizza oven creates a crispy top while keeping the casserole moist and flavorful.
To cook casseroles in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish to cook the casserole.
7. Vegetarian Dishes
Vegetarian dishes are perfect for cooking in a pizza oven. From roasted eggplant to stuffed peppers, there are endless possibilities when it comes to vegetarian dishes in a pizza oven.
To cook vegetarian dishes in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish to cook the vegetarian dish.
8. Seafood
Seafood is another great thing to cook in a pizza oven. You can grill shrimp, roast salmon, or even bake clams in a pizza oven. The high temperature of the pizza oven creates a crispy exterior while keeping the seafood moist and flavorful.
To cook seafood in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a roasting pan to cook the seafood.
9. Appetizers
Appetizers are perfect for cooking in a pizza oven. From stuffed mushrooms to bacon-wrapped dates, there are endless possibilities when it comes to appetizers in a pizza oven.
To cook appetizers in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet to cook the appetizers.
10. Potatoes
Potatoes are another great thing to cook in a pizza oven. You can roast potatoes, make potato wedges, or even bake potatoes in a pizza oven. The high temperature of the pizza oven creates a crispy exterior while keeping the potatoes moist and fluffy on the inside.
To cook potatoes in a pizza oven, it’s important to keep the temperature around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish to cook the potatoes.
In conclusion, a pizza oven is a versatile cooking machine that can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes. From pizza to roasted vegetables, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with a pizza oven. So, fire up your pizza oven and start experimenting with different dishes today!
Freequently Asked Questions
What types of food can be cooked in a pizza oven?
Pizza ovens are versatile cooking appliances that can be used to cook a variety of foods besides pizza. Some popular options include bread, roasted vegetables, meats, and fish. The high temperature and even heat distribution of a pizza oven make it ideal for cooking these types of foods.
When cooking bread, the oven’s high temperature and moisture retention create the perfect environment for a crispy crust and soft interior. Roasted vegetables and meats benefit from the oven’s even heat distribution, which ensures they cook evenly without burning. Fish is also a good option for a pizza oven, as the high temperature helps to lock in moisture and flavor.
Can you cook frozen pizza in a pizza oven?
Yes, frozen pizza can be cooked in a pizza oven. However, it is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted to ensure the pizza cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
To cook frozen pizza in a pizza oven, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 450°F and place the pizza directly on the oven rack. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. It is important to keep an eye on the pizza and rotate it if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Can you cook a steak in a pizza oven?
Yes, steak can be cooked in a pizza oven. The high temperature of the oven creates a sear on the outside of the steak, while the even heat distribution ensures it cooks evenly throughout.
To cook a steak in a pizza oven, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 500°F and place the steak directly on the oven rack. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safety.
What is the best type of wood to use in a pizza oven?
The best type of wood to use in a pizza oven is hard, dry wood that burns hot and clean. Some popular options include oak, maple, and cherry.
It is important to avoid using softwoods like pine, as they contain high levels of resin that can create a lot of smoke and impart a bitter taste to the food. It is also recommended to avoid using treated or painted wood, as they can release harmful chemicals when burned.
How do you clean a pizza oven?
To clean a pizza oven, it is recommended to wait until the oven has cooled completely before beginning. Once the oven is cool, remove any ashes or debris from the oven floor using a brush or vacuum.
For stubborn stains or grease buildup, a mixture of warm water and mild soap can be used to scrub the interior of the oven. It is important to rinse the oven thoroughly with clean water and dry completely before using again. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the oven’s interior.
10 THINGS (BESIDES PIZZA!) TO COOK IN YOUR PIZZA OVEN! PIZZA OVEN IDEAS | Emily Norris
In conclusion, a pizza oven can be a versatile tool in the kitchen, offering endless possibilities for cooking up delicious meals. From traditional pizzas to gourmet flatbreads and roast meats, the options are endless.
One of the best things about cooking in a pizza oven is the ability to achieve high temperatures quickly, which can lead to perfectly cooked dishes with a crispy crust and juicy interior. This makes it an ideal choice for cooking everything from homemade bread to roasted vegetables and even desserts.
So whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, a pizza oven is a must-have tool for any food lover. With so many different meals and cooking styles to try, the possibilities are truly endless. So why not fire up your oven today and start experimenting with all the amazing dishes you can create?
