5 Things You Can Cook In A Pizza Oven (Besides Pizza)

If you’ve heard that wood-fired outdoor pizza ovens cook great pizza, you’ve been slightly misled. They do cook great pizza, of course, but there are many other delicious dishes that can also be prepared in a pizza oven, giving you and your family even more choices for relaxing al fresco dining in the peace and tranquillity of your garden.

At Pizza Oven Supplies, we’re the experts in supplying everything you need to build your own pizza oven. In this article, we’ll share some great pizza oven food ideas to help you to get the most from your investment.

Cooking different foods in a pizza oven besides pizza

Fantastic Food To Cook In Your Pizza Oven

When preparing recipes for an outdoor pizza oven, it’s worth remembering that the internal temperature will climb much higher than in a conventional cooker, reaching a sizzling 400C to 450C – the ideal temperature for a perfect pizza crust. Therefore, you will need to carefully consider for how long you cook food, where to place it to prevent it from burning, and which utensils you can safely use at high temperatures.

So, if you’re looking for some inspirational home pizza oven recipes, try these:

Ribeye Steak

Ribeye steak is a favourite among many diners due to its exceptional flavour and moisture. Usually grilled, ribeye is an excellent choice for a wood-fired pizza oven as it will retain the succulence and flavouring while being gently infused with an authentic smoky tang that simply can’t be achieved with conventional cooking methods.

Christmas Turkey

Who says pizza ovens are only for the summer months? Christmas turkey is a seasonal surprise when roasted in a wood-fired oven, although you may need to carve the bird into smaller portions if your oven doesn’t have a large capacity. Nevertheless, you’re sure to be thrilled with the result: a perfectly crispy turkey that doesn’t compromise on the tenderness of the meat. Always be sure to use a meat probe/thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked properly throughout, however.

Vegetarian Curry

If you’re looking for a non-meat option – but don’t fancy yet another pizza – a vegetarian curry is a treat that your wood-fired oven will deliver time after time. The even spread of heat in the oven will produce a consistently cooked and tender dish; remember to fry the vegetables and spices first and consider adding a little Romanesco broccoli for a nuttier flavour.

Sourdough Loaf

Unsurprisingly, bread bakes exceptionally well in a wood-fired pizza oven when the temperature is kept at 200°C but remember to turn the loaf regularly to encourage the dough to cook evenly (with most pizza ovens it is easy to access the loaf during baking). Wearing heat-proof gloves, add a baking tray or cast-iron dish with boiling water in for the water to evaporate into steam, encouraging the bread to rise for longer before the crust hardens. A longer, cooler rise during preparation will help to extract the flavour from the grains, giving a softer, tastier finish. We call this the “oven spring”.

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

Some desserts, such as the Basque Burnt Cheesecake, need high heat to extract the best flavour, while the added smoky tang will blend perfectly with the caramelised sweetness for an unforgettable after-dinner treat, best accompanied by a sweet sherry or an espresso. It’s not difficult to see why, in the Basque country, this classic cheesecake is a favourite pintxo amongst the locals.

Contact Us To Find Out More

At Pizza Oven Supplies, we provide a comprehensive range of pizza oven designs and kits which can be used to cook a delicious variety of meals – not just pizza!

To find out, please browse our website and, if you have any questions, call our friendly team on 01782 212777.
 
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