What Can You Cook In A Wood Fired Oven: Beyond Pizza

We all know that wood-fired ovens are the crème de la crème for crafting artisanal pizzas, those glorious, crispy-edged, golden brown, slightly smoky discs of joy. But let’s break the mold for a moment: your wood-fired oven is far more than just a one-trick pizza pony. It’s actually an untapped gold mine for all kinds of culinary adventures. We’re talking about the kind of versatility that could make even the most dedicated multi-cooker green with envy.

Imagine roasting the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving, churning out artisan bread that would make a French baker weep, or even whipping up a batch of sizzling fajitas, all with that incomparable wood-fired touch.

From bread to brisket, seafood to sweets, and everything in between, your wood-fired oven is a culinary swiss army knife waiting to be unleashed. The high heat, the smoke, and the crackling wood all converge to add complex layers of flavor to whatever you’re cooking. Simply put, it’s magic.

Cooking Methods for an Outdoor Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Pizzas

Wood-fired pizza boasts a crispy crust, perfectly blistered toppings, an unbeatable smoky aroma, and a chewy, delicious center.

Roasting

Roasting in a wood-fired oven brings out incredible flavors in your meats and veggies. Just imagine the aroma of juicy roast meat or the crispy skin of roast vegetables as they cook to perfection in your oven. To get started, simply place your meat or veggies on a tray or roasting rack and slide it into the oven. Ensure the oven temperature is around 400°F (200°C) for the ideal roasting environment.

Baking

Wood-fired ovens aren’t just for pizza; you can bake some fantastic bread, pies, and desserts too. When baking in a wood-fired oven, aim for a lower temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C). You can add steam to achieve crispy bread crusts or keep moisture in for moist cakes. To do this, simply place a container with water inside the oven while your baked goodies cook.

This is my delicious pizza oven brownie recipe that uses a cast iron skillet inside the pizza oven!

Grilling

Get ready for some smoky and delicious grilled foods because wood-fired ovens are perfect for grilling. When grilling in your oven, aim for a high temperature, around 500°F (260°C) or more. Make sure you have a grill grate or rack to place your items on. Popular dishes to grill include:

• BBQ ribs

• Grilled chicken

• Other meats or veggies

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking in a wood-fired oven is a fantastic way to create tender and flavorful dishes, especially when it comes to stews or hearty casseroles. Begin by letting the oven temperature drop to a nice slow cooking range, around 250°F (120°C). Prepare your preferred recipe, place it in an oven-safe dish or pot, and slide it into the oven. 

Recipes for an Outdoor Pizza Oven

Breads and Baked Goods

The wood-fire oven is an incredible tool for baking bread, including classics like sourdough or Italian-style focaccia. The high, consistent heat in your oven creates a beautiful and flavorful crust while keeping the inside of your bread fluffy and delicious. It’s no wonder that wood-fired ovens have been used for bread baking for centuries.

Rustic Sourdough Loaf

This rustic sourdough loaf develops a deep, crackly crust and a tangy, chewy interior when baked in a wood-fired oven. The high heat encourages an impressive oven spring, while the smoky environment enhances the bread’s natural flavor. It’s a simple mix of flour, water, salt, and starter but the results are anything but basic.

Why These Ingredients Work

• Bread flour: Provides the strength and gluten needed for sourdough’s signature chew.
• Sourdough starter: Acts as the natural leavening and brings that classic tang.
• Water: Hydrates the flour and helps develop a moist, open crumb.
• Salt: Balances flavor and strengthens the dough structure.
• Rice flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking and helps achieve a crisp crust when baking in a hot oven.

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 100g (½ cup) active sourdough starter
• 350ml (1½ cups) filtered water
• 10g (2 tsp) fine sea salt
• Rice flour or semolina, for dusting

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine starter and water. Stir in flour until no dry spots remain. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
• Sprinkle in salt and mix thoroughly using your hands or a dough hook.
• Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4–5 hours. During this bulk fermentation, perform a set of folds every 30–45 minutes to strengthen the dough.
• Lightly flour a work surface. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it seam-side up in a well-floured banneton or towel-lined bowl.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for a cold proof, which enhances flavor and structure.
• Fire your wood oven to around 500°F (260°C), then let it cool to about 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or a cloche inside to preheat.
• Turn the dough onto parchment paper, score the top with a sharp blade or lame, and carefully lower it into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
• Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Wood-Fired Naan or Flatbread

Soft, chewy, and blistered in all the right places, naan or flatbread made in a wood-fired pizza oven is next-level delicious. The intense heat mimics a traditional tandoor, giving the bread its signature char and puff. Perfect as a side, wrap, or base for dips, this versatile flatbread is fast, flavorful, and fun to make.

Why These Ingredients Work

• All-purpose flour: The main base that gives the naan structure and softness.
• Greek yogurt: Adds richness and tender texture to the dough.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps bind the ingredients.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the naan rise and get airy.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Salt: Balances the flavor of the dough.
• Olive oil or ghee: Adds moisture and flavor plus, it’s brushed on top after cooking.
• Garlic (optional): For garlic naan lovers, this adds incredible aroma and punch.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright finishing touch if desired.

Get my full recipe for wood fired naan bread soft, chewy and perfectly charred in a pizza oven.

Wood-Fired Calzones

Calzones are the ultimate hand-held comfort food a golden, folded pocket of pizza dough filled with gooey cheese, rich sauce, and your favorite toppings. Baking them in a wood-fired oven adds irresistible smokiness and blistered edges you just can’t get in a standard oven. Perfect for a casual dinner or a shareable party dish, these calzones are endlessly customizable and downright delicious.

Why These Ingredients Work

• Pizza dough: Chewy and pliable, it creates a crisp exterior with a soft bite when wood-fired.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and balances bolder flavors.
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic gooey, stretchy melt.
• Parmesan cheese (Affiliate): Adds a sharp, salty bite for depth.
• Marinara or pizza sauce: A touch of acidity and flavor to tie the filling together.
• Garlic and Italian herbs: Boost flavor inside and out.
• Fillings (e.g. pepperoni, sausage, spinach, mushrooms): Choose your own flavor combo classic or creative.
• Olive oil: Brushed on top for color and a blistered finish.

Get my full recipe for wood-fired calzone recipe for the wood fired oven or gas pizza oven.

Meats and Proteins

Your wood-fired oven is also perfect for cooking all kinds of meats. Be adventurous and try flamed ribeye steak, or go for the classics like barbecue ribs. And if you’re a fan of slow cooking, you can’t go wrong with meats that love low and slow cooking, like pulled pork or slow-roasted beef brisket. The natural smokey flavors you get from the wood fire oven just can’t be replicated in a conventional oven.

Pizza Oven Steak Recipe

Using the right technique and preparation, you can achieve a steak that’s tender on the inside and perfectly charred on the outside. Using cast iron cookware, you can harness the pizza oven’s heat to cook your steak to perfection.

You’ll need a good pizza oven one that reaches temperatures over 900°F (482°C). This allows for a quick cooking time, usually just a few minutes per side, which is perfect for maintaining tender juiciness within the steak. Get ready to transform your pizza oven into a steakhouse powerhouse with some easy steps and essential tips!

Get my full instructions for cooking the best steak in your pizza oven.

Wood Fired Roast Beef

Wood-fired roast beef brings a delightful smoky flavor to your dinner table. This cooking method infuses the meat with a unique taste that’s hard to replicate with other techniques. By cooking your roast beef over wood, you’ll achieve a tender center and a perfectly caramelized exterior.

Get the recipe and instruction for my wood fired roast beef!

Pork Shoulder

Pulled pork from a wood-fired pizza oven is a smoky, juicy, fall-apart-tender masterpiece. The even, radiant heat and wood smoke slowly break down the tough fibers in a pork shoulder, infusing it with rich, deep flavor. Whether served on buns, in tacos, or piled high on a platter with slaw, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that tastes even better the next day.

Why These Ingredients Work

• Pork shoulder (also called pork butt): Perfect for low and slow cooking well-marbled with fat that renders down for juicy, flavorful meat.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization on the crust.
• Smoked paprika: Enhances smoky flavor even before it hits the oven.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost savory, umami notes.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy depth.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the meat’s flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the richness and helps tenderize.
• Olive oil or mustard: Helps the rub adhere and adds a hint of richness.
• Optional BBQ sauce: For basting or tossing after pulling.

Ingredients

• 2.5–3 kg (5–6½ lb) pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil or yellow mustard (as a binder)
• Optional: ½ cup barbecue sauce for finishing

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil or mustard, then coat it evenly with the spice rub. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
• Fire your wood oven until the temperature reaches around 300–325°F (150–160°C), then allow it to settle and maintain steady heat. Push the fire to one side and use an oven thermometer to monitor temp.
• Place the pork in a roasting pan or cast iron Dutch oven with the lid slightly ajar to allow smoke in. Add the apple cider vinegar to the pan.
• Roast for 3–4 hours, checking occasionally to rotate and maintain temperature. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195–205°F (90–96°C) and pulls apart easily with a fork.
• Rest the pork, covered loosely in foil, for at least 20–30 minutes. Then shred using two forks.
• If desired, mix pulled pork with a little barbecue sauce and return it briefly to the oven for caramelization.

Pizza Oven Barbecued Baby Back Ribs

Why These Ingredients Work

• Baby back ribs: Naturally tender and lean, these ribs cook quickly and evenly perfect for high-heat pizza oven roasting.
• Olive oil: Helps the dry rub stick, adds richness, and aids in crisping the exterior during roasting.
• Paprika: Brings color and a mild smoky-sweet flavor that enhances the barbecue profile.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with mild, slightly sweet flavor.
• Ground black pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity to the rub.
• Salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and helps form a flavorful crust.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds heat and a spicy kick for those who like it hot.
• BBQ sauce: Caramelizes beautifully in the pizza oven, adding a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Get my full recipe for pizza oven barbecued baby back ribs.

Desserts

Wood-fired ovens can also be used to whip up some decadent sweet treats. Here are some ideas for indulging your sweet tooth:

Pizza Oven Skillet Brownies

Combining two of my all-time favorite foods, pizza, and brownies, sounded like the perfect way to satisfy my sweet tooth and adventurous taste buds. This recipe is perfect for those who love experimenting with unique and delicious desserts that leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries them.

Why These Ingredients Work

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Butter also helps develop that signature shiny brownie top.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a glossy, crinkled crust when whipped with eggs.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fudgy texture. They also help give structure to the batter as it bakes.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, fragrant note.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness essential for that classic brownie taste.
• All-purpose flour: Just the right amount to give the brownies structure while keeping them soft and fudgy.
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Baking powder: Provides a subtle lift so the brownies aren’t too dense.
• Chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownie pure indulgence.
• Chopped nuts: Add crunch, flavor contrast, and a little extra richness.
• Milk or dark chocolate chips or chunks: Customize to taste milk for sweet creaminess, dark for bold, bittersweet depth, or mix both for the best of both worlds.

Get my full recipe for pizza oven brownies.

Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza

Making this delicious pizza is simpler than you might think. Whether you have a pizza oven or just a regular oven, you can easily whip up this sweet delight at home. The step-by-step instructions ensure you get the perfect balance of flavors every time. 

Why These Ingredients Work

• Pizza dough: Acts as the soft, chewy base like a giant cinnamon roll crust. Store-bought or homemade, it brings a satisfying bite and holds up well under the toppings.
• Bread flour or all-purpose flour: Prevents sticking while shaping the dough. Bread flour adds chew; all-purpose keeps it soft and tender.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, creamy base for the cinnamon sugar spread and melts into the dough as it bakes.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness that’s classic in cinnamon roll filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The warm spice star of the show bold, aromatic, and essential to that nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the warm, buttery notes.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a bakery-style flavor that takes it to the next level.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on the dough before baking to create a golden, slightly crisp crust.
• Brown sugar: Used for the cinnamon-sugar topping layer, it caramelizes slightly for a gooey finish.
• Ground cinnamon: Reinforces that signature cinnamon swirl flavor right on top.

Get my full recipe for cinnamon roll dessert pizza!

• Cakes: Baking cakes in a wood-fired oven can yield some fantastic results. The oven’s high heat and unique smoky flavor add an extra dimension to your cakes.

• Fruit Cobbler: The wood-fired oven works wonders for fruit cobblers, giving your dessert a beautiful caramelized finish. Cook fruit, sugar, and a simple crust in a shallow dish for a scrumptious, bubbling cobbler.

• Wood-Fired Chocolate Brownies: Take your brownies up a notch by baking them in your wood-fired oven. The oven’s high temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and gooey.

• Baked Apples: For a healthier dessert option, try baking whole apples with cinnamon and sugar (or honey). Your wood-fired oven will infuse them with a unique, smoky sweetness.

Here are two articles I wrote that will help you master not only cook bread on a pizza stone but various breads and baked goods in a pizza oven.

Vegetables and Sides

Cooking different foods in a wood fired oven: Wood-fired ovens aren’t just for pizza and main courses; you can cook a huge variety of veggies and side dishes too. Throw in some roasted summer vegetables with a dash of olive oil and seasoning, or make some seasoned potato chips for a crispy snack. Don’t forget about classic corn on the cob. It’s perfect for that smoky, wood-fired flavor.

These are my go and really easy hasselback pototo recipes: crispy potatoes and yummy sweet potatoes.

Seafood and Fish

Who says you can’t cook fish in a wood-fired oven? Your oven is perfect for dishes like barbequed sardines and maple plank salmon. Just make sure you properly monitor the temperature to get a perfectly cooked, smokey-flavored seafood dish that will make your taste buds happy.

Specialty Dishes

Wood-fired pizza ovens can handle some creative and unique dishes, too. Consider making a Basque burnt cheesecake; this dessert is perfect for a wood-fired pizza oven and will delight your family and friends. Of course, don’t limit yourself; experiment with other special recipes like wood-fired paella or some bubbly cheese dips. The possibilities are endless with your wood-fired oven.

Essential Tools for Wood Fired Oven Cooking

Before you get started on the cooking process of making all this yummy food in your wood-fired oven, you’ll need the right tools to make the magic happen. Let me give you the lowdown on the essential tools you’ll need for fired pizza oven cooking.

A thermometer is your best friend with wood fired pizza oven cooking. It’s crucial to keep tabs on the oven’s temperature to get your cooking just right. Grab yourself an infrared thermometer or a built-in oven thermometer to make sure your fire is at the perfect temperature for your dishes.

There’s also the pizza peel. It’s not just for cooking pizza either, trust me. This versatile tool is great for getting your items in and out of the oven, whether it’s bread, pizza, or roasted veggies. A pizza peel with a long handle is your go-to tool to slide your delicious creations safely onto the oven floor.

When it comes to cooking in your wood-fired oven, a cast iron skillet is a must-have. It’s perfect for searing meats, sautéing veggies, or even baking desserts directly on the oven floor. Cast iron conducts heat well, which means even cooking and delicious results. Just be sure to use heat-resistant gloves or handle covers cause those pans get hot!

Here’s a quick list of other tools that’ll come in handy while cooking:

• Ember rake: It helps you move burning logs and coals around the oven, ensuring optimal heat distribution.

• Tongs or long-handled spatulas: For easy flipping and handling of your ingredients.

See my full list of all the pizza oven accessories that will help you use your oven to the fullest.

Creating Unique Flavors with Wood Fired Ovens

Pizza ovens open up a whole new world of flavors and possibilities, especially when it comes to playing around with different ingredients. The high heat and smoky atmosphere provide a unique cooking environment that brings out the best in your ingredients.

You may already know about the natural smoky flavor that ovens like these can impart to your dishes. When you cook with wood, the smoke infuses your food, giving it a distinct taste you just can’t replicate with a standard oven. Think about using hardwoods like oak or fruitwoods like apple or cherry to add even more depth to your dishes.

To enhance this smoky goodness, let’s add some olive oil into the mix. This versatile ingredient helps create a beautiful crust on whatever you’re cooking while also adding a rich dimension of flavor. Drizzle your roasted vegetables, meats, or even baked goods with a little of this golden elixir before sliding them into the oven.

Now, let’s get into some key ingredients that work wonderfully with wood-fired flavors. For starters, tomatoes are perfect for creating a vibrant and fresh sauce. Simply roast whole tomatoes in your oven with a bit of garlic, salt, and olive oil to make a base for any number of dishes, including pasta, bruschetta, and, of course, pizza.

Speaking of pizza, let’s not forget to use herbs like rosemary and sage to add an extra layer of flavor to your pizza dough or toppings. These fragrant herbs pair exceptionally well with the smoky ambiance of the wood-fired oven. Go ahead and sprinkle them on your dough, or tuck them beneath the stretched dough for a hidden burst of flavor.

Don’t forget about using sugar and cinnamon in your wood-fired oven creations. These warm spices are just begging to be tossed onto sliced apples or other fruits and then roasted to caramelized perfection in your oven. The high heat caramelizes the sugar, creating a mouthwatering sensation that’s hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dishes can be prepared in a wood-fired oven besides pizza?

Wood-fired ovens are versatile and can be used for various dishes. You can cook recipes like porterhouse steak with smashed potatoes, roasted tomatoes, wood-fired paella, and spatchcock chicken. The oven’s high temperature allows for quick cooking and offers a unique flavor to the dishes.

Can you bake desserts in a wood-fired oven?

Absolutely! Wood-fired ovens are great for baking desserts like chocolate brownies, fruit pies, baked bread, and crisps. The oven’s high heat creates a perfectly crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

What are some vegetarian recipes for an outdoor wood-fired oven?

There are many delicious vegetarian dishes you can cook in a wood-fired oven. Some options include honey-roasted carrots, stuffed mushrooms and bell peppers, vegetable lasagna, and grilled portobello mushrooms. Just like with other dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven, you’ll get that distinct smoky flavor.

Which type of wood is best for cooking in a wood-fired oven?

Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple are ideal for wood-fired ovens because they burn cleaner and hotter than softwoods. These woods not only provide a steady heat source to cook pizza but also contribute to the overall flavor of the food being cooked.

Are there any overnight cooking options in a wood-fired oven?

Yes! You can make slow-cooked meals in a wood-fired oven. After the oven’s been heated to a high temperature, you can let the temperature lower and place your food inside. Dishes like stews, casseroles, and pulled pork can be left overnight to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavors.

What are some popular wood-fired oven recipe books?

There are several recipe books available that are dedicated to wood-fired oven cooking. Some popular ones include “From the Wood-Fired Oven” by Richard Miscovich, “Wood-Fired Cooking” by Mary Karlin, and “The Ultimate Wood-Fired Oven Cookbook” by Genevieve Taylor. These books offer a variety of recipes and tips for cooking wood-fired recipes for various dishes.

Inspiration for Wood Fired Dishes

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!