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.

So, let’s strip away the stereotypes and explore the culinary kaleidoscope your wood-fired oven has to offer. Whether you’re a home cook looking to stretch your wings or a seasoned chef eager for a new challenge, buckle up. This journey is bound to make you see your trusty oven in a whole new light.

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.

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

Savory Recipes

Your wood-fired oven isn’t just for pizza; there are tons of delicious savory dishes you can cook up. Let’s dive into some of the top choices:

• Bread: Wood-fired ovens are perfect for baking all kinds of bread, from simple loaves to tasty focaccia. The heat and wood smoke add unique flavors, giving your bread a rustic touch.

• Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked pulled pork in a wood-fired oven comes out incredibly tender and full of smoky flavor. Simply season your pork and cook for a few hours over a low fire until it falls apart.

• Calzones: If you’re in the mood for an Italian twist, try making some calzones. They’re essentially folded pizzas filled with your favorite toppings. Just tuck ’em in and bake them in your wood-fired oven until crispy.

• Spatchcock Chicken: For a delicious and juicy poultry option, put a spatchcock chicken directly on your oven’s hot stones. The high heat will sear the skin and lock in all the tasty juices.

Tip: Try baking a batch of fresh bread rolls or a hearty sourdough loaf in your oven.

Desserts

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

• 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.

Tip: Try making a simple chocolate or fruit cake in your oven and see how the flavors meld together.

Cooking Different Foods in a Wood Fired Oven

Vegetables and Sides

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.

Cooking Meats

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.

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.

Baking Bread

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.

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.

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!