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Wood Fired Pizza Perfection: Tips and Tricks for Homemade Success
There’s just something special about the taste and aroma of a wood-fired pizza. The crispy crust, smoky flavour, and perfectly melted cheese create an unbeatable culinary experience. While many people associate wood-fired pizza with pizzerias or Italian restaurants, did you know you can achieve that same deliciousness in the comfort of your home or garden?
That’s right – with the right tips and tricks, you can become a master of homemade wood-fired pizza. So, let’s get started! In this guide, we’ll take you through the process step by step, ensuring that your pizzas are nothing short of perfection.
Choosing the right equipment
ACR Bravo Pizza Oven
First, you’ll need the right equipment before you embark on your wood-fired pizza journey.
- Outdoor pizza oven: Investing in a fixed or portable outdoor pizza oven is a great way to replicate the authentic wood-fired experience. These ovens reach high temperatures quickly, fuelled by wood or charcoal. Our range has products available in various sizes and price ranges, so you can find one that suits your needs and budget.
- Pizza stone: If you don’t have the space or budget for a dedicated pizza oven, a pizza stone can be an ideal alternative. A pizza stone helps to distribute the heat evenly, resulting in a crispy crust. Pre-heat your oven to the highest temperature and place the pizza on the lowest rack. This will simulate the intense heat of a wood-fired oven.
- Gas grill: If you own a gas grill, you can transform it into a makeshift pizza oven. Pre-heat the grill with all burners on high and place a pizza stone directly on the grates. The grill lid will help trap the heat and create a wood-fired effect. Getting the temperature and timing right may take some practice, but the results can be fantastic.
How does an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven work?
ACR Vita Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Before you dive into making delicious pizzas, you should know how wood-fired pizza ovens work. An outdoor wood-fired pizza oven uses the intense heat of burning wood to cook pizzas perfectly.
Wood-fired pizza ovens are typically made from insulating materials like clay, brick, or stone, which can help retain and distribute heat evenly.
To start cooking, dry, seasoned wood is placed in the oven’s firebox and ignited, creating a hot, roaring fire. As the wood burns, it releases heat. It produces flames, generating high temperatures perfect for crispy crusts and delicious melted cheese.
The pizza oven’s design and insulation trap the heat inside, creating an intense heat chamber. The oven’s floor, typically made from a refractory material, will absorb and radiate heat. The floor acts as a cooking surface on which you place the pizza.
What is the best wood for a wood-fired pizza oven?
Both hardwoods and softwoods are practical choices for a wood-fired pizza oven. However, there are some essential factors to consider when selecting suitable logs. These include:
- Moisture level: Using only wood with a low moisture level is crucial with pizza ovens, just like wood-burning stoves. Purchase wood that displays the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo from Woodsure. Kiln-dried is a great choice! Alternatively, you can dry out ‘green’ or recently cut wood in a log store. But you’ll need to start at least six months before using it.
- Cleanliness: You don’t want any nasty chemicals to be released into your meal. Avoid using painted or treated wood in your wood-fired pizza oven.
- Size: The bigger the logs, the longer they will burn. On the other hand, smaller logs are likely to burn out faster. So, consider how long you need the pizza oven to be hot when choosing log sizes.
Mastering the pizza dough
The dough, of course, is the foundation of any great pizza. Achieving the perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness requires attention to detail. Here’s how to get it right:
- Flour selection: Opt for high-quality flour with a high protein content, such as bread flour. These flours are rich in gluten, which contributes to a chewier crust. Experiment with different flour blends to find your preferred texture and flavour.
- Proper kneading: Take the time to knead your dough correctly. This helps to develop the gluten, which gives the dough its structure. Use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead until the dough is elastic and smooth. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
- Fermentation: Allow your dough to ferment slowly in the refrigerator. This process enhances the dough’s flavour and texture. After kneading, lightly oil the inside of a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with cling film, then refrigerate overnight for at least twenty-four hours. The longer the fermentation, the better the results.
- Stretching and shaping: When ready to make your pizza, remove the dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for around thirty minutes. Gently stretch the dough using your hands or a rolling pin to achieve your desired thickness. Remember to leave the edges slightly thicker to create that classic puffy crust. Sprinkle some semolina or cornflour onto your worktop to prevent sticking. Plus, it’ll help the dough achieve that perfect crisp when you bake it later.
Sauce, toppings, and cheese
Once you have your dough ready, it’s time to move on to the exciting part. That's the sauce, toppings, and cheese, of course! Follow these tips for flavour-packed perfection:
- Sauce simplicity: Keep your pizza sauce simple and let the quality ingredients shine. Use high-quality tomatoes for a rich flavour. Blend them with garlic, olive oil, salt, and a pinch of sugar for balance. Simmer the sauce for a short time to preserve its freshness.
- Selecting the perfect cheese: The best cheese for a pizza is fresh mozzarella for a creamy, gooey texture. Tear or slice it into small pieces and evenly distribute it across the pizza. Or, if you prefer a more complex flavour, try experimenting with cheeses like Parmesan or Gorgonzola.
- Tasty toppings: Strike the perfect balance between flavours and textures. Try to avoid overloading your pizza. Instead, choose a few high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs, thinly sliced vegetables, cured meats, and olives can add a delicious burst of flavour.
How do you cook pizza in a wood-fired brick oven?
Now that you've loaded your pizza with delicious toppings, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Pay attention to the following steps:
- Pre-heating: Ensure your oven or pizza oven is pre-heated to its maximum temperature. This is essential to achieve a crispy crust and a short baking time. If you’re using a pizza stone or baking tray, pop it in the oven to heat it up first.
- Proper placement: If you use a pizza stone or a baking sheet, transfer your pizza onto it using a pizza peel or a flat tray dusted with semolina or cornflour. This will prevent the dough from sticking and help it effortlessly slide onto the hot surface.
- Timing is critical: The cooking time will vary depending on your oven’s temperature and the thickness of your pizza. Keep a close eye on your pizza to avoid burning the crust or overcooking the toppings.
- Final touches: Once your pizza is baked and out of the oven, add any finishing touches to perfect it. Fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of sea salt will elevate the flavours and give your pizza that extra pizzaz.
Direct Stoves Recommends
Experience the True Taste of Italy with the ACR Bravo Pizza Oven
ACR Bravo Pizza Oven
Suppose you’re a pizza lover dreaming of indulging in the authentic flavours of Italy without leaving the comfort of your own back garden. In that case, the ACR Bravo is the perfect companion for you. Meticulously designed in Italy and crafted using only the finest materials, this log-fired pizza oven will bring the essence of Italian cuisine to your doorstep.
The Bravo combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver the most authentic and delicious pizzas in just minutes. The premium insulation and chamotte oven base ensure optimal heat retention and distribution. The result? A perfectly crispy crust that's sure to leave you delighted. With this oven, you can effortlessly achieve tastes and textures that rival the pizzas from your favourite Italian pizzeria.
The ACR Bravo is renowned for its exceptional pizza-making prowess. However, its versatility extends far beyond pizzas. As a matter of fact, you can use this impressive oven for roasting, slow cooking, and other mouth-watering dishes. The steel outer body and stainless-steel interior provide effective insulation. You can count on consistent heat retention and precise control over your culinary masterpieces.
Don’t wait any longer to experience the true essence of Italian cuisine. Bring the taste of Italy to your home, impress your loved ones, and create cherished memories with the ACR Bravo Pizza Oven.
Elevate Alfresco Dining with the Morsø Forno Deluxe Outdoor Oven Set
Morsø Forno Deluxe Outdoor Oven Set
Step into a world of delicious flavours and culinary wonders right in your garden with the Morsø Forno Deluxe Outdoor Oven Set. This extraordinary ensemble isn’t your everyday grill; it opens the door to a new world of outdoor cooking excellence. From succulent steaks to delicate smoked fish and wood fired pizza to delicious lamb kebabs, this outdoor oven set will unlock a universe of culinary possibilities that will leave you amazed.
Designed with meticulous precision, the Forno Deluxe Outdoor Oven is constructed with double-coated cast iron to stand the test of time. Its solid build guarantees exceptional heat retention, ensuring that your meals are cooked perfectly with every use. With this oven, you can confidently cook with consistent, mouth-watering results that amaze your family and friends.
What’s more, the Morsø Forno Outdoor Oven Set includes a range of essential products that take your outdoor cooking experience to another level. Immerse yourself in the art of grilling with the Tuscan Grill, designed to infuse your dishes with a smoky, barbecued essence that will leave you craving more. The Ash Scraper effortlessly cleans the oven, making maintenance a breeze. Not to mention ensuring your safety with the included Fire Tongs.
The set has an Outdoor Table, providing a dedicated space for preparing food or gathering around. Thoughtful accessories are included to enhance your cooking experience even further. The Pizza Peel allows for effortlessly transferring your homemade creations in and out of the oven. In addition, the Forno Cover will also protect your oven from the elements, keeping it in pristine condition for your next culinary masterpiece.
Turn your outdoor space into a delightful haven of culinary masterpieces with the Morsø Forno Deluxe Outdoor Oven Set. Unleash your inner chef and elevate your gatherings or family moments as you embrace the joy of outdoor cooking.
Unleash Authentic Flavours with the XclusiveDecor Royal Wood Fired Pizza Oven with Base
Royal Wood Fired Pizza Oven with Base
Create a gorgeous focal point in your garden or outdoor space with the XclusiveDecor Royal Pizza Oven. This authentic, beautiful handmade wood-fired pizza oven is the perfect garden accessory for any cooking enthusiast. With a fully insulated design and efficient heat distribution, you can achieve exceptional cooking results every single time.
The Royal Pizza oven is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect choice for both cooking novices and seasoned chefs. With a fast heat-up time and excellent thermal properties, you’ll be ready to cook stunning pizzas in no time. The efficiency of this oven is so impressive that you can touch the outside of the oven at full temperature without burning yourself. That’s just how well it retains heat inside!
Enjoy excellent durability and an elegant appearance that looks right at home in any garden thanks to the natural limestone, fire brick, and fire cement oven stand. It’s built to last, providing you with many years of pleasure and enjoyment. What’s more, it’s not limited to pizza alone. You can use this oven to cook your favourite meats, bake bread, and much more. From succulent roasts to crispy, artisan-style pizzas, this oven will elevate your cooking abilities.
Take your outdoor dining sessions up a notch and bring the authentic taste of wood-fired perfection to your home with the XclusiveDecor Royal Wood-Fired Pizza Oven. Experience the joy of creating delicious meals, bonding with loved ones, and embracing the art of outdoor cooking. Unlock a world of culinary possibilities and make lasting memories with this exceptional wood-fired oven.
Are wood-fired pizza ovens worth it?
At Direct Stoves, we’d definitely say that a wood-fired pizza oven is worth investing in. Imagine relaxing in your garden with your family on the weekend while the tantalising aromas of your favourite pizzas fill the air. There’s nothing better than home cooking, and with our wood-fired pizza range, you can transform your family gatherings, garden parties, or relaxed evenings at home.
Shop our fantastic range of outdoor pizza ovens here and make this summer your best one yet.
Plus, we offer free delivery to the UK mainland, a range of finance options, and no-hassle returns so that you can upgrade your garden without a hitch.
Have questions? Our friendly team are always happy to help. Contact them today at [email protected] or call 0161 376 4191.
