Wood-fired pizza ovens are often seen as luxurious, outdoor kitchen additions built exclusively for making delicious pizzas. However, these ovens are far more versatile than most people realize. With the high heat and smokey flavors they bring, you can explore an array of culinary possibilities. If you're fortunate enough to have a wood-fired pizza oven—or are considering getting one—here are 10 exciting ways you can make the most of it.
1. Bake Artisan Bread
One of the best ways to utilize a wood-fired oven is for baking bread. The intense heat and moisture retention create the perfect environment for baking rustic, artisan-style loaves. The oven’s retained heat from pizza-making can be used to make sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia with a golden, crispy crust and soft interior.
2. Roast Vegetables
Wood-fired ovens are ideal for roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and squash. Toss your favorite veggies in olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and let the high heat caramelize them to perfection. The wood smoke adds a deep, savory flavor that transforms simple vegetables into a gourmet side dish.
3. Cook Steaks and Other Meats
Think beyond the grill—your pizza oven can sear and cook steaks to perfection. The high temperatures give the meat a beautiful char, while the smoky flavor from the wood adds complexity. Not just steaks; lamb chops, pork tenderloin, or even whole chickens can be cooked to succulent, tender perfection in a wood-fired oven.
4. Make Flatbreads and Naan
Flatbreads and naan are great alternatives to traditional pizza when you're looking to mix things up. Similar to pizza dough, these bread types cook quickly at high heat, resulting in crispy edges and a soft, pillowy interior. Top your naan with garlic, butter, or herbs for a delicious treat.
5. Bake Desserts
Desserts in a wood-fired pizza oven? Yes! The residual heat after cooking a meal is perfect for baking sweet treats like fruit crumbles, pies, or even a skillet cookie. The smoky, rustic heat adds a depth of flavor to your desserts you wouldn’t achieve in a conventional oven. Try apple pie, berry cobbler, or a gooey chocolate cake next time.
6. Roast Fish
Roasting fish in a wood-fired oven is another delicious option. Fish like salmon, trout, or cod cook beautifully with a crisp, smoky skin and tender, flaky flesh. Using a cast iron pan or roasting tray, you can add herbs, butter, and lemon for extra flavor, and the quick cooking time keeps the fish moist and delicious.
7. Grill Vegetables
You don’t always need a grill for that signature charred taste. Use the pizza oven to grill vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and eggplant directly on a grill grate inside the oven. The high heat creates a beautiful char while keeping the inside soft and juicy. You can also thread them onto skewers for wood-fired veggie kebabs.
8. Cook Casseroles and One-Pot Meals
Wood-fired pizza ovens retain heat long after the fire has died down, making them perfect for slow-cooked dishes. Think casseroles, lasagna, and stews. Once the intense heat has diminished, you can use the oven for more controlled cooking, perfect for meals that need time to meld flavors together. Try a cast iron pot of beef stew, or a bubbling lasagna baked to perfection.
9. Roast Coffee Beans
For a truly unique experience, try roasting your own coffee beans in a wood-fired oven. With the ability to reach high temperatures quickly, you can roast beans and experiment with different levels of smokiness and flavor. A rotating pan works best for even roasting. The result? Home-roasted coffee with a distinct, wood-smoked essence.
10. Make Your Own Jerky
Believe it or not, you can use the low heat of a dying fire in a wood-fired pizza oven to make homemade jerky. Once your fire has burned down and the oven cools slightly, it becomes the perfect environment for slow-drying strips of meat. Season beef, turkey, or even fish, and place it in the oven to dry out over a few hours, infusing it with a subtle, smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts: Beyond Pizza, Endless Possibilities
Owning a wood-fired pizza oven opens a world of culinary opportunities. Whether you’re roasting meats, baking artisan bread, or even whipping up a sweet dessert, these ovens offer incredible versatility. Plus, the unique smokiness and high heat provide an extra dimension of flavor that can’t be replicated by a regular oven or grill.
So next time you're heating up your pizza oven, remember there’s more to explore than just pizza. From savory meats to sweet treats, you’re only limited by your creativity and appetite!
