Making wood-fired pizza at home is not only a fun culinary challenge but also a delicious adventure. The unique flavor imparted by the wood fire gives the pizza a smoky aroma and a crisp, blistered crust with a tender interior. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or looking to try a new outdoor cooking method, this guide will walk you through creating the perfect wood-fired pizza from the comfort of your home.
1. Preparation: Tools and Ingredients
1.1 Choose the Right Pizza Oven
The most important element for making wood-fired pizza is choosing a suitable wood-fired pizza oven. There are various models available, and a Big Horn Outdoors® pellet pizza oven is perfect for home use, offering fast heat-up and even heat distribution.
1.2 Prepare the Pizza Dough
The dough is the foundation of your wood-fired pizza. You can either make your own or buy pre-made dough. Here’s a simple recipe for one 12-inch pizza:
- 250g high-gluten flour
- 160ml warm water (around 100 °F/38 °C)
- 7g dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, until frothy. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
1.3 Prepare the Pizza Sauce and Toppings
Classic pizza sauce is simply crushed tomato seasoned with salt, garlic, and herbs. For extra flavor, stir in a splash of olive oil and some chopped fresh basil. Choose your favorite toppings—Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, and plenty of mozzarella work beautifully.
2. Managing the Fire: How to Light the Pellet Pizza Oven
2.1 Lighting the Fire: Place the wood pellet in the pizza oven’s firebox and light it up. Make sure the fire is strong enough to heat the oven to the ideal cooking temperature. The temperature should range between 350°C to 400°C for the perfect pizza bake.
2.2 Controlling the Fire: Use the chimney and ventilation controls of the oven to regulate the fire. You want a steady, intense heat without the flames becoming too large, as direct contact with the fire could burn the pizza. Ideal heat comes from glowing embers, which provide even cooking.
3. Making the Pizza: Assembling and Baking
3.1 Roll Out the Pizza Dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into small portions and roll them into thin rounds. You can use flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
3.2 Assemble the Pizza: Place the rolled dough on a pizza peel, spreading a thin layer of pizza sauce over the surface. Add a generous amount of cheese and toppings, but don’t overload it—this will allow the pizza to cook evenly.
3.3 Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone in your wood-fired oven. Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes, checking the bottom regularly to prevent burning. Wood-fired pizzas typically bake in 2 minutes, depending on the oven temperature and the thickness of the dough.
3.4 Monitor the Fire: Since wood-fired ovens cook pizzas quickly, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the cooking process. The pizza’s crust should become golden and crispy, and the cheese should melt and bubble slightly. Adjust the heat and cooking time to your preference.
4. Enjoying the Pizza: Remove and Slice
Once the pizza is done, carefully use the pizza peel to take it out of the oven and let it rest for a minute or two to cool slightly. Then, use a pizza cutter to slice it into even pieces, and enjoy your wood-fired creation.
5. Tips and Tricks
- Add Smoky Flavor: If you love a strong smoky flavor, try placing some herbs or rosemary branches in the oven while cooking the pizza for an added aroma.
- Use a Pizza Stone: A pizza stone in the oven can help distribute heat more evenly, ensuring a crisp crust.
- Experiment with Dough: You can add olive oil or honey to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Keep the Oven Clean: Regularly clean out the ashes in your pizza oven to prevent the fire from being obstructed and ensure it burns efficiently.
Conclusion
Making wood-fired pizza at home offers a fantastic opportunity to create restaurant-quality pizza in your own backyard. With the right equipment, proper fire control, and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy a perfect pizza with a smoky flavor, crispy crust, and melted cheese. So gather your ingredients, light the fire, and let the wood-fired adventure begin—you’ll be the hero of your next gathering!
