Introduction
The Arteflame outdoor pizza oven is the perfect tool for making restaurant-quality pizzas right in your backyard. The high, even heat of the Arteflame pizza oven creates a crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and perfectly cooked toppings every time. This recipe will guide you through the process of making a delicious homemade pizza using fresh ingredients and the incredible cooking power of your Arteflame grill.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Pizza sauce (marinara or your favorite tomato-based sauce)
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the crust)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pizza peel)
Instructions
1. Fire Up the Arteflame Outdoor Pizza Oven
To begin, light your Arteflame grill by placing three vegetable oil-soaked napkins at the bottom, stacking your firewood on top, and lighting them. After about 20 minutes, your Arteflame will reach around 700°F, which is the perfect temperature for cooking pizza. This high heat will give you the crispy, wood-fired crust you’re looking for.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough
While the oven is heating up, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for a crispy crust. Dust your pizza peel with cornmeal or flour to make sure the pizza slides easily into the oven.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Add fresh mozzarella cheese and any toppings you like—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even olives. Be careful not to overload the pizza so it cooks evenly.
4. Cook the Pizza in the Arteflame Pizza Oven
Carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated Arteflame pizza oven. The pizza will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it and rotate it halfway through for even cooking. In about 3-5 minutes, your pizza should be golden brown with a crispy crust and melted, bubbly cheese.
5. Brush with Olive Oil or Butter
When the pizza comes out of the oven, brush the crust with a little olive oil or melted butter to add flavor and shine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you want to add a traditional touch.
6. Slice and Serve
Let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice and serve! Enjoy the crispy, smoky flavor of a pizza cooked in the Arteflame pizza oven.
Tips for Perfect Pizza
- Preheat the pizza stone: If you're using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for a few minutes before placing the pizza. This helps create a crispy crust.
- Rotate the pizza: Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking of the crust.
- Control the heat: do not put any firewood directly under the pizza, this will cause the crust to bake faster than the toppings.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and high-quality toppings will enhance the flavor of your pizza and make it even more delicious.
Conclusion
Cooking pizza in the Arteflame outdoor pizza oven brings out flavors you can’t get from a regular oven. The high heat creates a crispy crust, perfectly cooked toppings, and that authentic wood-fired taste. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a pizza that rivals any restaurant’s, right in your own backyard.
5 Variations of This Recipe
1. Caprese Pizza
Swap out the sauce for a light layer of olive oil, and top the pizza with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves. After baking, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a fresh and delicious pizza.
2. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Replace the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and top with shredded chicken, red onions, and mozzarella cheese. After baking, garnish with cilantro for a smoky and tangy twist.
3. Vegetarian Mediterranean Pizza
Top your pizza with feta cheese, spinach, Kalamata olives, red onions, and cherry tomatoes for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pizza. Drizzle with olive oil before baking.
4. Pepperoni and Sausage Supreme
For a meat lover’s pizza, add a combination of pepperoni, Italian sausage, and bell peppers over your pizza sauce and mozzarella. Finish with red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
5. White Garlic Pizza
Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic butter base. Top with mozzarella, ricotta, and a sprinkle of parmesan. After baking, add fresh arugula for a peppery finish.
Best Pairings for Outdoor Pizza
- Wine: Pair with a light, fruity red wine like a Pinot Noir or a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
- Beer: A crisp, cold lager or pilsner complements the smoky flavors of a wood-fired pizza.
- Salad: Serve with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pizza.
