The Ultimate Guide to Making Homemade Pizzas

2. Why Even Heat Distribution Is Key

One of the biggest challenges in pizza making is uneven cooking. If the crust cooks faster than the toppings, you’re left with an undercooked pizza. This happens when heat directly under the pizza is too intense, causing the crust to bake rapidly while the toppings lag behind.

To solve this:

• Avoid placing firewood directly under the pizza if you’re using a wood-fired setup.
• Ensure a consistent heat source for both the top and bottom of the pizza.

3. Setting Up Your Cooking Surface

For best results, use a pizza stone or steel. These materials retain and evenly distribute heat, mimicking the effect of a professional pizza oven. If you’re using an Arteflame Pizza Oven:

• Preheat the grill and install the pizza grate and the oven.
• Make sure there is no firewood directly under the area you're cooking the pizza on.
• Move the pizza oven back and forth for the optimal heat flow over the pizza.
• Rotate the pizza if needed for an even bake.
• Use the surrounding cooktop to grill toppings or other food.

4. Perfect Dough for Homemade Pizza

A great crust starts with great dough. Here’s an easy recipe:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Mix dry ingredients, then slowly add water and olive oil.
2. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
3. Let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Roll out to your desired thickness before adding toppings.

5. Tips for Evenly Cooked Toppings

To ensure toppings bake evenly:

• Pre-cook dense ingredients like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Layer cheese and toppings evenly to promote uniform melting.
• Add delicate greens, like arugula or basil, after baking to prevent wilting.

6. Baking Your Pizza

When using a grill or oven, follow these steps:

1. Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your pizza stone or steel is at least 500°F for a crispy crust. If you're using the Arteflame Pizza oven, you can move the cover back or forth for the optimal heat flow over the pizza.
2. Use an Even Heat Source: On an Arteflame, position the pizza away from firewood directly under the pizza. This prevents the bottom from cooking too quickly.
3. Bake Quickly: Cook for 7-10 minutes, rotating halfway to ensure even browning.
4. Finish Toppings: If needed, broil the top briefly to melt cheese completely.

7. Secrets for the Perfect Crust

A perfect crust should be crispy on the outside and airy inside. To achieve this:

• Use a pizza peel to slide the dough onto the hot surface.
• Avoid overloading with toppings, which can make the crust soggy.
• Brush the edges with olive oil or garlic butter for extra flavor.

8. Why Arteflame Is Perfect for Homemade Pizza

Arteflame grills and pizza ovens are ideal for making pizza because they create even heat zones. The flat cooktop ensures the crust bakes without burning, while the oven dome or cooktop edges radiate heat evenly across the toppings. Unlike traditional wood-fired ovens, the Arteflame eliminates the risk of hotspots from direct flames, ensuring a balanced bake every time.

Final Thoughts

Homemade pizza is a rewarding culinary experience, and mastering even heat distribution is the key to success. With the right setup, ingredients, and techniques, you can achieve the perfect pizza every time. Whether you’re cooking in an oven or on an Arteflame grill, this guide will help you bake pizzas that rival your favorite pizzeria.