Introduction
Nothing compares to the flavor of a wood-fired pizza. The Arteflame pizza oven brings that authentic wood-fired experience right to your backyard. With its high heat and even cooking surface, you can create pizzas with a perfectly crispy crust and bubbling toppings in just minutes. Follow this recipe for a classic wood-fired pizza that will wow your family and friends.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Pizza sauce (marinara or your favorite tomato-based sauce)
- Fresh mozzarella (sliced or shredded)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling and brushing the crust)
- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pizza peel)
Instructions
1. Fire Up Your Arteflame Pizza Oven
To start, prepare your Arteflame grill. Place three napkins soaked with vegetable oil at the bottom of the grill, stack your firewood over the napkins, and light them. After about 20 minutes, your Arteflame grill will reach the ideal temperature (around 700°F) for perfect pizza cooking in the pizza oven.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness for a crispy crust. Dust your pizza peel with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking when you slide the pizza 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 slices of fresh mozzarella and your favorite toppings. For classic wood-fired flavor, keep it simple with minimal toppings, allowing the wood fire to impart that smoky goodness.
4. Cook the Pizza in the Arteflame Pizza Oven
Carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the Arteflame pizza oven. Let the pizza cook for about 3-5 minutes, rotating it halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and slightly charred, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
5. Brush the Crust and Garnish
After removing the pizza from the oven, brush the crust with a bit of olive oil for added flavor and shine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a traditional touch.
6. Slice and Serve
Let the pizza cool for a minute before slicing it. The result is a beautifully cooked wood-fired pizza with a crispy crust, melted cheese, and the perfect balance of toppings.
Tips for the Perfect Wood-Fired Pizza
- Preheat your pizza stone: If you want to use a pizza stone, allow the pizza stone to heat up for a few minutes in the pizza oven before adding the pizza. This helps create a crispy crust.
- Rotate the pizza: Rotating the pizza halfway through cooking ensures that the pizza cooks evenly.
- 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 and basil enhance the wood-fired flavor, adding a bright finish to the rich, smoky pizza.
Conclusion
Cooking wood-fired pizza in the Arteflame pizza oven brings out the best in every ingredient. The high heat and wood fire create that crispy, slightly charred crust and perfectly melted cheese that make wood-fired pizza so irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy authentic, restaurant-quality pizza at home.
5 Variations of This Recipe
1. Classic Neapolitan Pizza
Stick to tradition with a simple Margherita-style pizza. Use pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil for an authentic taste of Italy.
2. Spicy Sausage and Ricotta Pizza
Add some heat by topping your pizza with spicy Italian sausage, dollops of ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
3. Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
After cooking the pizza, top it with thin slices of prosciutto and a handful of fresh arugula. Drizzle with olive oil and a little balsamic glaze for an upscale twist.
4. Mushroom and Truffle Oil Pizza
For an earthy and luxurious flavor, use sautéed mushrooms, a mix of cheeses (mozzarella and fontina work well), and finish with a drizzle of truffle oil.
5. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Top your pizza with shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and mozzarella. After baking, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Best Pairings for Wood-Fired Pizza
- Wine: A light Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of wood-fired pizza.
- Beer: A crisp pilsner or pale ale balances the richness of the pizza and complements the charred crust.
- Salad: Serve with a fresh, simple salad of mixed greens, balsamic vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan for a light side dish.
