Wood-Fired Pizza

Are you tired of the same old frozen pizzas or bland takeout? Do you crave the authentic taste of a wood-fired pizza with its crispy crust, melted cheese, and perfectly charred toppings? 

Look no further, because, in this blog post, we will share with you the ultimate wood-fired pizza recipe. From kneading the dough to selecting the freshest toppings, we’ll share all the secrets to achieving that authentic pizzeria taste.

So, fire up your oven and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your pizza experience!

wood fired pizza recipe

What You Need For Wood-Fired Pizza Recipe?

To create the ultimate wood-fired pizza, you’ll need a carefully curated selection of ingredients that will come together to produce a memorable taste experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. For The Dough

The perfect pizza starts with the perfect dough – here’s how to make it from scratch:

– Bread flour

– Kosher salt

– Instant/rapid-rise yeast

– Water

– Olive oil for greasing

2. For The Sauce

The sauce is the heart of any great pizza, encapsulating both the richness and simplicity of Italian cooking:

– Whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes

– Salt

3. For The Toppings

Now, let’s talk about what goes on top – the heroes that make each bite of your pizza a delicious masterpiece:

– Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

– Pepperoni slices

– Bell peppers, thinly sliced

– Red onion, thinly sliced

– Sliced black olives

– Fresh basil leaves

– Extra-virgin olive oil

– Grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

Tools You Need To Make Wood-Fired Pizza

In addition to the finest ingredients, crafting the perfect wood-fired pizza requires specialized tools that mimic the conditions of an authentic Italian pizzeria. Here’s what you need to get started:

1. A wood-fired pizza oven to achieve high temperatures and the characteristic smoky flavor

2. A pizza peel to safely place and remove pizzas from the oven

3. Infrared thermometer to precisely check the temperature of your pizza oven

4. A dough scraper for easily handling and cutting your pizza dough

5. Parchment paper for preparing and transporting dough balls

6. Sturdy mixing bowls for dough preparation

7. A stand mixer with a hook attachment, ideal for kneading pizza dough with ease

8. A wooden cutting board for slicing and serving your pizza

With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to handle the dough with expertise, cook your pizza to perfection, and serve it with pizzazz.

How To Make Wood-Fired Pizza?

Embarking on the journey of making the perfect wood-fired pizza recipe can be a thrilling experience, and we’re here to guide you through each step of the way:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by mixing bread flour, kosher salt, and instant/rapid-rise yeast with water in a stand mixer until it forms a smooth, elastic dough. Grease a large container with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4 hours.

Then, knead the dough for 30 seconds, return to the container, cover, and refrigerate for 18 hours to 3 days.

Step 2: Bring Dough To Room Temperature

Two to three hours before pizza-making, take the dough out of the fridge and divide it into 340-gram balls.

Put each dough ball in an oiled, small, and tightly covered container and let it sit to reach room temperature.

Step 3: Make The Tomato Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes and salt. Stir the mixture well and set aside for the flavors to meld, creating your simple yet classic pizza sauce.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

If using a home oven, place a pizza stone on both the bottom and top racks and preheat to the maximum temperature for at least an hour.

For a wood-fired oven, light the wood off to the side and preheat until the oven’s floor reaches 750°F (which can be verified using an infrared thermometer).

Step 5: Stretch The Dough

Flour your work surface generously and begin stretching the dough by rotating it while letting gravity do most of the work.

Once it’s about 10 inches in diameter, use both fists to gently pull and rotate until the dough is approximately 16 inches wide.

Step 6: Top Your Pizza

Lay the stretched dough on a floured surface and add the tomato sauce, followed by mozzarella, pepperoni, vegetables, and any other desired toppings.

Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Step 7: Bake The Pizza

Slide a floured pizza peel under the pizza, ensuring it’s free to move. Transfer it to your preheated oven-bake for about 5 minutes in a regular oven or 2 minutes in a wood-fired oven, rotating as necessary for even cooking.

Step 8: Serve With Style

Once the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, transfer the pizza to a wooden cutting board. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Slice, serve, and bask in the glory of your homemade wood-fired pizza!

Suggesting Sides For Your Wood-Fired Pizza

Complementing your wood-fired pizza with well-chosen sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Consider serving a crisp Caesar salad drizzled with homemade dressing and topped with crunchy croutons to add a fresh counterbalance to the richness of the pizza.

For a touch of indulgence, garlic bread, with its buttery goodness and aromatic flavor, makes an irresistible partner.

If you’re seeking something lighter, a platter of marinated olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers can offer a Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with any pizza variety.

And of course, no pizza meal is complete without a selection of Italian gelato flavors to cleanse the palate and delight your taste buds after the savory main course.

Some Tips For Wood-Fired Pizza Success

To ensure your wood-fired pizza turns out just right, here are some expert tips:

1. Maintain Consistent Oven Temperature

Regularly monitor the temperature inside your wood-fired oven using an infrared thermometer to maintain the perfect cooking environment for your pizza.

2. Use Quality Wood

Choose hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash for a consistent and long-lasting burn that will lend a subtle smoky flavor to your pizzas.

3. Hydrate Your Dough

Adequate hydration is key to achieving a dough that’s easy to stretch and results in a crisp crust. Aim for a hydration level of 55.5-62.5% for best results.

4. Rotate Your Pizza

For even cooking, give your pizza a quarter turn every 15 to 20 seconds using the peel. This is especially necessary in wood-fired ovens where the heat is more intense on one side.

5. Top Sparingly

Overloading your pizza with toppings can result in a soggy crust. Less is often more; use fresh, high-quality ingredients and spread them out lightly and evenly.

6. Let The Pizza Rest

After cooking, allow your pizza to sit for a minute or two on a wooden cutting board before cutting. This helps the crust to set and the cheese to distribute evenly.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the perfect wood-fired pizza in the comfort of your own home.

Conclusion

As we bring the art of the wood-fired pizza recipe to a close, we discover that the perfect pie is not just a meal, but a masterpiece of tradition and flavor. With the smoky essence of the firewood, the richness of quality toppings, and the camaraderie of shared culinary creation, the experience transcends the simple act of eating.

Each slice is a testament to the care, patience, and passion infused in every step.

So ignite your oven, gather your friends and family, and savor the unmatched taste of your wood-fired pizza, an edible emblem of rustic charm and gastronomic joy.

wood fired pizza

Wood-Fired Pizza

Embark on a culinary adventure from your own backyard with this authentic wood-fired pizza recipe that brings classic Italian flavors to life.
Prep Time 1 day 3 hours
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 day 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 pizzas

Ingredients
  

  • 1 batch of homemade pizza dough
  • Whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, mushrooms), sliced
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Semolina flour or cornmeal, for the pizza peel

Instructions
 

  • Follow the previously discussed steps for preparing the pizza dough, and let it ferment and rise accordingly.
  • Remove the dough from the refrigerator 2-3 hours before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
  • Make the tomato sauce by combining crushed San Marzano tomatoes with salt, then set aside.
  • Preheat your oven with pizza stones or steels in place at the highest temperature setting for an hour. Aim for a temperature of 750°F in a wood-fired oven.
  • Stretch out the chilled pizza dough to about 16 inches in diameter on a floured surface.
  • Top the pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, vegetables, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Use a pizza peel dusted with semolina or cornmeal to transfer the pizza to the oven. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles.
  • Allow the pizza to rest for a couple of minutes once out of the oven, then garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
  • Slice and serve hot straight from the oven.

Notes

Prep Time: 1 day for dough fermentation, 2-3 hours for dough to reach room temperature.
Cook Time: Approximately 5 minutes in a regular oven, and 2 minutes in a wood-fired oven.
 
Keyword wood fired pizza

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