An outdoor pizza oven provides a unique way to cook and to entertain. Hosting an outdoor pizza party is a simple way to entertain that requires very little prep and very little cleanup. Before you have a backyard full of hungry guests, however, there are a few things you should know about cooking in an outdoor pizza oven.
1. You have to give the oven time to heat up. Depending on the size of your oven, you’ll need to start your fire 45 minutes to 1-½ hours before you’re ready to begin cooking. These ovens require a little time to get hot.
2. You need the right tools. Once your oven heats up, the temperature will be between 500 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Buy a professional pizza peel for taking pizza into and out of the oven. These are available in wood or aluminum. It’s also a good idea to buy a hand held laser thermometer. These give a great reading of the oven’s temperature from a safe distance.
3. Your pizza will be done quickly. Once your pizza reaches 500-700 degrees, you can cook a pizza in less than five minutes. Depending on the size of your oven, you may be able to cook two pizzas side by side at the same time.
4. You get a healthier pizza. Because your outdoor pizza oven cooks the pizza so quickly, the vegetables retain more of their nutrients and anti-oxidants. So, be certain to load your pizza up with veggies.
Once you’ve become accustomed to cooking in your outdoor pizza oven, you’ll find it’s one of the easiest and most fun ways to cook a meal. During the warm summer months, you’ll have great times sharing pizzas in your garden with family and friends.
