How Do You Use A Pizza Oven For The First Time?
Who doesn’t love pizza? Especially when it’s freshly made, hot out of the oven with gooey cheese, and topped with a variety of mouth-watering toppings.
If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for an even better pizza experience. That’s why investing in a pizza oven was a no-brainer for me.
Once I got my hands on my pizza oven, I couldn’t wait to dive in and start baking. But, I soon realized that using a pizza oven is not as easy as it looks.
So, I researched, tried, and tested various methods of using a pizza oven. Today, I’m going to share with you my tips on how to use a pizza oven for the first time.
Get to know your pizza oven.
1. Get To Know Your Pizza Oven.
Before diving in headfirst, make sure to read the manual that comes with your pizza oven.
Don’t be like me who threw away the manual as soon as I got my hands on the oven. Trust me, it’s important to know the basics of your oven before using it.
Every pizza oven is different and has its own set of rules. Your manual will give you the proper instructions and cooking times for your oven.
2. Choosing The Right Wood/Heat.
The type of wood you use largely depends on personal preference. The most common types of wood for pizza oven are maple, oak, hickory, and mesquite.
However, not all woods are created equal. Make sure to choose a wood that is dry and has been aged for at least a year. You also need to be aware of the heat.
Too much heat, and your pizza will be overdone and burnt. Too little heat, and your pizza will be soggy. It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
3. Using A Pizza Peel
The pizza peel is a chef’s best friend. It’s a wooden tool with a flat paddle-like surface that allows you to easily move your pizza in and out of the oven.
Make sure to sprinkle flour or cornmeal on the peel surface to prevent the pizza from sticking to it. Slide the peel underneath the pizza and gently place it inside the oven. Use the peel to adjust the pizza’s position if necessary.
4. Watch The Pizza Cook
Now that your pizza is in the oven, it’s important to keep a watchful eye on it. Your pizza oven can cook a pizza in as little as 90 seconds, so timing is everything.
Make sure to keep the door shut while the pizza is cooking to maintain heat consistency. You can use a pizza peel or tongs to rotate the pizza if needed.
Once you see the edges turn golden brown and the cheese starts to bubble, your pizza is ready.
5. Rest & Slice Your Pizza
Once your pizza is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into slices. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut without the toppings falling off. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to carefully slice your pizza into wedges.
Using a pizza oven for the first time can be quite intimidating. But with a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be making mouth-watering pizzas in no time.
Remember to get to know your pizza oven, choose the right wood/heat, use a pizza peel, watch the pizza cook, and rest and slice your pizza.
With these tips, you’ll be using your pizza oven like a pro in no time. So, go ahead and experiment with different toppings, sauces, and cheeses.
The world of pizza is your oyster!