Beyond Pizza: Exploring the Versatility of Your Woody Pizza Oven

Written by: Laura Kingford

|

|

Time to read 5 min

When you think of a pizza oven, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a bubbling, cheesy Margherita or a perfectly charred Neapolitan pizza. But what if we told you that your Woody Pizza Oven is capable of so much more? Today, we're delving into the incredible versatility of your trusty oven. Get ready to expand your culinary horizons as we explore some delectable alternatives to pizza.

Sounds Great! Where Do I Start?

 To unlock the full potential of your Woody Pizza Oven and explore diverse cooking methods, it's a smart move to explore essential tools and accessories. Some of these may already reside in your kitchen, ready to ignite your culinary imagination. Others could be valuable investments to elevate your pizza oven experience and maximise its versatility.

Pizza Peel

Luckily we’ve planned ahead and you’ll find this vital piece of kit included in your box! A pizza peel is essential for placing and removing pizzas, bread, and other dishes from your pizza oven. It helps you slide items in and out of the oven with ease.

 

Grill Grates

 For grilling and searing, consider adding grill grates to your pizza oven. These grates allow you to create beautiful grill marks on steaks, vegetables, and more.

 

Cast-Iron Skillet

A cast-iron skillet is perfect for roasting meats, vegetables, and even desserts in your pizza oven. It distributes heat evenly and can handle high temperatures. Remember to check the dimensions of the skillet before purchasing, to ensure that it fits inside the Woody Oven chamber.

 

Roasting Pan

A roasting pan with a rack is great for cooking larger cuts of meat, like whole chickens or roasts. The rack elevates the meat, allowing hot air to circulate evenly.

 

Baking Stone

Fortunately, your Woody Pizza Oven kit comes equipped with a baking stone, making it an integral part of your cooking arsenal. This stone is crucial for achieving uniform heat distribution, ensuring ideal baking conditions for bread and pastries.

 

Digital Thermometer

For accurate temperature readings and ensuring your meats are cooked to perfection, a digital meat thermometer is invaluable. You can check out our digital thermometer here for the perfect complement to your Woody Pizza Oven.

 

Long-Handled Tongs

Tongs are useful for turning and flipping items in your pizza oven, whether you're grilling, searing, or roasting.

 

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves are essential for safety. They allow you to handle hot items in the oven, such as pizza peels and grill grates, without burning your hands.

 

Accessories for Baking

 If you plan to bake, consider parchment paper, a rolling pin, and pastry brushes for applying glazes or oils to your baked goods.

 

Slicing and Serving Tools

Ensure you have sharp knives, carving forks, and serving platters for preparing and presenting your cooked dishes.

By having these tools on hand, you'll be well-equipped to explore the versatility of your Woody Pizza Oven and create a wide range of dishes beyond just pizza. Remember to prioritise safety and enjoy the process of mastering your outdoor cooking skills.

Cooking versatility is one of the remarkable benefits of choosing the Woody Oven, due to the option of either wood or gas-fired cooking, should you choose the gas attachment add-on. The wood-fired option infuses dishes with a delightful smoky flavour, perfect for pizzas, roasts, and smoked meats. On the other hand, the gas attachment offers precise temperature control, ideal for baking bread and pastries, as well as grilling and roasting. 

 

This multi-fuel oven delivers exceptional results, allowing you to explore a world of culinary possibilities from the comfort of your own garden, or many other outdoor spaces. Whether you're craving a wood-fired pizza or a delicately baked dessert, the Woody Oven is your ticket to culinary excellence.

Grilled Delights

Your Woody Pizza Oven isn't just for baking; it's a fantastic grill too! With its wood-fired charm, it imparts a unique smoky flavour to your dishes. One of the best ways to experience this is with wood-fired grilled vegetables. Here's a recipe to get you started:

Wood-Fired Grilled Vegetables with Herb-Infused Olive Oil

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

40-50 minutes

Servings

4

Category

Main Course

Origin

Italy

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken
  • Lemons
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Method

Step 1

Prepare your Woody Pizza Oven for grilling by preheating using your chosen fuel source.

Step 2

While the oven heats up, chop your vegetables into grill-friendly pieces.

Step 3

Brush the herb-infused olive oil generously over the vegetables. This will prevent sticking.

Step 4

Place the vegetables on the grill grates of your pizza oven.

Step 5

Grill until they're tender and slightly charred, turning them occasionally for even cooking.

Step 6

Serve your wood-fired grilled vegetables with a drizzle of the remaining herb-infused olive oil or Hot Honey.

The result? Smoky, charred perfection that elevates your vegetable game to new heights.

Roasting Excellence

If you haven't roasted in your Woody Pizza Oven yet, you're in for a treat. The intense heat and even distribution ensure a roast that's succulent on the inside and crispy on the outside. Try this recipe for a wood-fired roast chicken:

Wood-Fired Roast Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

5-6 minutes

Servings

2-4

Category

Main Course

Origin

Italy

Ingredients

Step 1

Preheat your pizza oven for roasting. Place a roasting pan or tray inside the oven at the desired height from the flames. The height will determine the intensity of the heat on your food. You can also add a roasting rack inside the pan if needed.

Step 2

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.

Step 3

Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves and fresh thyme sprigs.

Step 4

Tie the chicken's legs together with kitchen twine.

Step 5

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.

Step 6

Place the chicken on a roasting pan or a cast-iron skillet.

Step 7

Roast in your pizza oven until the skin is crispy, and the chicken's internal temperature reaches a safe level.


Let it rest before carving.

Perfectly Seared Steaks

Do you love a perfectly seared steak with grill marks and a mouthwatering aroma? Your pizza oven can deliver just that. Try this recipe for wood-fired steaks with garlic herb butter:

Wood-Fired Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

40-50 minutes

Servings

4

Category

Main Course

Origin

Italy

Ingredients

  • Thick-cut steaks
  • Butter
  • Fresh garlic
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper

Method

Step 1

Preheat your pizza oven for high-heat cooking.

Step 2

Season the steaks with salt and pepper.

Step 3

In a pan, melt the butter and add minced garlic and fresh herbs.

Step 4

Sear the steaks in your pizza oven until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Step 5

Brush the steaks with the garlic herb butter while they're still hot.


Let them rest before slicing.

Sweet Treats

Did you know your pizza oven can satisfy your sweet tooth too? Bake desserts like wood-fired apple crisp, or a tear and share cinnamon roll bread, and enjoy the perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavours.

Catering to Different Tastes

One of the most remarkable things about your Woody Pizza Oven is its ability to cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or have gluten sensitivities, there's a delicious dish waiting for you.

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the versatile world of your Woody Pizza Oven. From grilling and roasting to baking and searing, it's more than just a pizza maker. Now, it's your turn to get creative and explore the endless culinary possibilities. Share your culinary adventures and tag us in your Woody Oven creations!