What can you cook in a pizza oven? (20+ great ideas)

By Robert Parsons March 14th, 2023

Are you inspired by the thought of cooking in an outdoor pizza oven, but wondering what else – besides pizzas – can be cooked in one? This guide is for you! Uncover the delicious possibilities that using a pizza oven could bring to your outdoor meals and impress even the most discerning foodies.

Discover tangy grilled fish recipes and golden-crusted pies made with fresh ingredients straight from your garden or local farmer’s market. Find out how a simple wood-fueled pizza oven will help you create flavoursome dishes with ease, no matter your level of culinary expertise. It’s time to get creative.

What you need to know about cooking other foods with your pizza oven

Cooking other foods in your pizza oven is fun. But there are things you need to remember to make that happen. The temperature range for different types of dishes can vary drastically, so it’s important to adjust the temperature accordingly. For example, slow-cooked meats require a lower temperature around 90 to 120 degrees Celsius, while pizza needs a much hotter temperature of 370 to 400 degrees Celsius. 

It’s also important to ensure that the cookware you use is able to stand the heat of the oven. Some materials like glass or earthenware may not be suitable for direct heat and could crack under high temperatures. Cast iron should be heated more slowly than other materials.

When cooking with a wood-fired pizza oven, it’s also important to maintain proper airflow and ventilation. This will ensure complete combustion and an even temperature throughout the cooking chamber. If your pizza oven is equipped with vents or air intakes, make sure they are open when you want higher temperatures and closed when you need lower temperatures.

Interesting dishes (besides pizzas) you can cook in your oven

Steaks

You can cook more than pizza in a pizza oven; steaks are another delicious option. The intense heat of the oven will lock in the steak’s natural flavours and juices, creating a juicy, succulent cut that’s hard to beat. Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonings and herbs to enhance the flavour profile of your steaks. The wide temperature range of a pizza oven makes it easy to cook your steak to the perfect level of doneness—whether you prefer rare or well done. Plus, you don’t have to worry about flare-ups from fat dripping down onto an open flame like with a traditional grill. Plus, if you add wood chips during cooking time, you’ll get just the right amount of smokiness for an unforgettable meal.

BBQ ribs

For starters, the intense heat allows great caramelization to take place on the exterior of the ribs, creating a crispy and smoky bark that’s packed with flavour. As the ribs cook slowly through indirect heat, they’ll become increasingly tender and juicy with their zesty rubs and glazes. The pizza oven’s slightly smoky flavour will also penetrate into the meat itself, making each bite more flavorful than usual. 

Whether it’s savoury baby back ribs or succulent spare ribs, no arena is better equipped to bring out their best than a wood-fired pizza oven. With precise temperatures and consistent indirect cooking heat, you can guarantee your guests an unforgettable experience with BBQ ribs cooked in your own wood-fired oven!

Focaccia

Cooking Focaccia in a pizza oven is an ideal way to bring out its authentic Mediterranean flavours. The high temperatures of the oven allow the bread to develop a golden-brown crust. At the same time, the intense heat enables it to cook quickly, without drying out its fluffy interior. Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil and traditional herbs like rosemary, oregano, garlic, and thyme for an unforgettable flavour experience. The open flame of the wood-fired pizza oven radiates intense heat that penetrates the bread dough. This creates an outer crust with an unmistakable smoky aroma. Cooking focaccia in a pizza oven also helps retain its pleasant texture by keeping it moist while focusing on its distinctive flavours.

Roasted veggies

To start, simply wrap your favourite veggies in foil, season with herbs and spices of your choice, and place on the hot coals left over from the pizza fire. The high temperature of the coals will lock in the flavours of your freshly-picked produce while roasting it to perfection. There’s no better way to enjoy garden-fresh vegetables than with the smoky, charred flavour provided by a pizza oven! Roasted vegetables are easy to customize too; experiment with different spice combinations such as cumin and chili powder or dried oregano and garlic for an unforgettable flavour experience.

Seasoned chips

Cooking seasoned potato chips in a pizza oven is surprisingly easy and delicious! The high temperatures of the oven allow for the chips to become perfectly crisp while flavouring them with delicious seasonings. Plus, the pizza oven gives the chips a lightly charred flavour that can’t be achieved with other cooking methods. Simply spread your favourite potato chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle generously with your chosen seasoning, and place in the preheated pizza oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on the chips so they don’t burn. When finished, transfer to a plate or bowl and enjoy freshly-cooked seasoned potato chips straight from the pizza oven!

Cheesecake

You can make delicious Basque burnt cheesecake in a pizza oven! This traditional dish, found in the Basque nation that straddles the western coasts of northern Spain and southern France, is made with high heat to create an exterior that is crisp, crackly, and caramelized while maintaining a soft interior. All you need is some cream cheese, cream, eggs and sugar to whip together this delicious dessert. To get the perfect charring effect on your cheesecake, place it directly onto your pizza oven’s grates to easily control the temperature. This will help ensure the outside is roasty and golden brown while the inside remains creamy. Enjoy this delectable treat as a sweet finish to any dinner or as its own special dessert – either way you won’t be disappointed!

Ciabatta bread

Cooking Ciabatta bread in a pizza oven is the perfect way to get that perfect crunchy crust and oh-so-airy crumb. Not only does the intense heat of a pizza oven produce an incredibly satisfying crunch, but the steam from all that delicious dough rising can give your loaf that beautiful rise you’re looking for. Plus, it’s easy to add some pizzazz by adding flavours such as sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, and even cheese directly into the middle of the dough before firing it off in your pizza oven. The result? A scrumptious savoury loaf that will make your taste buds dance with delight! So don’t hesitate – grab your rolling pin and let’s get this ciabatta party started!

Naan

You don’t have to give up on the traditional flavours of Naan bread just because you don’t have a clay oven. You can still make delicious Naan in your pizza oven. In fact, it’s the same way that Persians were making this wonderful bread back in 1300 AD! All you need is some high heat and you’ll be ready to enjoy the soft and fluffy consistency of classic Indian Naan bread. The key to a good naan is getting the heat right in your pizza oven – it should be hot enough to get that crisp golden-brown colour on the outside but not too hot or else it will burn. When cooked correctly, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing combination of chewy texture, charred edges, and a slightly smoky flavour. Serve it up with some spicy tikka masala or other curries and enjoy a taste of authentic Indo-Persian cuisine any day of the week!

Roasted corn

If you’re looking for the ultimate way to elevate your summer corn feast, look no further than roasting it in a pizza oven! This delicious method will lend a smoky, wood-fired flavour that can’t be replicated by any other cooking technique. Plus, when you roast the cob with the husk on, it helps keep the corn succulent and tender. All you have to do is heat your pizza oven to the optimal temperature – typically between 260°C and 320°C – place your cobs in there and wait for about 15 minutes before enjoying. You can also cook BBQ ribs in your pizza oven alongside your roasted corn to complete the perfect summer meal. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of sea salt or some butter before serving.

Bananas foster

You don’t need to be a master chef to cook up something special in your pizza oven. You can easily whip up an amazing dessert like Bananas Foster that will wow your family and friends. The flame from the pizza oven caramelizes the bananas perfectly and gives them that show-stopping flambe effect. All you need is some banana liqueur, rum, and a cast iron pan. With just a slight tip of the pan in the pizza oven you get that ‘poof’ of flame, turning your Bananas Foster into an incredible experience. And it doesn’t take long either – a few minutes in the heat of the pizza oven is all you need for a delicious, restaurant-quality dessert that will have everyone wanting more!

Cinnamon rolls

You can make the best cinnamon rolls in a pizza oven! The intense heat of a wood-fired oven caramelizes the sugar and creates a golden crust that’s both crispy and chewy. Plus, you can take advantage of using some of your leftover pizza dough and roll it out thinly before sprinkling on topping like crushed pecans, chocolate spread or raisins. You can even get creative with other ingredients like chopped apples or dried cranberries. The aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in a pizza oven is heavenly; nothing compares to the smell of freshly made treats! When they are finished baking, the outside is crisp and slightly caramelized while the inside is tender, fluffy and filled with flavour. So next time you fire up your pizza oven, don’t forget to make some delicious cinnamon rolls too!

Grilled shrimps

Start by heating up the oven to give your ingredients the perfect amount of heat and flavour. Once preheated, set aside some olive oil to saute garlic, shallot and fennel in a cast iron skillet. When those are sizzling, season some shrimp with salt and pepper before placing them onto the grill grate over the hot coals. As they cook, they will be infused with the flavours from all of the ingredients in your skillet creating an amazing combination that’s sure to impress! Make sure to keep an eye on it as it cooks so you don’t overcook it or burn it. The result is succulent grilled shrimp combined with sweet tomatoes, briny capers and fresh basil leaves for an unbeatable flavour profile that you won’t find anywhere else!

Pulled pork

The high temperature of the pizza oven sears the outside of the pork shoulder while slow cooking it from within. This cooking technique creates a tender, juicy pulled pork that will be sure to delight everyone at your dinner table. Plus, since the pizza oven is so hot, it’s the perfect environment for creating deep, complex flavours. Pulled pork cooked in a pizza oven has an irresistible smokiness and a lusciously caramelized flavour that other cooking methods simply can’t match.

S’more

If you’re looking for a delicious way to upgrade your classic summer treat, nothing beats cooking S’mores in a pizza oven. With the intense heat and even heating of a wood-fired oven, you’ll get that perfect level of fire-kissed toast on the marshmallow every time. And when combined with the chocolate and graham cracker, it results in an unforgettable gooey, chocolatey concoction that will leave you wanting more. Plus, wood-fired pizza ovens cook much faster than the traditional S’mores method, so you can enjoy this delicious treat in minutes.

Roasted potatoes

In a pizza oven, you can also cook Roasted potatoes that are expertly cooked to perfection. The high-heat environment of the pizza oven creates an amazing crust that is golden brown and delightfully crunchy without drying out the inside. In addition, the intense heat helps to caramelize the outsides of each potato creating a buttery, savoury flavour. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavour even further – rosemary and thyme complement roasted potatoes perfectly! When done right, these roasted potatoes will not only be irresistibly delicious but also a visual treat as well.

Fishes

Baking fish in a pizza oven is one of the most flavorful ways to cook this delicate protein. Not only does it preserve moisture and flavour, but you can also get creative with seasonings and pairings. From salmon to mahi mahi, a pizza oven can accommodate all types of fish, including whole or filleted cuts. To make sure your fish comes out succulent and delicious, consider using a cedar plank that has been soaked in water beforehand so as to retain moisture when cooking. Alternatively, wrapping the fish in foil is another good way to keep it juicy while baking. Adding herbs and spices will bring out astounding flavours in your dish and make the most of your time spent in the kitchen. With a pizza oven, you can have a delicious meal in no time at all!

Turkey

Cooking a turkey in a pizza oven is an amazing way to get that signature crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. The intense heat from the wood-fueled flames creates a unique flavour you simply can’t get any other way. To cook your turkey just right, place it either lying down if it will fit comfortably or upright on a tray. Low and slow is the name of the game here so keep an eye on the temperature and baste regularly to make sure the skin isn’t getting too much exposure to the heat. Once it’s done, you’ll be converted for life! The combination of tender, juicy meat and crunchy, golden skin is truly something special.

Casserole

Casseroles turn out especially delicious in a pizza oven because the high temperatures help the ingredients to caramelize and give the dish an unparalleled flavour. The indirect heat of a pizza oven also helps keep moisture locked in, ensuring your casseroles are never dry or burnt. Additionally, a pizza oven’s convection capabilities allow heat to circulate around the dish evenly for perfectly cooked meals each time.

Ratatouille

You can also cook delicious Ratatouille in a pizza oven! This traditional French dish is prepared with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. The vegetables are cut into small cubes and sautéed with garlic and herbs to create a flavorful mixture. The cooked vegetables are then placed in the pizza oven and baked until they are crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Enjoy this classic Provençal dish with crisp crusty bread or over pasta for an unforgettable meal.

Brownies

You can bake delicious, gooey brownies in a pizza oven! The even heat of the oven will ensure your brownies are cooked through and evenly crisp on the top. Plus, you’ll get that irresistible smoky flavour from the wood-fire, for a unique dessert every time. To ensure success with your brownie baking, it’s important to keep an eye on them in the oven. A good rule of thumb is to check them after about 15 minutes of cooking since pizza ovens tend to run hotter than conventional ovens. It’s also a good idea to rotate them for even cooking. And make sure you keep an eye out for burning, as high temperatures can burn your brownies quickly.

Hot dogs

Cooking hot dogs in a pizza oven can be a great way to achieve that perfect char while adding a unique flavour. By starting with a high-quality, kosher frankfurter and using the intense heat from the pizza oven, you’ll get juicy and flavorful sausages that are perfectly cooked throughout. To take it up another notch, add some exotic toppings like kimchi, pickled onions, chimichurri or pesto to really elevate your hot dog experience. Grate some cotija cheese over your finished creation for extra creaminess and depth of flavour. With just a few simple steps you can make an incredibly delicious wiener – no food truck required!

Lamb meat

Cooking lamb in a pizza oven gives it that unbeatable flavour and texture. The searing heat of the fire produces an incredibly juicy, tender interior with a crispy outer edge. Plus, the smoky aroma that’s produced as the meat is cooked on the open flame is truly mouth-watering. With a pizza oven, you can cook more than just pizzas—the indirect heat is great for cooking roasts, shanks and chops. You can even use a rotisserie attachment to turn whole cuts of lamb into succulent dishes everyone will love.

Conclusion

To sum up, the possibilities for getting creative in the kitchen with a pizza oven are truly endless. No matter what kind of dish you’re hoping to master, you can now find success and satisfaction with just one appliance. Both newbies and experienced culinary professionals alike can benefit from the advantages that this cooking tool provides. If you want to experience all the flavours, textures and ultra-crisp results that a pizza oven offers, then jump right in; the rewards are well worth it! Life is too short to not be experimenting with delicious recipes on a regular basis. So fire up your trusty pizza oven and let your mouth water as you imagine all of the delectable meals that await you in your own backyard.