What Else Can You Cook In an Ooni Pizza Oven?

By Robert Parsons March 15th, 2023

Are you the proud owner of a pizza oven? Congratulations on taking your cooking to the next level! With an Ooni pizza oven, you’re not confined just to cooking pizzas—you can create a delicious range of meals in your outdoor kitchen.

From flame-grilled vegetables to succulent roasts, there is almost no limit to what you can make with one of these sophisticated and stylish outdoor appliances. Keep reading as we explore some exciting dishes that will broaden your culinary horizons and utilize all the features of this amazing appliance.

Can you cook other things in Ooni pizza ovens?

Yes, you can! You might be surprised to learn that your Ooni pizza oven can do so much more than just cook mouthwatering pizzas. In fact, this versatile kitchen tool can help you prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes, perfect for impressing your friends and family during gatherings or simply adding some pizzazz to your everyday cooking.

Here are some scrumptious dishes that you can create with your Ooni pizza oven:

Baked salmon

Using your Ooni pizza oven to cook a succulent baked salmon filet is a fantastic way to elevate your outdoor cooking game. Follow these detailed, easy instructions to enjoy a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality meal cooked in the comfort of your own backyard.

Fire up your Ooni pizza oven: To begin, ignite the flame in your Ooni oven according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you have enough fuel, whether it be wood or gas, to sustain a high temperature throughout the cooking process. Wait patiently for the temperature to rise, and keep an eye on the oven’s thermometer to monitor the heat.

Preheat the pizza stone: In order to ensure even cooking and a slightly crisp exterior on your salmon, it’s essential to preheat the pizza stone. Using an infrared thermometer, carefully check the stone’s temperature, aiming for at least 500°F (260°C). Preheating will typically take around 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven’s efficiency.

Season your salmon filet: While the stone is heating, prepare the salmon filet by patting it dry with a paper towel, then lay it skin-side down on a cast-iron skillet or a similar high-heat-safe, flat surface. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt evenly over the top of the filet to enhance its natural flavour. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the salmon, ensuring that every part of the filet is coated in zesty citrus. Next, place 3-5 pats of butter on top of the fish, distributing them evenly. Finally, arrange 3-5 lemon slices over the filet for added flavour and visual appeal.

Cook the salmon in the Ooni oven: Carefully slide the prepared skillet with the salmon onto the preheated pizza stone inside the oven. Close the oven door to retain heat and check the salmon regularly to avoid overcooking. Depending on the thickness of the salmon filet, it should take about 8-12 minutes to cook fully. You can do this by inserting a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the filet, ensuring to not touch the bone, and waiting for it to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This will ensure your salmon is safely cooked and deliciously moist on the inside.

Rest and serve: Once the salmon has reached its desired internal temperature, use heat-resistant gloves to carefully remove the skillet from the Ooni oven. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes, allowing the heat to redistribute and the flavours to meld. This will make for a more enjoyable eating experience. Plate the salmon and serve immediately, perhaps with a side of steamed or grilled vegetables and a glass of crisp white wine.

Chicken thighs

The Ooni pizza oven, designed to reach temperatures of up to 932°F (500°C), provides the perfect environment for cooking succulent, juicy chicken thighs with a crisp, golden exterior. By harnessing this high heat, the oven quickly sears the meat, locking in flavour and preventing dryness, while still efficiently cooking it through.

To get started, select your favourite marinade or dry rub for added depth of flavour. Once you’ve got your thighs coated, it’s important to let them rest for a while. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more savoury taste experience. While the chicken sits, preheat your Ooni pizza oven, allowing it to come up to the ideal cooking temperature – a process that takes mere minutes thanks to the oven’s efficiency and heat retention.

Now, with your pizza oven preheated and your chicken thighs at the ready, simply place them in a heatproof dish, such as a cast iron skillet, or directly onto the pizza stone. This will ensure even heat distribution and help create that perfect, crispy skin. To make the most of your Ooni oven’s capabilities, you can also use it to impart some smoky flavour – a feature not found in traditional ovens – by adding a handful of wood chips or pellets.

The best part? Cooking chicken thighs in the Ooni pizza oven doesn’t take long at all. In 10-15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, tender thighs your guests will rave about. However, always remember to check internal temperatures with a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Steak

Imagine the incredible taste and tenderness of a perfectly cooked steak, seared and juicy, cooked just the way you like it. Now, picture achieving this exquisite culinary delight with unparalleled ease and efficiency. Introducing the Ooni pizza oven, a versatile cooking tool that will elevate your outdoor dining experience by enabling you to cook not only delicious wood-fired pizzas but also succulent steak.

The Ooni pizza oven is designed to provide consistent, high heat essential for cooking the perfect steak. With a cooking temperature that can reach up to 900˚F (482˚C), your steak will be seared to perfection with those coveted grill marks that make your taste buds tingle. The wood-fired capabilities create a unique smoky flavour and aroma that will transport your senses to a renowned steakhouse.

Setting up the Ooni pizza oven for steak cooking is a breeze. Simply preheat the oven using wood or gas (depending on the model) and place the cooking grates or cast-iron skillet inside the oven. This will ensure a sizzling surface that’s perfect for searing steak. As the oven heats up, you can monitor the temperature using the thermometer built into Ooni devices, guaranteeing an optimal cooking temperature.

Once your Ooni pizza oven reaches the desired temperature, you can place your steak directly on the preheated grates or pan, ensuring that you hear that satisfying sizzle as it cooks. The high heat will give your steak a beautifully charred crust and the temperature retained in the cast iron will guarantee an evenly cooked interior. Depending on your preference for steak doneness, you can cook your steak for as little as 2 minutes per side for rare, to up to 4 minutes per side for well done.

As with any steak cooking method, be sure to let your masterpiece rest for a few minutes after you remove it from the Ooni pizza oven. This will allow the juices inside the steak to redistribute, providing you with a tender and flavorful eating experience. Feel free to experiment with different cuts, seasonings, and marinades to further enhance your culinary expertise.

Salsa

To cook an exquisite salsa using the Ooni pizza oven, begin by selecting your ingredients carefully. Opt for ripe and vibrant tomatoes, such as roma or plum varieties, which will provide the optimal balance of sweetness and acidity. You can easily customize your salsa with your choice of chili peppers, depending on your preferred heat level. Consider using jalapeños or serrano peppers for a mild kick, or habanero or ghost peppers for a much spicier version. Don’t forget to add bell peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt to round out the flavour profile.

Once you have prepared your ingredients, simply arrange them in a cast-iron skillet or a heat-resistant dish. Place the dish into your preheated Ooni pizza oven, and let the magic happen. As the vegetables roast and char in high heat, they will release their natural sugars, resulting in caramelization that adds a deep, smoky flavour to your salsa. The high temperature also allows for efficient cooking, so your vibrant salsa will be ready in mere minutes.

Keep a close eye on your salsa and remove it from the Ooni when the vegetables are charred to your liking. Allow the ingredients to cool for a few minutes, then blend or finely chop them to your desired consistency. Finish by adjusting the seasoning to your taste.

Dinner rolls

Start with a tried-and-true dinner roll recipe, modifying it slightly for the elevated heat of your Ooni pizza oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) by lighting wood, or charcoal, or using a gas attachment, just as you would for pizza. Be sure to monitor the temperature, as the ovens heat quickly and can reach up to 932°F (500°C) within minutes. It’s important to maintain a consistent heat source for even baking and a perfectly tender crumb.

While your oven is preheating, prepare your dough and form your rolls. An Artisan bread-style recipe, with a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, with a little honey for a touch of sweetness would work perfectly. Once your dinner rolls are shaped and your oven has reached the desired temperature, transfer them to a cast iron skillet, lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. When cooking, you’ll want to rotate the skillet frequently to ensure an even, golden-brown crust that doesn’t overcook on any one side.

Generally, dinner rolls baked in the Ooni pizza oven will be ready in about 8-15 minutes, depending on the size and dough type. Keep a close eye on your creations, occasionally lifting one of the rolls to check the bottom for scorching. The ideal result will yield a tender interior, slightly crispy on the outside, and with just the right hint of smoky flavour, infused throughout the baking process.

Baked shrimp

Traditional methods of cooking shrimp, such as sauteing or grilling, can often lead to uneven cooking or, worse, dried-out and rubbery shrimp. However, the quick, even heat distribution provided by the Ooni pizza oven can cook your shrimp to perfection in just two to three minutes.

To achieve the best results, skewer your shrimp and place them directly on the Ooni oven’s stone baking board. You can also use a perforated pizza peel or a cast iron skillet designed for the Ooni oven. Toss your shrimp in your choice of seasonings, such as a spicy Cajun rub, a zesty lemon-garlic marinade, or any other flavour combination you desire. The Ooni oven’s high heat will intensify these flavours as the shrimp cook, resulting in a truly delicious entreé or appetizer.

To add an extra layer of taste and texture, consider serving your Ooni-cooked shrimp with a side of homemade pizza crust. The same dough you use for your pizzas can be rolled out and partially baked in the Ooni oven, creating crispy bread ready to absorb the rich flavours of your perfectly seasoned shrimp. Alternatively, add your cooked shrimp to a freshly made pizza for a topping that will make your guests eager for more.

Roasted veggies

Using an Ooni pizza oven to cook delicious roasted veggies is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, as you create a nutritious and mouth-watering dish right in your own backyard. Follow these steps with precision, and you will impress your guests and loved ones with an impeccably cooked side dish.

First, ensure your Ooni pizza oven is properly set up according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Find a suitable, sturdy surface to place your oven, away from any flammable materials. Once you have the ideal location, connect the oven to a propane gas or wood-fueled source, depending on the model you own. Hook up only high-quality hoses and attachments to prevent accidents.

Now, before igniting the flames, gather your aromatic and wholesome vegetables. Consider using a mix of colourful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant presentation. Slice the vegetables into even pieces to ensure consistent roasting results across the board.

To season your veggies, blend together herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, which work harmoniously with an Ooni pizza oven’s intense heat. Toss your vegetables in a generous drizzle of olive oil, taking care to coat them evenly. Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to heighten flavours. Once they are well-seasoned, set your veggies aside, waiting for the oven to achieve its optimal roasting temperature.

Ignite your Ooni pizza oven to start preheating the cooking surface. Let the radiant heat inside the chamber reach 450-500°F (232-260°C). This process should take around 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, ensuring it remains consistent during preheating.

While waiting for the oven to warm up, grab a perforated roasting pan or sheet to place your vegetables on. The perforations will facilitate heat circulation and even cooking. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, patiently slide your roasting pan or sheet inside the oven. Do so with caution as the heat may feel intense.

Cook your vegetables for around 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to guarantee that all sides are perfectly roasted. Observe the charred bits on the vegetables — a characteristic of delightful, roasted vegetables produced by an Ooni pizza oven.

When your vegetables are tender and slightly crispy, remove the pan from the oven using heat-resistant gloves. Allow them to cool off for a few minutes before plating.

Your delicious roasted vegetables cooked in an Ooni pizza oven are now ready to serve. Enjoy them as a side or with a refreshing dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Conclusion

You’ve learned just how much your Ooni pizza oven can do. Not only can you make pizzas that are as delicious as any restaurant’s, but you can also use your Ooni to cook up a smorgasbord of exciting dishes.

With your newfound knowledge, say goodbye to boring cooking days and create some delectable culinary experiences with ease! Why not find some recipes online today, fire up the Ooni and get cooking? After all, anything is possible when you have an Ooni pizza oven in your kitchen.