There’s nothing like a homemade pizza cooked in an outdoor pizza oven during the summer. The intense heat of the pizza oven creates a crispy, golden crust while cooking the toppings to perfection. Whether you’re making classic margherita, veggie-loaded, or a custom pie, this is the perfect way to enjoy pizza in the fresh air. Plus, the outdoor pizza oven gives your pizza that amazing smoky flavour you can't get from an indoor oven.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Pizza Recipe:
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Crispy Crust: The high heat of the outdoor pizza oven makes the crust perfectly crispy, with a light char on the edges.
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Quick Cooking Time: With the pizza oven, your pizza cooks in just a few minutes, leaving you with a hot, fresh pie in no time.
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Smoky Flavour: The wood-fired heat adds a wonderful smokiness that makes each bite even more flavourful.
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Perfect for Summer: This is a great recipe for summer nights, outdoor gatherings, or even just a fun family meal.
Recipe: Summer Pizza in an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Makes: 2 pizzas
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5–7 mins per pizza
Total Time: 25 mins (for both pizzas)
Ingredients:
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1 batch of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 cup pizza sauce (your favourite variety)
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1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil leaves (optional for topping)
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup sliced red onion
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Olive oil, for brushing
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional toppings: pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 10–12 inches in diameter. If you're using store-bought dough, it should already be at room temperature, making it easier to stretch.
Step 2: Preheat the Pizza Oven
Preheat your outdoor pizza oven to around 700°F (370°C), which is the ideal temperature for cooking pizzas. This high heat ensures a quick cook time, giving you a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. If you're using a wood-fired pizza oven, let the fire burn down to an even heat before cooking.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Place your rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a flat surface dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce across the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges for the crust. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, and top with cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and any other toppings you prefer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bake in the Pizza Oven
Carefully slide the pizza into the preheated outdoor pizza oven. Bake for about 5–7 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure an even cook. The crust should be golden and crisp, and the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven using the pizza peel. Top with fresh basil leaves (if desired) and slice it up while it’s hot. Serve immediately!
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with a light salad, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, for a fresh meal.
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Serve with some garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete summer feast.
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Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine, beer, or sparkling water.
Cooking Tip:
Outdoor pizza ovens cook quickly due to their high heat, so keep an eye on your pizza to prevent it from burning. If you’re making multiple pizzas, you can prep them ahead of time and cook them one by one. Using a pizza peel will help you transfer the pizza in and out of the oven easily.
These summer pizzas are full of fresh ingredients and bold flavours, all thanks to the heat and smoky flavour from the outdoor pizza oven. It’s the perfect way to bring a bit of Italy into your backyard this summer. Enjoy every crispy, delicious bite!