The Top 4 Types Of Wood To Use In An Outdoor Wood Fired Pizza Oven For Optimal Taste

Not all woods are created equal when it comes to cooking pizza. In this article, we'll explore the top 4 types of wood to use in an outdoor wood fired pizza oven for optimal taste.

 

The Top 4 Types Of Wood For Outdoor Wood Fired Pizza Ovens

1. Oak

Oak is a popular choice for cooking pizza in a wood fired oven. It burns hot and slow, producing a long-lasting fire that can reach temperatures of up to 900°F. This high heat is essential for achieving that perfectly crisp crust and bubbly cheese that makes pizza so delicious. Oak also imparts a mild smoky flavor to the pizza, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Tips for using oak in your pizza oven

• Use seasoned oak that has been dried for at least 6 months to ensure it burns evenly and produces less smoke.
• Start with small pieces of oak and gradually add more as the fire builds.
• Use a mix of oak and other hardwoods for a more complex flavor.

2. Maple

Maple is another great option for cooking pizza in a wood fired oven. It burns hot and fast, reaching temperatures of up to 800°F. This high heat is perfect for cooking pizza quickly, which helps to keep the crust crisp and the toppings fresh. Maple also imparts a sweet and slightly smoky flavor to the pizza, which pairs well with savory toppings like bacon or sausage.

Tips for using maple in your pizza oven

• Use small pieces of maple to start the fire and gradually add larger pieces as the fire builds.
• Keep a close eye on the pizza when cooking with maple, as the high heat can cause the crust to burn quickly.
• Mix maple with other woods like cherry or apple for a more complex flavor profile.

3. Cherry

Cherry wood is a popular choice for smoking meats, but it's also great for cooking pizza in a wood fired oven. It burns hot and slow, producing a sweet and fruity smoke that imparts a unique flavor to the pizza. Cherry wood also burns cleanly, producing less ash and soot than other woods.

Tips for using cherry in your pizza oven

• Use small pieces of cherry to start the fire and gradually add larger pieces as the fire builds.
• Mix cherry with other hardwoods like oak or maple for a more complex flavor.
• Keep a close eye on the pizza when cooking with cherry, as it can burn quickly at high temperatures.

4. Apple

Apple wood is a popular choice for smoking meats, but it's also great for cooking pizza in a wood fired oven. It burns hot and slow, producing a sweet and slightly tart smoke that pairs well with fruit and vegetable toppings. Apple wood also imparts a mild smoky flavor to the pizza, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Tips for using apple in your pizza oven

• Use small pieces of apple to start the fire and gradually add larger pieces as the fire builds.
• Mix apple with other hardwoods like oak or cherry for a more complex flavor.
• Avoid using green apple wood, as it can produce a bitter taste.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some other types of wood that can be used in a wood fired pizza oven?

While oak, maple, cherry, and apple are some of the best woods to use for cooking pizza in a wood fired oven, there are other types of wood that can be used as well. Some other popular choices include hickory, pecan, mesquite, and alder.

Can I use wood pellets in a wood fired pizza oven?

Yes, wood pellets can be used in a wood fired pizza oven. However, it's important to make sure the pellets are food-grade and made from 100% natural wood. It's also important to note that wood pellets burn differently than traditional wood, so you may need to adjust your cooking times and temperatures accordingly.

Can I use wood chips in a wood fired pizza oven?

While wood chips can be used in a wood fired pizza oven, they are not recommended. Wood chips burn quickly and produce a lot of smoke, which can make it difficult to achieve the high temperatures needed to cook pizza properly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of wood is essential for cooking delicious pizza in a wood fired oven. Oak, maple, cherry, and apple are some of the best woods to use for optimal taste, but other woods can be used as well. By following these tips and experimenting with different woods, you can create a pizza with a unique flavor and texture that will keep your guests coming back for more. So fire up your wood fired pizza oven and start cooking!