Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these mouthwatering smoky wood-fired oven recipes! There’s something special about gathering around the table for a meal cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The flavors are rich, the aromas are tantalizing, and the memories are unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this collection of 20 recipes will guide you through the process of cooking up a storm in your very own wood-fired oven. From classic pizzas to savory meats and delectable desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In this article, we’ll explore the art of wood-fired cooking and share our favorite recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. So, let’s get started!
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil
Experience the simplicity and flavor of Italy’s classic pizza recipe, elevated by the smoky goodness of a wood-fired oven. This recipe yields a perfectly cooked crust topped with sweet, creamy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) high-protein flour
– 625ml water
– 10g active dry yeast
– 20g salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat the wood-fired oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water, kneading until dough forms.
3. Let dough rest for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape.
5. Place the dough on a wooden peel or pizza stone dusted with cornmeal.
6. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.
8. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoky Wood-Oven Roasted Whole Chicken
Perfectly roasted whole chickens infused with smoky flavors from the wood oven are a staple of many outdoor cooking gatherings. This recipe brings together the simplicity of roasting with the added depth of smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of hardwood, such as apple or hickory)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in the wood oven and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the wood chips to the oven to infuse the chicken with smoky flavors.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Charred Wood-Fired Vegetable Medley
Charred Wood-Fired Vegetable Medley
Get ready to experience the smoky flavors of a wood-fired oven with this vibrant vegetable medley!
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 medium bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large red onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potato, zucchinis, bell peppers, and red onion.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Place the vegetable medley on a wood-fired oven-safe grate or directly onto the cooking grates.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and charred to your liking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crispy Wood-Fired Flatbread with Herbs
Experience the rustic charm of Italian flatbreads with this simple recipe that combines crispy wood-fired crust with fragrant herbs. Perfect for snacking or serving as a side, this flavorful flatbread is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– Fresh rosemary leaves and thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven or a conventional oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add olive oil, flour, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough, shape into a ball, and flatten into a disk.
7. Place the flatbread directly on the oven rack or baking stone.
8. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh rosemary leaves and thyme sprigs.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Wood-Oven Baked Rosemary Focaccia
Savor the flavors of Italy with this easy-to-make rosemary focaccia, perfectly baked to a crispy golden brown in your wood oven.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Coarse sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead on floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat wood oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down dough, shape into rectangle, and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt (if using) evenly over the surface.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blistered Wood-Fired Pepperoni Pizza
This recipe brings out the best of a classic pepperoni pizza by using a wood-fired oven to achieve a crispy crust and caramelized flavors. With minimal toppings, this pizza lets the natural sweetness of the bell peppers shine through.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 8 oz pepperoni slices
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
3. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel.
4. Arrange the pepperoni slices and bell pepper strips evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook in the preheated wood-fired oven for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and peppers are caramelized.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped basil leaves (if using).
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Slow-Roasted Wood-Oven Pork Shoulder
Slow-Roasted Wood-Oven Pork Shoulder Recipe
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals, this slow-roasted pork shoulder is fall-apart tender and infused with rich wood-oven flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a large roasting pan or Dutch oven.
5. Position the pork shoulder on top of the onions, and sprinkle with minced garlic.
6. Roast for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Wood-Fired Garlic and Herb Potatoes
Wood-Fired Garlic and Herb Potatoes Recipe
Savor the smoky flavor of wood-fired potatoes infused with aromatic garlic and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, scrubbed clean
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 sprig of fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt, to taste
– Wood chips (such as apple or cherry) for wood-fired cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat the wood-fired grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the potatoes into wedges or thin slices, depending on your desired texture.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
4. Add the potato pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the garlic-herb mixture.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Place the potatoes directly onto the preheated wood-fired grill.
7. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and slightly charred, turning occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Wood-Oven Baked Mac and Cheese
This recipe brings together the comfort of macaroni and cheese with the added depth of smoky flavors from the wood oven. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the wood oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until smooth.
5. Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Bake in the wood oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Charred Wood-Fired Eggplant Parmesan
Transform ordinary eggplant parmesan into a show-stopping dish by charring it to perfection over an open flame. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted eggplant with the savory flavors of melted mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven or grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Brush both sides of the coated eggplant slices with olive oil.
5. Place the eggplant slices directly on the wood-fired oven or grill grates for 2-3 minutes per side, or until charred and tender.
6. Assemble the parmesan by layering grilled eggplant, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wood-Oven Roasted Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet and savory, these carrots are a perfect match for your next wood-oven dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch slices
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss carrot slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a wood-oven roasting pan or a sheet of aluminum foil.
4. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots start to caramelize.
5. In a small bowl, mix together honey and 1 tbsp of water.
6. After 20 minutes of roasting, brush the carrot slices with the honey mixture.
7. Return the pan to the wood-oven and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until carrots are tender and sticky.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Crispy Wood-Fired Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this simple yet impressive recipe, featuring crispy wood-fired crust, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 oz prosciutto di Parma, thinly sliced
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven or regular oven to 550°F (290°C) with a pizza stone inside.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel, if you have one.
4. Top the dough with sliced prosciutto, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the prosciutto and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and top with arugula leaves and Parmesan cheese (if using).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Wood-Oven Baked Rosemary Sea Salt Bread
Experience the rich flavors of a wood-fired oven with this simple and aromatic bread recipe, infused with the essence of rosemary and the crunch of sea salt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add olive oil, salt, rosemary, and flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough onto a baking sheet or peel, shaped into a round or oblong loaf.
6. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the top of the bread.
7. Bake in the wood-fired oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Wood-Fired BBQ Chicken Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this savory twist on a classic favorite, featuring tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and the unmistakable smokiness of wood-fired cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 pre-made pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven to 500°F (260°C). If you don’t have a wood-fired oven, you can use a regular oven at 425°F (220°C) with a pizza stone.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken breast over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let it cool, then slice into thin strips.
4. Roll out the pizza crust to your desired thickness. Spread the BBQ sauce mixture evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top with sliced chicken, mozzarella cheese, and cilantro.
6. Cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (wood-fired) or 15-20 minutes (regular oven)
Wood-Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Shrimp
Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines succulent shrimp with roasted garlic butter, perfectly caramelized to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced thin
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood-oven-roasting wood chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sliced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Place the shrimp on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
5. Roast in the wood-fired oven for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Charred Wood-Fired Portobello Mushrooms
Experience the smoky flavor of wood-fired cooking with this simple yet impressive recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, charred Portobello mushrooms are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 large Portobello mushrooms
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp cloth and remove the stems.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the mushrooms.
5. Place the mushrooms directly on the grill or oven rack. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and slightly charred.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wood-Oven Baked Apple Cinnamon Dessert Pizza
A twist on traditional pizza, this dessert pizza combines the sweetness of apples and cinnamon with a crispy wood-oven crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup caramelized apples (see note)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread the caramelized apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, if using.
5. Place the pizza in the preheated wood oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note: To caramelize the apples, cook diced apples with sugar and cinnamon over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they reach your desired level of caramelization.
Smoky Wood-Fired Sausage and Peppers
Savor the smoky flavor of wood-fired sausage paired with caramelized peppers, a perfect combination for a cozy evening. This recipe is ideal for a crowd-pleasing gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 wood-fired sausages (such as chorizo or Italian-style)
– 2 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: your favorite BBQ sauce or hot sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the sausages into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Place the sausages on a large piece of aluminum foil or a sheet pan, leaving space between each sausage.
4. In a separate bowl, toss together the sliced bell peppers and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the peppers and onions to the grill or oven, cooking for about 10-15 minutes or until caramelized.
6. Add the sausages to the grill or oven, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
7. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or hot sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wood-Oven Roasted Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops
Elevate your lamb chops game with this simple and flavorful recipe that brings out the best of the wood oven. With a blend of aromatic herbs and a crispy crust, these lamb chops are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops (about 1 inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood chips or chunks for smoking (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the wood oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place lamb chops on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or directly on the wood oven grates.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the lamb chops.
5. Roast the lamb chops for 12-15 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
6. If using wood chips or chunks, add them to the wood oven during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for added smoky flavor.
Cooking Time: 24-30 minutes total
Crispy Wood-Fired Four Cheese Pizza
Savor the flavors of a classic Italian pizza with this crispy wood-fired recipe, featuring a blend of four artisanal cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 4 oz parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
– 2 oz ricotta cheese, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wood-fired oven or a conventional oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
3. Brush the dough with olive oil and spread caramelized onions evenly over the surface.
4. Top the onions with mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, and ricotta cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your taste buds with these 20 mouth-watering wood-fired oven recipes! From classic margherita pizza to smoky BBQ chicken, and from roasted vegetables to decadent desserts, this collection has something for every flavor lover. Discover how a little smoke can elevate your cooking game with recipes like slow-roasted pork shoulder, crispy flatbread with herbs, and blistered pepperoni pizza. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. So go ahead, fire up the oven, and get ready for a flavorful feast!