How an Outdoor Pizza Oven Will Change Your Life + 3 Must-Try Pizza Recipes

 Let’s be honest—there’s nothing that gets mouthwatering quite like the smell of fresh baked pizza. When you elevate that experience with an outdoor pizza oven, the combo of open-air fun, and pure deliciousness really takes things to the next level. Pizza ovens are gaining in popularity, and for good reason! They’re more than just a trend; they’re a game-changer for outdoor cooking. So, if you’re looking for a way to transform your backyard into a true oasis of flavor, here’s why adding an outdoor pizza oven will not only spice up your cooking but also make your gatherings more memorable. 

Why Outdoor Pizza Ovens Are Taking Over Backyards 

Picture this: it’s Friday night, and the family is gathered outside on your beautiful paver patio. The kids are sprinkling toppings on fresh dough while you slide a handcrafted pizza into your outdoor pizza oven. Within minutes, the smell of bubbling cheese, fresh basil, and crispy crust fills the air. Your neighbors might "accidentally" wander over, lured by the mouthwatering aroma. This is life with a pizza oven!  (Already convinced you need one? Shop now to save 10% on all pizza ovens and pizza accessories in our SP Outdoor Store!)

Outdoor pizza ovens are quickly becoming a backyard must-have because they do more than cook amazing food—they create an experience. Whether it’s a casual Sunday dinner, a build-your-own-pizza party with friends, or even a summer movie night under the stars, somehow a slice of piping hot homemade pizza can bring everyone together in a way that's hands-on, interactive, and delicious. A pizza oven is so much more than a cooking tool; it can become the heart of your outdoor space, where memories and meals are shared.   

 But that’s not all! Here’s why more and more people are installing pizza ovens in their outdoor kitchens and grilling stations: 

1. Speed and Quality: An outdoor pizza oven reaches much higher temperatures than a regular oven, meaning your pizza cooks faster and with a crispier crust.  

2. Expand Your Cooking Options: Pizza ovens aren't just for pizza! They can be used to cook bread, roasted vegetables, seafood, and even desserts like cookies or a savory galette. Talk about versatility! 

3. Creating Memories: Whether you're making dinner with the kids, hosting a pizza party with friends, or impressing family members, a pizza oven creates an experience. Everyone gets to add their own toppings, and the cooking becomes an interactive, communal event. Plus, it's a great conversation starter! 

4. Great for Entertaining: No more hovering over the stove while everyone hangs out inside. With a pizza oven, you can engage your guests while creating mouthwatering masterpieces outside.

Pizza Oven vs. Regular Oven: Why You Need the Upgrade 

So, why is an outdoor pizza oven so much better than using your regular kitchen oven? Let’s break it down: 

• Temperature: A regular oven can heat up to about 500°F, while a pizza oven can reach temperatures over 800°F. That’s a huge difference when it comes to achieving that crispy, bubbly crust that makes restaurant pizza taste so good. 

• Flavor: The direct heat from an outdoor pizza oven creates a unique charred flavor and crispy texture that you just can’t get from a standard oven. Plus, if you opt for a wood-burning pizza oven, you can experiment with wood-fired flavors for a rustic yet gourmet touch. 

• Outdoor Vibes: Regular ovens have their place, but they’re not going to help you enjoy more fresh air and starry nights with friends. An outdoor pizza oven turns cooking into a social activity. Whether you’re chopping up toppings, baking, or enjoying the fire, it’s all part of the experience. 

The Pizza Oven and Grill Combo: Perfect Together 

You might be wondering, "What about a pizza oven and grill combo?" Well, that's a match made in backyard heaven. If you love grilling but also want the power and speed of a pizza oven, having both in your outdoor kitchen dramatically expands your cheffing possibilities.   

Grills can do a lot, but they can’t bake pizza the way a pizza oven can. By having both options, you can cook pizzas to perfection, while your grill can be used for all the meats, vegetables, and sides you love. Plus, with the versatility of both appliances, you can offer a wide array of menu options to please any size crowd. Now that’s some serious backyard upgrade potential. 

Adding a pizza oven doesn’t have to mean making a huge monetary investment in your appliances. If you have already a Solo Stove, you can add a Pi Fire Solo Stove Pizza Oven Top for quick and easy wood-fired pizza in a flash. Or, for the ultimate in convenience, you can opt for standalone pizza ovens that use propane to turn out artisan-levels pizza in as little as 90 seconds.  

 For outdoor chefs ready to go for the gold, look into a pizza oven/rotisserie combo, like this top-of-the-line Blaze Pizza Oven. With an addition like this to your backyard, you can serve up perfect pizzas, succulent rotisserie chickens, mouthwatering steaks…you name it! 

3 Gourmet Pizza Recipes for Your Outdoor Pizza Oven 

Ready to get cooking? Here are three delicious, easy-to-make pizza recipes that’ll have your guests begging for more! 

1. Classic Margherita 

Simple, fresh, and always a crowd-pleaser. 

Ingredients: 

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 

• 1 cup of tomato sauce (use fresh, or make your own!) 

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced 

• Fresh basil leaves 

• Olive oil 

• Salt and pepper 

Instructions: 

1. Heat your pizza oven to 800°F. 

2. Stretch the pizza dough onto your pizza peel, spreading it out evenly. 

3. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough. 

4. Add fresh mozzarella slices and season with salt and pepper. 

5. Slide the pizza into your oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, until the crust is crispy and golden. 

6. Remove the pizza and top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. 

2. Grilled Veggie Delight  

A vegetarian masterpiece of color and flavor. 

Ingredients: 

• Pizza dough 

• Olive oil 

• 1/2 cup grilled zucchini slices 

• 1/2 cup grilled bell peppers 

• 1/4 cup feta cheese 

• A handful of spinach leaves 

• Fresh thyme and rosemary 

Instructions: 

1. Heat your pizza oven to 800°F. 

2. Roll out the dough and brush it lightly with olive oil. 

3. Top with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and feta cheese. 

4. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, then bake in your pizza oven for 3-5 minutes. 

5. Enjoy the crispy, veggie-packed delight! 

3. BBQ Chicken Pizza 

BBQ sauce gives this recipe a unique twang! 

Ingredients: 

• Pizza dough 

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce 

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded 

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 

• Fresh cilantro for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Heat your pizza oven to 800°F. 

2. Spread BBQ sauce over the pizza dough. 

3. Add shredded chicken, red onion, and mozzarella cheese. 

4. Bake for 4-5 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. 

5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve. 

Pizza Chef Essentials Checklist 

If you’re going to become a pizza-making pro, here are the essentials you’ll need for a pizza-perfect experience: 

• Pizza Peel: To slide your pizza into the oven and avoid any spills. 

• Pizza Stone: For a perfectly crisp base. 

• Dough Scraper: For easily shaping your dough. 

• Toppings Galore: Get creative! Fresh vegetables, premium cheeses, and savory meats can elevate your pizza. 

• Wood for Wood-Fired Ovens: Choose hardwoods like oak or maple for the best smoky flavor. 

• Pizza Cutter: To slice that perfect pie. 

Enjoy A Slice Of The Good Life 

Adding an outdoor pizza oven to your space isn’t just about making great food—it’s about creating memories with friends and family. With a pizza oven, every meal is an event, every pizza is a masterpiece, and you reinforce the fact that your backyard is always the place to be! 

Ready cheese the day? Go for it by adding a pizza oven to your outdoor cooking arsenal. To get you started, we’re offering 10% off Pizza Ovens & Accessories in our SP Outdoor Store. This offer is for the month of February only, and as always shipping is FREE...so shop now!