PIZZA OVEN RECIPES

Pizza ovens aren’t just for pizza. Once you’ve fired it up, there’s a whole range of other dishes you can try – from slow roasts to desserts and quick lunches. It’s all about using the heat while it’s there and making the most of the oven’s cooking power.

Here’s a list of dishes we’ve either cooked ourselves or seen from clients who use their pizza ovens all the time.

1. Classic Pizza

You can’t beat it. Fast cooking, crispy crust, charred edges – it’s the reason most people get a pizza oven in the first place. Whether you keep it simple with just a few toppings or get a bit creative, it’s always a winner. Once you’ve nailed the dough, it’s the dish that keeps bringing people back.

2. Calzone

Same ingredients as a pizza but folded over and sealed. The result is a soft, chewy inside that holds onto heat and flavour. Feels more like a meal than a snack, and ideal if you want something warm and filling. Great for experimenting with different fillings – cheese, veg, meats, whatever you fancy.

3. Roast Turkey and Vegetables

Perfect for using the oven once the heat’s dropped a bit. Great if you’re cooking for a group or want to do a bit more than just pizza. The meat stays juicy and the veg gets that slightly smoked, charred finish you don’t get indoors. Feels a bit special, but without needing much attention once it’s in.

4. Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet, soft and a bit chewy on the outside – especially good if you’ve made too much dough. Best eaten warm. A simple way to finish off a pizza night and something that always goes down well with guests. Slightly different texture to a classic cinnamon roll, but just as tasty.

5. Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Full of flavour and a solid option if you’re skipping meat. They pick up a bit of char from the oven and go well with melted cheese and toasted buns. Quick to cook and ideal for casual garden lunches. Even meat-eaters tend to

enjoy them – especially when they’ve soaked up a bit of seasoning.

6. Sourdough Bagels

Chewy, dense, and full of flavour. If you’re into baking, this one’s worth trying. They’re especially good fresh out the oven with cream cheese or smoked salmon. The slight crisp from the oven heat gives them something you don’t quite get indoors.

7. Apple Crumble

One of the easiest desserts to throw in at the end of a cook. Soft fruit, crunchy topping, and always better when it’s still warm. Great for finishing off a meal without needing loads of prep. Feels proper homemade and is hard to get wrong.

8. Shrimp Tacos

Quick, light, and full of flavour. The prawns take on a bit of char and go well with fresh toppings like slaw or salsa. Great for summer evenings, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd and want something a bit different from pizza. You can prep everything ahead and cook to order in a few minutes.

9. Chickpea Shakshuka

Hearty, smoky and great for sharing. It’s a mix of chickpeas, peppers and eggs – more of a one-pan meal you scoop out with bread. Works well when the oven’s a bit cooler and you want something comforting without too much effort. It’s also a good option if you’re feeding vegetarians.

10. Banana Bread

Soft, sweet and ideal if you’ve got a few overripe bananas knocking about. Cooks gently in the residual heat and always smells amazing while it’s baking. Good for an afternoon treat or breakfast the next day. You can mix in chocolate chips or walnuts if you want to change it up.

So if you’ve only been using your pizza oven for one thing, it might be time to give a few of these a go. It doesn’t take much – just a tray, a pan, and a bit of experimenting. You’ll be surprised what you can cook.

Sizzle On,

Team AOS