Pizza Master Spotlight: Chef Chris Bianco
At Authentic Pizza Ovens, we love celebrating our customers — from backyard pizza enthusiasts to culinary pros. And while we usually feature a Customer of the Month, this month we're doing something a little different.
We're thrilled to highlight a true pizza pioneer, someone who has inspired an entire generation of wood-fired cooking: Chef Chris Bianco.
Meet Chris Bianco: The Wood-Fired Maestro
If you know great pizza, you know Chris Bianco. He’s not just a chef — he’s a culinary icon. Known for elevating simple ingredients to art, Bianco is often called the godfather of artisan pizza in America.
He’s the founder of the legendary Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, Arizona, with additional locations now in Los Angeles and beyond. And yes — he’s also a proud owner of one of our handcrafted wood-fired ovens from Portugal.
We’re honored to say our ovens have a place in the backyard of one of the most respected names in pizza.
Bianco x DiNapoli Tomatoes — A Perfect Match
Chris Bianco’s passion for quality ingredients led him to collaborate with Rob DiNapoli to create the Bianco DiNapoli tomato brand — a line of organic, California-grown tomatoes and sauces that are now a staple in high-end kitchens and home pantries alike.
The tomatoes are packed at the peak of ripeness and are a must for anyone wanting to replicate Bianco’s signature flavor. Whether you're making a Neapolitan-style pie or rustic marinara, Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes bring the magic.
Find them here: biancodinapoli.com
From His Book: BIANCO — Pizza, Pasta, and Stories
In his celebrated cookbook BIANCO, Chris shares not just recipes, but his philosophy on food, life, and connection. It's an ode to simplicity, ingredients, and wood-fired flavor.
Here are a few favorites from his book that are perfect for cooking in your Authentic Pizza Oven:
1. Rosa Pizza
Bianco’s Most Famous Pie
Toppings:
- Bianco DiNapoli crushed tomatoes
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Fresh rosemary
- Pistachios
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Stretch your dough and top it with crushed tomatoes, red onion, rosemary, and pistachios. Bake in your preheated wood-fired oven (800°F+) for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Finish with freshly shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Why it works: The combo of earthy pistachio and rosemary with smoky heat is unforgettable.
2. Classic Marinara Sauce
Slow-cooked, deeply flavorful, and ridiculously simple
Ingredients:
- Bianco DiNapoli whole peeled tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Sea salt
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
In a cast iron pan, sauté sliced garlic in olive oil until golden. Crush tomatoes by hand and add to the pan. Simmer in your oven or stovetop for 20–30 minutes, finish with basil and salt to taste.
Use it on pizzas, pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce for fresh bread.
3. Wood-Fired Focaccia with Tomatoes & Olives
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough or focaccia dough
- Bianco DiNapoli cherry tomatoes or whole tomatoes, hand-crushed
- Kalamata olives
- Olive oil
- Rosemary or thyme
- Sea salt
Instructions:
Press dough into a cast iron pan or baking sheet, drizzle generously with olive oil, and top with tomatoes, olives, herbs, and flaky sea salt. Bake in a hot oven (600°F+) until golden and crispy.
Perfect for gatherings, charcuterie boards, or as a rustic side dish.
Why Chris Bianco Inspires Us
Chris Bianco’s journey — from making pies in the back of a Phoenix grocery store to winning a James Beard Award — is nothing short of inspiring. He’s proof that with passion, integrity, and incredible ingredients, anything is possible.
Just like Bianco, we believe in authenticity. That’s why every Authentic Pizza Oven is handmade in Portugal, built for flavor, speed, and tradition. Whether you're a professional like Chris or a home cook with big dreams, the right oven — and the right ingredients — make all the difference.
Thank You, Chris
We're honored to have you as part of the Authentic Pizza Ovens family. Your commitment to craft, simplicity, and fire-to-table flavor reminds us why we do what we do.
Ready to Cook Like a Pizza Legend?
Explore our full line of handcrafted wood-fired ovens and bring home the tools the pros use.
- Penny Warring
