Cast Iron Cooking in Your Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Cooking with cast iron in a wood-fired pizza oven can be a great way to expand your cooking options and add some versatility to your outdoor cooking experience.

Cast iron is a durable and versatile material that can handle high temperatures and distribute heat evenly, making it a great choice for cooking in a pizza oven.

Here are some tips for cooking with cast iron in your wood-fired pizza oven:

1. Season your cast iron:

Before using your cast iron in the pizza oven, it is important to season it properly to prevent food from sticking and to extend the life of the cookware. To season your cast iron, simply coat it with a thin layer of oil and bake it in the oven at 400-450°F for about an hour.

2. Preheat the oven:

It's important to preheat the pizza oven thoroughly before placing the cast iron inside. This will ensure that the cast iron reaches the desired temperature and heats evenly.

3. Choose the right size and shape:

When choosing cast iron cookware for your pizza oven, make sure to select pieces that fit comfortably in the oven and allow for adequate airflow around the food.

For example, a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven can be a good choice for cooking stews or casseroles in the pizza oven, while a griddle or pizza pan can be used to make pizza or flatbreads.

Related: More oven recipes to try!

4. Monitor the temperature:

Cast iron can get very hot in a pizza oven, so it's important to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or scorching.

5. Use oven mitts or gloves:

Cast iron can get very hot, so be sure to use oven mitts or gloves when handling the cookware in the pizza oven.

Related: Check out essential pizza oven tools and accessories

6. Clean and store properly:

After cooking with cast iron in the pizza oven, allow the cookware to cool completely before cleaning it. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning from the cast iron.

Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush to scrub off any food residue. Dry the cast iron thoroughly and store it in a dry place to prevent rusting.

By following these tips, you can enjoy cooking a wide variety of delicious dishes in your wood-fired pizza oven using cast iron cookware.

Cast Iron Oven Recipes

Cooking with cast iron in a wood-fired oven can produce delicious and hearty meals. Here are five great cast iron recipes you can try:

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza:

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Tomato sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions)

Instructions:

• Preheat your wood-fired oven to a high temperature.
• Roll out the pizza dough and place it in a preheated cast iron skillet.
• Spread tomato sauce over the dough and add your desired toppings.
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
• Place the cast iron skillet in the wood-fired oven and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Dutch Oven Chili:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a cast iron Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
• Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
• Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Stir well and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours in the wood-fired oven until flavors meld together.

Cast Iron Cornbread:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• Preheat your wood-fired oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Pour the batter into a preheated cast iron skillet and place it in the wood-fired oven.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cast Iron Roasted Chicken:

Ingredients:

• Whole chicken
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)
• Garlic cloves

Instructions:

• Preheat your wood-fired oven to around 425°F (220°C).
• Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
• Rub the chicken with olive oil.
• Place fresh herbs and garlic cloves inside the cavity of the chicken.
• Place the chicken breast-side up in a preheated cast iron skillet.
• Roast the chicken in the wood-fired oven for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Cast Iron Apple Crisp:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

• Preheat your wood-fired oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the crisp topping.
• Place the sliced apples in a preheated cast iron skillet.
• Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples.
• Bake in the wood-fired oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown

Happy Cooking!

These recipes should give you a good starting point for cooking with cast iron in your wood-fired oven. Enjoy the delicious flavors and aromas that come from this classic cooking method!

Related Recipes: 

• Our Ultimate List of Pizza Toppings!
• Summer Backyard Recipes With Your Authentic Pizza Oven
• Labor Day Pizza Party!

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