5. Cooking Techniques

Preheating the Oven

  1. Wood-Fired Ovens: Start a fire in the oven and let it burn for at least 1 hour to reach the desired temperature (around 700-900°F or 370-480°C).
  2. Gas-Fired Ovens: Turn on the oven and preheat for 30-45 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
  3. Electric Ovens: Preheat for 30-45 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

  • Classic Pizzas: Cook at 700-900°F (370-480°C) for 2-3 minutes.
  • Gourmet Pizzas: Cook at 650
  • Specialty Pizzas: Cook at 650-750°F (340-400°C) for 3-4 minutes.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Pizzas: Cook at 600-700°F (315-370°C) for 3-4 minutes.
  • Gluten-Free Pizzas: Cook at 600-700°F (315-370°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Rotating and Monitoring Pizzas

  • Rotation: Use a pizza peel to rotate the pizza every 30-45 seconds to ensure even cooking.
  • Monitoring: Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent burning. The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.


4. Ingredients and Preparation