First Time Cook using the Ooni Karu 16 Pizza Oven from Start to Finish

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Part-skim mozzarella has lower fat content, while processed cheese is often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, while vegetable oil is typically more affordable.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option, while pecorino offers a similar flavor at a lower cost.

fresh basil

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: dried basil

Spinach provides a similar green element, while dried basil is more economical.

Put kindling in the Ooni Karu 16 pizza oven and build a fire on top of lump wood.

Light the fire using a gas burner and a blow torch, ensuring enough kindling is used to keep the fire going for five minutes.

Cover the oven to let the firewood catch fire.

After five minutes, add a big log to the fire.

Check the stone temperature; it should be around 450 degrees Celsius.

Adjust the temperature if necessary; the center stone temperature should be around 430 degrees Celsius for cooking the pizza.

Prepare the pizza using mozzarella cheese, basil, and chili oil.

Use a square peel to place the pizza in the oven, ensuring not to leave it in too long to avoid scorching.

Rotate the pizza frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

After 25 minutes, check the air temperature and stone temperature; the stone should be around 365 degrees Celsius.

Clean the glass door of the oven with a dry paper towel after each cook to avoid scratches.

Taste the pizza and enjoy the crunchy wood-fired crust.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens