Expanding the Use of Pizza Ovens to Increase Revenue

Pizza ovens, with their high heat and fast cooking times, are typically used for one thing: making pizzas. However, as a restaurant owner or chef, you may be overlooking the potential to use your pizza oven for much more than just pizza. By incorporating diverse dishes into your menu that utilize your pizza oven, you can attract new customers, retain current ones, and boost your revenue.

Pizza ovens are excellent for various types of cooking, thanks to their ability to reach high temperatures quickly and retain even heat. They mimic the effects of traditional wood-fired ovens, which were historically used for a wide range of dishes beyond just bread and pizza. Adding more non-pizza options cooked in your pizza oven is a smart move to maximize its use and increase profitability.

Here are a few creative and delicious recipes you can prepare in your pizza oven:

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– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)

– 2 tbsp olive oil

– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Lemon wedges for garnish

1. Preheat the pizza oven.

2. Rub the whole chicken with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the chicken in a cast-iron skillet or on a roasting tray.

4. Put the skillet in the pizza oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, rotating the skillet halfway through, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

Revenue Tip: Serve this with roasted vegetables or fresh bread to create a full wood-fired meal option. This can be a special weekend dish that pairs well with a house wine.

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– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 cup warm water

– 2 tsp yeast

– 2 tbsp olive oil

– 1 tsp rosemary, chopped

– Sea salt for topping

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Knead until smooth.

3. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours in a warm place.

4. Preheat the pizza oven.

5. Flatten the dough on a baking sheet, drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.

6. Bake in the pizza oven for about 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the edges.

Revenue Tip: Offer focaccia as an appetizer or serve it as a side for soups or salads. You can even use it for gourmet sandwiches. Freshly baked bread is a great upsell opportunity!

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– 2 ribeye steaks (1.5 inches thick)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 tbsp olive oil

– 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– ¼ cup red wine vinegar

– ½ cup olive oil

– Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

1. Preheat your pizza oven.

2. Season the steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper on both sides.

3. Place the steaks directly on the pizza oven grill or on a cast-iron skillet.

4. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting based on thickness and desired doneness.

5. While the steak is cooking, mix all chimichurri ingredients in a bowl and let sit.

6. Remove the steaks from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with chimichurri sauce.

Revenue Tip: Premium cuts of meat like ribeye command a higher price, and when cooked in a pizza oven, the high heat ensures a beautifully seared crust. Pair with sides like roasted potatoes or a simple salad for an upscale, wood-fired steak dinner offering.

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– 1 zucchini, sliced

– 1 bell pepper, chopped

– 1 red onion, sliced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes

– 2 tbsp olive oil

– 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

– 1 tsp thyme, chopped

– Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat your pizza oven.

2. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the vegetables in a roasting pan or directly on a baking sheet.

4. Roast in the pizza oven for 10-12 minutes, until caramelized and tender, tossing halfway through.

Revenue Tip: Use roasted vegetables as a side dish or as a topping for pizzas or salads. These can also be paired with main courses like roast chicken or steaks, adding versatility to your menu.

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– Graham crackers

– Chocolate bars

– Large marshmallows

1. Preheat the pizza oven.

2. Lay half a graham cracker on a baking sheet, top with a piece of chocolate and a marshmallow.

3. Bake in the pizza oven for 2-3 minutes, until the marshmallow is golden and the chocolate begins to melt.

4. Top with another graham cracker and press gently.

Revenue Tip: Offer these as a fun, shareable dessert, especially for families or groups. You could also experiment with gourmet s’mores, incorporating different types of chocolate or homemade marshmallows to differentiate your offering.

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Your pizza oven is a versatile tool capable of so much more than just pizza. By incorporating dishes like roast chicken, focaccia, steaks, and even desserts into your menu, you can not only diversify your offerings but also increase your bottom line. These additional dishes can also help expand your customer base, as diners will be drawn to the unique wood-fired flavors that only a pizza oven can provide.

With a little creativity, you can fully leverage your pizza oven and see a boost in revenue while keeping your kitchen running more efficiently. So go ahead—fire it up for more than just pizza!