The Art, Science and Soul of the Wood-Fired Pizza

There’s just something magical about wood-fired pizza. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that fresh pizza has become such a hit at weddings, grad parties, company picnics and other community and celebratory events.

While artisan pizza may seem like a recent craze, it’s a culinary achievement that dates back thousands of years. Grab your favorite slice and learn about the heart of this timeless taste tradition.

History of Wood-Fired Pizza

Did you know that pizza was invented over 4,000 years ago? Clay ovens for making flatbreads were unearthed in Pompeii, dating back to ancient times. Some of those ovens are well-preserved enough to be used today.

Over the centuries, ovens have evolved. For example, Italy adapted their ovens to fit into individual households. In Northern medieval Europe, the Italian model was adapted into a rounded brick oven to better concentrate the heat. The love of pizza is as old as pizza itself.

In the present day, we have further refined the pizza oven to be more efficient and high-tech without sacrificing taste. Wood-fired pizza ovens are still made from brick and clay, while some are made of metal to circulate the heat more efficiently. Some wood-fire ovens are even mobile.

Why is Wood-Fired Pizza So Good?

Nothing tastes better than an artisan pizza, fresh from a wood-fired oven. These ovens create the ideal environment for cooking pizza that perfectly blends flavor and texture.

Wood-fired ovens can reach temperatures of 900°F, which allows pizza to cook incredibly fast – we’re talking 60-90 seconds. This rapid cooking time allows the crust to become crisp while the inside remains warm, chewy and delicious.

Wood-fired pizza is also perfectly imperfect – with tiny air bubbles and slightly charred portions of crust. These charred portions are called “leoparding” and are a sign of a properly cooked crust. The subtly smoky taste and dynamic textures give the pizza more depth and flavor. The high heat from the oven also helps the natural sugars in the dough, sauce and toppings to caramelize delivering a balanced and flavor-full pizza.

Pair your pizza with a bright and fresh salad or a full-bodied wine. Gorgeous.

Memories Are Made of This

Fresh, wood-fired pizza is great on its own, but what elevates the experience is sharing it in a community with others. Gathering around a wood-fired pizza oven, watching your food being made, while savoring each delicious bite together is a uniquely communal experience.

Imagine this: The scent of a wood fire greets your arrival as the laughter and chatter of friends and family pull you into the orbit of a glowing wood-fired pizza oven. As you peer into the oven, your mouth waters as a golden pizza crust rises into a rich melody of flavorful delight. As Dean Martin once said, that’s amore.

Let Your Taste Buds Wander

At A Wandering Fire, we believe wood-fired pizza is not just food but rather an art form, a chemical transmutation combining science, agriculture, passion and experience into something beautifully delicious and enriching that brings people and communities together.

Whether hosting an intimate gathering, a rousing open house, or a celebration of family or achievements, we will help you create a memorable experience your guests will never forget.

Contact us today and let A Wandering Fire: Artisan Pizza & Catering bring pizza and “amore” to your next event.