Description
The Kiwi Winter Warmer: Apollo NZ’s Fiery Wood-Fired Pizza Recipe
As the cooler months roll in, there’s something deeply comforting about gathering around the fire and enjoying a hot, wood-fired meal. At Apollo NZ, we believe winter is the perfect season to fire up your outdoor oven and create something that brings warmth to the table—and what better way than with a fiery wood-fired pizza straight from one of our signature ovens?
Introducing The Kiwi Winter Warmer, a bold and spicy wood-fired pizza recipe that turns up the heat on chilly evenings. Whether you’re using Charlie’s Oven or the powerful new Flamma Dominus Oven, this recipe captures the rich, smoky flavour of traditional wood-fired cooking and delivers a comforting kick that’s ideal for winter entertaining.
Recipe: Apollo NZ’s Kiwi Winter Warmer Pizza
Ingredients:
Pizza Dough – Use fresh homemade dough or quality pre-made for convenience.
Tomato Base – ½ cup of rich tomato sauce (homemade or premium store-bought).
Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup shredded, for that essential melt.
Chili Oil – 2 tablespoons, to infuse heat into every bite.
Spicy Sausage – 100g of thinly sliced chorizo or pepperoni.
Prosciutto – 50g, torn for a salty, savoury contrast.
Jalapeños – 2, thinly sliced, for a warming kick.
Red Onion – ½, thinly sliced for natural sweetness.
Fresh Chili – 1-2, finely chopped for that classic Kiwi fire.
Fresh Basil – A handful of leaves, added fresh after baking.
Parmesan Cheese – A handful, finely grated to finish.
Salt and Pepper – To taste.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Get your oven blazing. Whether you’re using the Flamma Dominus or Charlie’s Oven, you want a steady heat of around 400°C. This high temperature ensures that unmistakable wood-fired flavour and that signature blistered, crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to around 12 inches in diameter. Drizzle a little chili oil directly onto the base for a layer of heat built right into the foundation of your pizza.
3. Spread the Sauce and Cheese
Layer your tomato base evenly, leaving a 1–2 cm edge for the crust. Add your shredded mozzarella generously across the top—this will melt beautifully under the intense heat of your oven.
4. Add the Fire
Top your base with spicy sausage slices and torn prosciutto. Scatter over the jalapeños, red onion, and chopped fresh chili. This combination balances salt, spice, and sweetness—perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s evening.
5. Into the Fire
Carefully place your pizza onto the hot stone inside the oven. Bake for 4–6 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure an even cook. The intense heat will create puffy, charred edges and crisp the base while keeping the toppings juicy and flavour-packed.
6. Finish and Garnish
Once your pizza is bubbling and crisp, remove it from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves and a dusting of grated parmesan. A drizzle of extra chili oil or a few red pepper flakes can be added for those who like it even hotter.
7. Slice and Serve
Slice up your Kiwi Winter Warmer and serve immediately. Pair it with a robust red wine, a warm winter ale, or your favourite hot drink for the perfect winter night in the backyard.
Why It’s a Winter Favourite
This pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The heat of the spicy toppings paired with the smokiness from wood-fired cooking makes it the ideal companion to crisp winter air. And with the Flamma Dominus Oven now part of Apollo NZ’s outdoor range, your winter cooking possibilities have never been hotter.
