Description
Wood-Fired Recipes for Outdoor Kitchens, Pergolas & Wood Ovens
Introduction: Where Fire, Food & Design Come Together
Outdoor cooking is more than a method — it’s an experience built on warmth, flavour, and togetherness.
In this exclusive collaboration, XclusiveDecor of Portugal and Apollo NZ bring two worlds of expertise together. Handcrafted wood-fired ovens and barbecues meet engineered pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and shade systems designed for real homes, restaurants, and hospitality spaces.
This curated collection of 12 authentic wood-fired recipes is designed for:
• Wood-fired pizza ovens
• Outdoor barbecues
• Built-in outdoor kitchens
• Covered pergolas and alfresco areas
Each recipe has been tested to extract the smoky depth and heat control that only true wood-fired cooking delivers.
Wood-Fired Pizza Recipes
Classic Margherita Pizza
Serves: 2
Cook Time: 90 seconds–2 minutes
Oven Temperature: 400°C
Ingredients
• 250g pizza dough (thin base)
• 80ml tomato passata
• 100g fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt
Method
• Preheat oven to 400°C, pushing embers aside for a clear baking floor
• Stretch dough to 30cm
• Spread sauce, leaving a 1cm border
• Add mozzarella
• Bake directly on oven floor, rotating every 30 seconds
• Finish with basil and olive oil
Pro Tip: Use “00” flour for authentic Neapolitan texture and fast rise in wood heat.
Prosciutto & Rocket Pizza
Serves: 2
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Oven Temperature: 400°C
Ingredients
• 250g pizza dough
• Tomato sauce
• Mozzarella
• Prosciutto
• Rocket (arugula)
• Parmesan shavings
Method
• Bake base with sauce and cheese
• Add prosciutto and rocket after baking
• Finish with parmesan and olive oil
Pro Tip: Contrast between hot crust and cool toppings is essential.
Portuguese Chouriço & Smoked Cheese Pizza
Serves: 2
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Oven Temperature: 400°C
Ingredients
• Pizza dough
• Tomato sauce with smoked paprika
• Chouriço slices
• Smoked cheese or mozzarella
• Red onion
• Oregano
Pro Tip: Black olives add a distinctly Portuguese finish.
New Zealand Lamb & Kumara Pizza
Serves: 2
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Oven Temperature: 380°C
Ingredients
• Pizza dough
• Olive oil base
• Roast lamb
• Cooked kumara cubes
• Feta
• Fresh mint
• Balsamic glaze
Pro Tip: Kumara sweetness balances smoky lamb beautifully.
Wood-Fired Meat & Seafood Recipes
Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Oven Temperature: 250°C
Key flavours: Chilli, citrus, smoke
Pro Tip: Finish under strong flame for extra-crispy skin.
Wood-Grilled Salmon with Citrus Glaze
Serves: 2
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Grill Temperature: Medium
Pro Tip: Grill orange slices alongside salmon for caramelised garnish.
Grilled Prawns with Lemon & Herb Butter
Serves: 2–3
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Pro Tip: Add a splash of white wine to the butter for restaurant aroma.
Wood-Fired Sides & Sharing Plates
Wood-Fired Garlic Bread
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Pro Tip: Finish with parmesan and chilli flakes for bold flavour.
Rustic Vegetable Skewers
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Pro Tip: Halloumi cubes add a Mediterranean touch.
Fire-Roasted Potatoes with Herbs
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Pro Tip: Smash potatoes after roasting and crisp under flame.
Baked Camembert with Honey & Walnuts
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Pro Tip: Serve with toasted ciabatta or pear slices.
Wood-Fired Desserts
Chocolate Calzone
Cook Time: 3–4 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350°C
Pro Tip: Banana slices take this to another level.
Why Outdoor Cooking Works Best Under Pergolas & Covered Alfresco Spaces
Wood-fired cooking thrives in controlled outdoor environments:
• Wind protection
• Heat retention
• Rain cover
• Integrated lighting
• Year-round usability
This is where Apollo NZ pergolas and outdoor kitchen systems become essential — allowing consistent cooking temperatures, safer operation, and extended use beyond summer.
Craftsmanship, Connection & Culture
Outdoor cooking isn’t just about food — it’s about craftsmanship, connection, and shared experience.
With XclusiveDecor’s handmade wood-fired ovens and Apollo NZ’s engineered pergola and outdoor kitchen systems, your backyard becomes a gourmet destination, not just a cooking space.
From Friday-night pizzas to Sunday roasts, these recipes are designed to create moments that last — full of flavour, fire, and togetherness.
