How to Cook Pizza in a Propane Pizza Oven

TL;DR:

  • Preheat your propane pizza oven to 700-800°F for about 12 minutes for a crispy crust and even cooking.
  • Use room-temperature dough and fresh toppings. Avoid overloading the pizza.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese bubbly—watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Check out the Versa 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven for fast heating, even cooking, portability, and versatility.


There’s nothing quite like homemade pizza, especially when it’s cooked to perfection in a propane pizza oven. These outdoor cooking wonders have become a backyard must-have, making it easy to whip up restaurant-quality pizza at home.

However, owning a propane pizza oven is just the start. Knowing how to cook pizza in a pizza oven is the key to unlocking its full potential. This guide has you covered with everything you need to know, from dialing in the right temperature to perfecting your cooking times and nailing that crispy crust.

Preheating Your Propane Pizza Oven

Preheating your propane pizza oven is important for even cooking and achieving that perfect crispy crust. A hot oven means the pizza base starts cooking right away, giving you that light, airy texture everyone loves.

Preheating your propane pizza oven is easy:

  1. Make sure the propane tank is securely connected and open the gas valve.
  2. Use the built-in igniter.
  3. Aim for a pizza oven temp around 700-800°F.
  4. Let the oven heat up for about 12 minutes.

Preparing Your Pizza

Knowing how to cook a pizza in an oven starts with getting your dough and toppings just right. Here’s how to get prepped:

The Dough

Whether you make your own dough or use store-bought, the key is to work with dough that’s elastic and easy to handle. Let it sit at room temperature before stretching or rolling—it will be much easier to shape

The Sauce

For the sauce, a classic marinara is always a reliable choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Try alternatives like Marzano tomato sauce, pesto, white garlic sauce, or even BBQ sauce for a unique flavor.

The Toppings

Cooking in a pizza oven is all about balance. Avoid overloading your pizza, as too many toppings can weigh it down and affect how it cooks.

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. If you’re adding items like meats or firm vegetables, consider pre-cooking them to ensure everything is perfectly done when your pizza comes out of the oven.

Cooking the Pizza

With your oven preheated and your pizza prepped, it’s time to unleash your inner pizzaiolo. Here’s how to cook your pizza to perfection:

  1. Carefully slide your pizza onto your preheated pizza stone or baking surface using a pizza peel. If you don’t have a peel, you can use an inverted baking sheet dusted with flour.
  2. Keep the temperature steady while cooking for the best results. The ideal temp to cook a pizza in the oven is 700-800°F.
  3. Propane pizza ovens cook pizzas quickly! You’ll want to keep a close eye on your pizza to prevent burning.
  4. How long to cook a pizza in the oven depends on how crispy you like your crust. However, most pizzas take about 4-5 minutes to cook. A perfectly cooked pizza will have a golden brown and slightly charred crust with bubbly cheese.

A person prepping a pizza

Why Consider a Versa 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven?

Now that you’re on your way to becoming a pizza pro, you might be wondering which propane pizza oven is the best fit for you. If you want a high-quality, versatile, and efficient option, the Versa 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven has you covered.

Here’s why the Versa 16 stands out:

  • Even Cooking: The patented dual-burner system and rotating cordierite stone guarantee even cooking every time.
  • Blazing Fast: With temps hitting up to 950°F in just 12 minutes, the Versa 16 cooks pizzas in 5 minutes or less.
  • Easy to Use: Its simple design and hinged lid make it easy to use and clean.
  • Portable Power: Whether you’re at home or on the go, the Versa 16 is ready. It works with both 20lb propane tanks and 1lb canisters, so you can cook your pizza anywhere.
  • More Than Pizza: It’s not just for pizza! Use it to sear steaks, roast vegetables, bake desserts, and more.

Time to Get Cooking

You’re now officially ready to fire up your propane pizza oven and create culinary magic. From preheating and preparation, you’re ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with incredible homemade pizzas.

Most importantly, remember to have fun with it! Making pizza is a fantastic way to gather with friends and family, unleash your creativity in the kitchen, and enjoy the simple pleasure of delicious food.

Ready to experience the ultimate in outdoor pizza cooking? Shop our Versa 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven today and start creating unforgettable pizza experiences at home.

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