Seasonal Cooking in an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet family dinner, al fresco dining is one of the greatest pleasures, especially during the warmer months.
Cooking with the seasons allows you to embrace the freshest ingredients and the unique flavors each time of year has to offer. Depending on where you live, dining and cooking outdoors may even be possible all year round.
Fontana Forni pizza ovens perform beautifully in every season, so don’t be afraid to fire up your oven even in the cold months of winter. From hearty winter roasts to light and fresh summer fare, our pizza ovens transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals for every occasion.
We’ve compiled some meal ideas for spring, summer, fall, and winter, using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Spring
Spring is the perfect time to embrace fresh, vibrant flavors that celebrate the season’s bounty. Spring vegetables bring a sense of renewal and brightness to the table. Here are some spring meals to prepare in your outdoor pizza oven.
Artichoke Pizza with Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Artichokes are a favorite spring vegetable, and this delicious veggie makes a perfect pizza topping. Raw, thinly sliced artichokes dressed in a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette complements the nuttiness of shaved Parmigiano. Dress the pizza with fresh arugula for a hint of pepperiness.
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus from your outdoor oven elevates the meal even more, adding a smoky, salty element that complements the fresh spring flavors.
Suggested pairing: Complete the meal with a side of roasted sugar snap peas and radishes tossed in olive oil and a hint of sea salt. The sweet and slightly peppery taste enhances the seasonal freshness of the pizza while providing a satisfying, vegetable-forward accompaniment.
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Tomato Quiche with Glazed Carrots
A tomato quiche is a celebration of spring’s vibrant flavors and textures. The golden, flaky crust—baked to perfection in your outdoor wood-fired oven—cradles a silky custard of eggs, milk, cream, and cheese, creating the perfect base for sweet cherry tomatoes and other spring veggies to shine.
The sweetness of glazed carrots contrasts beautifully with the quiche’s savory profile. The tender texture and natural earthiness of the carrots add depth to the meal.
Suggested pairing: Complete the meal with a crisp spring pea and arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness and peppery kick of the salad provide a bright counterpoint to the richness of the quiche and sweetness of the carrots.
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Summer
Eating outdoors in the summer is a favorite family tradition. From sizzling barbecues to casual picnics, these gatherings are filled with laughter, delicious food, and the simple joy of being together.
Simple Smash Burger with Stuffed Zucchini
Burgers are the quintessential summer indulgence. Cooked to perfection on a hot grill, the burgers will develop a caramelized crust while staying juicy on the inside, for a mouthwatering bite.
Paired with stuffed zucchini boats, this meal celebrates summer’s bounty. Filled with a savory mixture of sausage, eggs, cheese, and fragrant herbs, the zucchini boats bake up beautifully in a wood-fired oven with a light char on the outside.
Suggested pairings: Serve this meal with a chilled watermelon and mint salad to add a refreshing touch of sweetness and balance.
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Miso Marinated Salmon with Greens and Rice Pilaf
Miso-marinated salmon is a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer. A simple marinade of soy sauce, white miso, and sake gives the fish a nice balance of umami, sweetness, and depth. Cooked until tender and flaky in your Fontana Forni gas-fired oven, it delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
For the greens, the beauty lies in the versatility—choose whatever is fresh and vibrant at the market, whether it’s tender collard greens, rainbow Swiss chard, or even a mix of spinach and kale. Lightly sautéed or steamed, the greens add a burst of freshness and pair beautifully with the nutty, herbed rice pilaf served on the side.
Suggested pairing: Pair the meal with chilled Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the rich flavors of the salmon and the freshness of the greens.
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Fall
Fall is the season of thanks and a time to celebrate bountiful summer harvests. From vibrant squash to exotic spices, autumn meals reflect the transition from light, summery fare to cozy, comforting recipes.
Risotto with Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Pears
This sweet and savory risotto dish is the ultimate fall comfort food, bringing together creamy, velvety rice with the caramelized sweetness of roasted squash and pears. Roasted in a wood-fired oven, the ingredients develop a rich, smoky flavor that elevates this dish into a symphony of autumnal tastes.
Suggested pairing: To balance out the richness of the risotto, pair it with a crisp arugula and apple salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. Serve with a glass of medium-bodied Chardonnay or a dry Riesling for added brightness and complexity.
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Thanksgiving Turkey with Sweet Potato Casserole
Thanksgiving turkey cooked in a wood-fired oven takes on an extraordinary depth of flavor, with the natural smokiness perfectly complementing a blend of herbs and spices. Olive oil replaces butter to create a healthier and equally delicious base for basting, while fresh herbs, a touch of brown sugar, orange and lemon zest, and a subtle kick of cayenne pepper add complexity.
The sweet potato casserole brings richness and decadence to the meal, with its creamy base of milk, butter, and vanilla creating a luscious texture. The caramelized topping of pecans or walnuts, brown sugar, and butter contrasts beautifully with the smooth sweet potatoes, making this casserole an irresistible side dish.
Suggested pairings: Complete the feast with classic Thanksgiving pairings like homemade cranberry sauce, a fresh green bean almondine, olive oil mashed potatoes, and a warm, crusty sourdough stuffing seasoned with herbs to echo the turkey’s savory notes.
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Winter
Winter is the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy hearty meals that bring comfort during the cold months. From warming soups to roasted vegetables, winter dishes celebrate the flavors of the season while keeping us cozy and satisfied.
Tuscan Venison Roast with Creamed Leek and Potato Soup
Venison roast is a winter showstopper. Tender venison loin is soaked in milk, rubbed with fresh herbs, and slow-cooked in wine in a wood-fired pizza oven to create slices bursting with flavor. The dish is finished with a rich reduction that makes every bite unforgettable.
Paired with creamed leek and potato soup, this meal combines hearty and velvety textures. The delicate sweetness of leeks and the creaminess of potatoes create a perfect balance, whether topped with crispy bacon or fresh chives for a vegetarian option. Together, these dishes are a comforting and elegant winter feast.
Suggested Pairings: Serve with buttery polenta to soak up the venison’s rich sauce and a winter greens salad with kale, cranberries, and pecans for a fresh, seasonal contrast.
Get the recipes:
- Tuscan Venison Roast - Arrosto di Capriolo
- Creamed Leek and Potato Soup - Vellutata di Porri e Patate
Tagliata Steak with Brussels Sprouts and Oven-Roasted Beets
This Italian classic features a seared and sliced Tagliata steak cooked to perfection in your wood-fired pizza oven. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice and place on a bed of arugula. It’s a beautiful dish that showcases simple, quality ingredients.
Serve the steak with brussels sprouts caramelized in the high heat of the pizza oven, bringing out their natural sweetness, and oven-roasted beets, which add an earthy and slightly sweet contrast to the meal. These vibrant vegetables not only balance the richness of the steak but also bring a pop of color to the table.
Suggested Pairings: Add a side of creamy parmesan risotto for a luxurious touch or serve with a citrus and fennel salad for a bright, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the steak and roasted vegetables.
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Find Your Perfect Outdoor Pizza Oven for Seasonal Cooking
Whether you choose a Fontana Forni wood-fired pizza oven, a hybrid gas and wood oven, or a countertop model, our versatile ovens are perfect for cooking outdoors all year round!
View our entire collection of pizza ovens to find the perfect model for your home, and be sure to check out our recipes, featuring delicious dishes for every season, including holiday meals.
