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Dutch oven pizza sliced and cooling

Outdoor Dutch Oven Pizza Recipe

Carter
Enjoy a smoky, crispy Dutch oven pizza perfect for outdoor cooking. Whether you're camping or firing up a backyard fire pit, this recipe delivers classic pizza flavors with a rustic twist.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven For even heat and a crispy crust
  • 1 Charcoal briquettes or camping stove As your heat source
  • 1 Mixing bowl To mix and knead the dough
  • 1 Wooden spoon or dough scraper To mix and handle dough
  • 1 Cutting board For prep and serving
  • 1 Heat-resistant gloves To safely handle the Dutch oven
  • 1 Tongs or spatula To rotate or lift pizza as needed

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup warm water or more if needed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Optional for softer dough

For Sauce and Cheese

  • 1 cup pizza sauce store bought or homemade
  • cups shredded mozzarella cheese preferably whole milk

Optional

Optional Toppings

  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni or salami
  • ¼ cup chopped bell peppers
  • ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
  • Fresh basil or oregano (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Finishings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing crust edges
  • Balsamic glaze or arugula (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients

  • Gather all ingredients and place them on a clean surface. Measure everything ahead of time, and prep toppings like slicing vegetables or grating cheese.

Mix the Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

  • Cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Preheat the Dutch Oven

  • Place your Dutch oven over hot coals or on a camping stove and preheat it for 10–15 minutes. Test heat by flicking water inside — it should sizzle immediately.

Shape the Dough

  • Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll or press it into a circle about ¼ inch thick, sized to fit your Dutch oven.

Transfer Dough to Dutch Oven

  • Carefully transfer the shaped dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Use parchment paper underneath if preferred for easier handling.

Add Sauce and Cheese

  • Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.

Add Toppings

  • Add your preferred toppings — pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or anything you like. Spread them evenly for consistent cooking.

Cover and Cook

  • Cover the Dutch oven with its lid. Cook over coals or on a stove for 20–25 minutes. Rotate the pot occasionally for even cooking.

Check for Doneness

  • The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Lift the crust slightly to check the bottom.

Cool and Serve

  • Carefully remove the Dutch oven from heat. Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Dough Rise Tip: For even better texture and flavor, allow the dough to rest for up to 1 hour if time allows — especially in cooler outdoor settings.
  • Crust Crisping Trick: Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before cooking for a golden, crispy finish.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare your dough and sauce at home, store them in airtight containers, and bring them chilled to your campsite. Let the dough come to room temperature before using.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to use dairy-free cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for different melt and flavor profiles.
  • Topping Caution: Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, which can make the crust soggy and increase cooking time.
  • Fire Safety: Always use heat-resistant gloves and handle the Dutch oven carefully — it gets extremely hot, especially when cooking over coals.
  • No Dutch Oven? You can make a version of this recipe in a heavy cast iron skillet with a foil lid or in a covered grill setup.
Keyword campfire pizza, dutch overn pizza, high protein pizza, homemade pizza, outdoor pizza recipe