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 mins
Cook Time 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 300 kcal
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
- 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
- 1½ 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)
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.
Transfer Dough to Dutch Oven
Add Toppings
Add your preferred toppings — pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or anything you like. Spread them evenly for consistent cooking.
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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.
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Crust Crisping Trick: Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before cooking for a golden, crispy finish.
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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.
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Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to use dairy-free cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for different melt and flavor profiles.
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Topping Caution: Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, which can make the crust soggy and increase cooking time.
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Fire Safety: Always use heat-resistant gloves and handle the Dutch oven carefully — it gets extremely hot, especially when cooking over coals.
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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