Pizza: a beloved classic enjoyed by many around the world, with tastes and preferences varying from culture to culture and person to person.
Fortunately, there are plenty of home cooking methods to satisfy any and all pizza cravings without turning on the oven.
From stovetop to slow cooker, the possibilities for enjoying an oven-free feast are endless but the key to success lies in the proper technique and a few key ingredients.
How To Cook a Pizza With No Oven
When it comes to alternative cooking equipment, stovetop pizza is a favorite among pizza purists. With a hot stove and the right ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a delicious pizza in no time!
Additionally, cooking pizza on the stovetop can be done with an impressively short list of items, including a 12-inch pan or skillet, pizza dough, pizza sauce, and cheese. From there, toppings can be added such as pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and anything else your heart desires.
Crispy and golden on the outside, but with a chewy and moist center, the secret to stovetop pizza lies in the form of a wet dough. The key is to preheat the pan, roll out the dough, add the sauce and toppings, and then turn the heat down to medium-low, allowing the pizza to cook for a few minutes on the stovetop.
The near-perfect crust comes from the dough being lightly fried in olive oil, giving it a crunchy texture and signature flavor.
After six minutes or so, check to make sure the crust is golden, remove it from the heat, and allow it to rest for a few more minutes. The finished product should have a deliciously crisp and tender crust with melted cheese and a layer of delicious toppings.
Wood Fired or Grilled Pizza
If you prefer a more smoky flavor with the char of a wood-fired oven, grilling pizza is the ideal way to recreate the delicious taste of oven-style pizza.
With the typical flavors of a wood-fired oven, this subtle hint of smokiness is likely to be the next best option and can be achieved in minutes by grilling the pizza on the outdoor grill.
Start by preheating the grill on high and lightly oil the grates with a high smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil. Any pizzeria-style pizza dough should work great, however, if you can find pre-made or frozen dough, you’ll save yourself some time.
For the best result, shape the dough into a small disc that is no more than Âľ of an inch thick; otherwise, the crust may be too thick and will not cook evenly. Once the dough is rolled out, brush a thin layer of oil onto one side of the pizza and place it with the oil side down on the pre-heated grill.
Close the lid of the grill and allow the pizza to cook for a few minutes until the cheese has started to melt and the bottom is golden. Flip the pizza and top with your favorite toppings and close the lid again as these finish cooking.
The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bottom is golden brown. Remove the pizza from the grill, let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy the smoky flavor of a wood-fired pizza at the fraction of the cost.
Finally, while it may not come as much of a surprise, the slow cooker can also be used to craft a delicious pizza. An increasingly popular option, the slow cooker is perfect for busy households looking for an easy pizza fix.
Start by preheating the slow cooker on low heat and lightly greasing the pot with non-stick cooking spray or a coating of olive oil. Roll out your pizza dough and place it in the pot before topping with pizza sauce, cheese, and the desired toppings.
Once all of the ingredients have been prepped and placed in the pot, cover and cook the pizza on low heat for 4-5 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
When finished, the pizza should be golden brown and running with cheese and deliciousness. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Final Bites
No matter which method you choose, oven-free pizza can be a delicious treat for the whole family, and the results are always sure to please. All it takes is a little creativity and experimentation with different ingredients and techniques and the possibilities for delicious pizza are endless. With a handful of helpful tips, a few simple ingredients, and a bonus of no oven required, you can make your own delicious pizza feast right at home.
