The Pizza Lover’s Guide to Outdoor Cooking This Summer

Summer and pizza are a match made in foodie heaven.

The days are longer, the evenings are warmer, and there’s no better excuse to get outside, fire up the pizza oven and spend time with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned pizza pro or just getting started with outdoor cooking, making pizza outdoors turns an ordinary meal into an event.

From perfecting your pizza launch to trying exciting new toppings, here's everything you need for a summer filled with crispy crusts, melted cheese and plenty of happy pizza moments.

Why Pizza Tastes Better Outdoors (It Just Does)

There's something about cooking pizza outside that makes it feel a little more special.

Maybe it's the smell of dough baking in a hot oven. Maybe it's watching everyone gather around waiting for the next pizza to come out. Or maybe it's simply because pizza and sunshine are a winning combination.

Outdoor pizza cooking is:

• Fun and interactive

• Great for entertaining

• Quick to cook

• Perfect for summer evenings

• An excuse to get creative with toppings

Plus, nobody complains when pizza is on the menu.

The Secret Weapon Every Pizza Maker Needs

If you've ever tried to slide a pizza into a hot oven only to end up with a folded calzone-looking disaster, you're not alone.

That's where a good pizza paddle comes in.

Our Alloy Pizza Paddle & Adjustable Beech Wood Handle is designed to make pizza handling much easier, whether you're using a wood-fired oven, gas pizza oven or pizza stone.

What makes it handy?

• Lightweight alloy paddle for smooth pizza transfers

• Adjustable handle length depending on your setup

• Easy to manoeuvre when launching or turning pizzas

• Comfortable beech wood handle

• Helps take the stress out of pizza night

The adjustable handle means you can use the shorter setup when working close to the oven, or extend it when you need a little more reach.

How to Use a Pizza Paddle

The first few pizza launches can feel a bit nerve-racking, but once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

1. Dust It First

Sprinkle a little flour or semolina onto the paddle before placing your dough on top. This helps everything slide smoothly.

2. Build Your Pizza

Add your sauce, cheese and toppings.

Just don't spend twenty minutes deciding between pepperoni and mushrooms while the dough sits there. The longer it stays on the paddle, the more likely it is to stick.

3. Give It a Wiggle

Before heading to the oven, give the paddle a gentle shake.

If the pizza moves, you're good to go.

If it doesn't, lift the edge and add a little more flour underneath.

4. Launch Like a Pro

Place the edge of the paddle near the cooking surface and use a quick forward-and-back motion to slide the pizza into the oven.

It sounds fancy, but after a couple of attempts you'll feel like a pizza chef.

5. Turn and Retrieve

As the pizza cooks, use the paddle to rotate it for an even bake, then slide underneath to lift it out once it's beautifully golden and bubbling.

Summer Topping Ideas Worth Trying

Everyone loves a classic Margherita, but summer is a great time to experiment a little.

The Classic Crowd Pleaser

• Tomato sauce

• Fresh mozzarella

• Basil

• Olive oil

Simple, fresh and impossible to beat.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Perfect for outdoor cooking nights.

• BBQ sauce

• Chicken

• Red onion

• Mozzarella

Spicy Pepperoni & Hot Honey

Sweet, spicy and seriously addictive.

• Pepperoni

• Mozzarella

• Chilli flakes

• Hot honey drizzle

Mediterranean Summer Pizza

Light and packed with flavour.

• Feta

• Olives

• Sun-dried tomatoes

• Rocket

Pulled Pork Feast

A guaranteed favourite.

• BBQ pulled pork

• Red onion

• Smoked cheese

• Jalapeños

Garden Veggie Pizza

A great way to use seasonal vegetables.

• Courgette

• Roasted peppers

• Mushrooms

• Mozzarella

A Few Pizza Tips

Don't Go Overboard with Toppings

We know it's tempting, but less is often more. Too many toppings can make the pizza difficult to cook and harder to handle.

Let Your Dough Relax

Room-temperature dough is easier to stretch and shape than dough straight from the fridge.

Get Your Oven Properly Hot

Patience pays off. A fully heated oven will give you that crispy base and beautifully puffed crust everyone loves.

Keep Things Simple

Some of the best pizzas only have a handful of ingredients. Quality beats quantity every time.

Ready for Your Best Pizza Summer Yet?

Whether you're cooking for family, hosting friends or simply treating yourself on a sunny evening, outdoor pizza making is one of the simplest ways to make summer feel special.

With great ingredients, a hot oven and the right tools - including a reliable pizza paddle to keep things running smoothly - you'll be serving up delicious homemade pizzas all season long.

Now the only question left is:

Pineapple or no pineapple?