How to Cook the Perfect Roast in a Wood Fired Pizza Oven

If you’ve ever burnt a snag or undercooked a chook, this one’s for you.

There’s nothing quite like cooking a roast in a wood-fired pizza oven. You get that unbeatable smoky flavour, crispy skin, and juicy, fall apart meat that leaves your guests raving. But get it wrong, and you're left with burnt bits outside and raw meat in the middle.

The good news? Cooking a roast in a wood fired oven isn’t as tricky as it seems, if you get your setup right.

Why Roast in a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?

Roasting in a wood fired pizza oven isn’t just about the flavour (though let’s be honest, it’s unreal). It’s about the experience. The fire, the crackle, the smell of seasoned red gum, and the moment your mates take the first bite and nod in approval.

Plus, these ovens aren’t just for pizza. They’re a backyard game changer perfect for roast chicken, lamb legs, pork shoulders, and even veggies or baked desserts.

Step 1: Fire It Up

To nail a wood fired roast, you need to build a solid fire and manage the heat.

• Use a raised log holder or build a teepee fire with kindling, firelighters, and seasoned hardwood like red gum.
• Leave the oven door and chimney flue open for the first 10 minutes to feed oxygen to the fire.
• After 10 minutes, close the door most of the way and shut the top flue halfway to retain heat.
• For roasting, aim for a steady oven temp of 200 to 220°C similar to your indoor oven.

Pro tip: If you’re hitting 400°C, you’re in pizza territory. Let it cool before adding your roast, or even better, cook up a few pizzas as an entree to wet the appetite.
 

Step 2: Prepping Your Chook (or Roast of Choice)

In this instructional video, we’re cooking a 2.7kg roast chicken. First, check and clean the cavity, pat it dry, and trim any excess fat or loose skin.

Then, season generously. We used Flaming Coals Clucking Mad a family friendly rub that works magic with chicken. Add a drizzle of olive oil, rub it in, then coat with seasoning until every inch is covered.

Place your chicken in a pan with a few sprigs of rosemary and potatoes around the edges. That way, the fat drips down and flavours the veggies while they crisp up.

Step 3: Into the Oven She Goes

Slide your roasting tray into the hot zone. Rotate it every 15 to 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. Unlike an indoor oven, wood-fired ovens can have hot spots, so turning the tray keeps things consistent.

Cooking time: Around 2 hours for a bird this size. But don’t rely on time alone.

 Use an instant read thermometer and check a few spots, you're looking for at least 75°C internal temp. If you have time on your side, the longer you cook the chicken at a lower temperature, the more succulent it’s going to be. 

Step 4: Serve Up a Wood-Fired Masterpiece

After two hours, that chicken should be golden and sizzling. The skin? Crisp. The aroma? Next level. The meat? Juicy enough to carve with a spoon.

Let it rest 10 minutes, then slice it up and serve with those crispy spuds you cooked right alongside.

Why You’ll Never Go Back to Kitchen Roasts

There’s just something about the smoke-kissed flavour, the crackling fire, and cooking outdoors with a cold one in hand. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together. Easy enough for a weeknight, epic enough for a Saturday cook-up.

But be warned once you’ve roasted in a wood fired pizza oven, your kitchen oven may start collecting dust.

Ready to Roast Like a Pro?

Explore our Flaming Coals wood fired ovens and BBQ gear designed for real Aussie backyards. Built tough, easy to use, and perfect for turning roasts into legendary meals.

Shop the Range Now

FAQs

Q: How hot should a wood-fired pizza oven be for roasting?
A: Aim for 200 to 220°C for roasts just like your indoor oven, but with way more flavour.

Q: Can I cook anything else in a wood-fired pizza oven?
A: Absolutely! Breads, baked desserts, slow-cooked lamb, veggies, and more.

Q: What wood is best for roasting in a pizza oven?
A: Go with seasoned hardwoods like red gum or ironbark for steady heat and clean flavour.

Check out our Roast Lamb recipe and our Baked Apples recipe for more inspiration and ammo to tell the other half why you need a wood-fired oven…you’re welcome

Wrap It Up

So, next time you're thinking of roasting a chicken, skip the oven inside and fire up the wood-fired beast in your backyard. With the right prep and gear, you’ll turn a simple roast into something unforgettable.

Here’s to your next legendary cook up done the wood-fired way.

by: Cameron Brewer