The Blackstone griddle is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance loved for its expansive cooking surface and ease of use. But have you ever dreamed of transforming your griddle into a pizza-making powerhouse? Adding a pizza oven attachment to your Blackstone opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to create delicious, crispy pizzas right in your backyard. This comprehensive guide explores the options, benefits, and considerations involved in using a pizza oven with your Blackstone griddle.
Why Choose a Pizza Oven for Your Blackstone?
The beauty of a Blackstone griddle pizza oven lies in its convenience and versatility. Instead of investing in a separate, dedicated pizza oven, you can leverage your existing griddle to expand your cooking capabilities. This is particularly appealing for those with limited space or who appreciate the ease of cleanup associated with a Blackstone. Here are some key benefits:
- Crispy Crust: The high heat generated by many pizza oven attachments for Blackstone griddles creates the perfect environment for achieving that coveted crispy, bubbly pizza crust.
- Consistent Cooking: Unlike traditional ovens, which can have temperature inconsistencies, dedicated pizza oven attachments often provide more even heat distribution for consistently cooked pizzas.
- Versatility: Your Blackstone remains a multi-purpose cooking station. You can still grill, sear, and sauté while enjoying the added pizza-making functionality.
- Cost-Effective: A pizza oven attachment is generally a more affordable option than purchasing a separate, freestanding pizza oven.
- Outdoor Cooking Experience: Enjoy the fun and social atmosphere of outdoor cooking while creating restaurant-quality pizzas.
Types of Pizza Oven Attachments for Blackstone Griddles
While Blackstone doesn't currently offer a branded pizza oven attachment, several third-party manufacturers produce compatible options. These typically come in two main styles:
1. Dome-Style Pizza Ovens:
These resemble smaller, portable pizza ovens that sit atop your Blackstone griddle. They typically utilize the griddle's heat source for cooking, offering excellent temperature control and often incorporating features like a thermometer and chimney for smoke evacuation. They are generally larger, allowing for bigger pizzas.
2. Flat Stone Pizza Ovens:
These simpler attachments are essentially thick pizza stones that fit directly onto the Blackstone griddle surface. They retain heat well and provide a good baking surface for pizzas, although they might not reach the same high temperatures as dome-style ovens. They are usually more affordable.
Choosing the Right Pizza Oven Attachment
Several factors should influence your decision:
- Budget: Flat stone attachments are typically more budget-friendly than dome-style ovens.
- Pizza Size: Dome ovens usually accommodate larger pizzas.
- Heat Retention: Dome ovens generally offer superior heat retention compared to flat stones.
- Ease of Use: Flat stones are simpler to use, while dome ovens might require some assembly and adjustment.
- Clean Up: Both types require careful cleaning to avoid damage.
Making Pizza on Your Blackstone Griddle with an Oven Attachment
Once you've selected your pizza oven attachment, the fun begins! Here's a general guide:
- Preheat: Thoroughly preheat your Blackstone griddle and the pizza oven attachment according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
- Prepare Your Dough: Use your favorite pizza dough recipe, ensuring it's properly stretched and ready for toppings.
- Add Toppings: Layer your favorite toppings evenly across the pizza.
- Bake: Carefully transfer your pizza to the preheated pizza oven attachment. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times will vary depending on your oven attachment and desired level of crispness.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Blackstone Griddle Experience
Adding a pizza oven attachment to your Blackstone griddle is a fantastic way to expand its functionality and enjoy delicious, homemade pizzas in your backyard. By carefully considering the different types of attachments available and following the proper cooking techniques, you can create restaurant-quality pizzas with ease and convenience. So, get ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game and impress your friends and family with your newfound pizza-making skills!
