Unexpected Dishes to Cook in Your Smart Outdoor Oven
When most people think of an outdoor pizza oven, they picture — well, pizza. And yes, the Fontana Volta makes an absolutely incredible pie. But if pizza is all you're cooking in it, you're certainly missing out.
The Volta is one of the most versatile outdoor cooking appliances on the market, and once you start exploring what it's capable of, your indoor oven might start collecting dust.
Yes, we know it’s often tough to think of what to cook so we did the hard work for you. Here's a look at what to cook in a smart outdoor oven — beyond the obvious.
More Than Just Pizza
We often get asked the question, “What can I cook in an outdoor pizza oven besides pizza?”
The answer: Almost anything in a smart outdoor oven that you'd make in a conventional oven! Roasted meats, bread, vegetables, casseroles, desserts, and even smoked dishes all thrive in the high-heat environment of an outdoor oven like the Volta.
The Volta's ability to reach temperatures well above 900°F — and hold them precisely — opens up a world of cooking techniques that a standard kitchen oven simply can't replicate. Think deep, crackling crusts on sourdough. Perfectly caramelized roasted vegetables. A whole roasted chicken with crispy skin.
For even more inspiration, check out Fontana's recipes page packed with ideas to get you cooking beyond the basics.
Can I bake bread in my smart outdoor oven? Absolutely. In fact, many bakers argue that a wood-fired or high-heat outdoor oven produces better bread than any conventional oven. The intense radiant heat creates a crackling crust and open crumb that's nearly impossible to achieve otherwise. Sourdough, focaccia, ciabatta — the Volta handles them all beautifully.
Why the Volta Is a Culinary Must-Have
Think of the Volta as the Swiss army knife of outdoor cooking. It can eliminate the need for any other outdoor cooking appliances and serve as a second full scale oven.
Precise Temperature Control The Volta's digital temperature probes let you dial in the exact heat you need whether that's a blazing 900°F for Neapolitan pizza or a steadier 375°F for a slow-roasted leg of lamb. No guesswork, no babysitting.
High Heat Roasting Without the Smoke One of the biggest advantages of outdoor oven cooking is high heat roasting techniques that would fill your kitchen with smoke. Roasting a bone-in prime rib or a spatchcocked chicken at 500°F+ is effortless outdoors — your kitchen stays clean, and your neighbors will be jealous.
Multiple Cooking Modes Steam, roast, bake, broil — the Volta handles every technique. The stones radiate heat from below while the dome circulates it from above, creating a cooking environment that's genuinely unique.
App Control for Convenience The Volta's companion app lets you monitor temperatures and control the oven remotely. Entertain your guests while your roast does its thing. It's the definition of a versatile outdoor appliance.
3 Unexpected Items to Cook in Your Volta
Ready to go beyond pizza? Here are three dishes that might surprise you — and why the Volta is uniquely suited to cook them.
1. Whole Roasted Fish with Herbs and Citrus
Fish cooked in a high-heat outdoor oven develops a beautifully charred skin while staying moist and flaky inside. The quick, intense heat seals in flavor in a way that a standard oven rarely achieves. Season a whole branzino or snapper generously with olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs on a baking sheet. The result is restaurant-quality with almost zero effort.
2. Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread cooked in a ripping hot cast iron skillet inside the Volta gets a caramelized, almost lacquered bottom crust that's completely addictive. The high ambient heat cooks it fast and evenly, creating a tender crumb with a deeply golden exterior. It's the kind of side dish that steals the show.
3. Smoked and Roasted Lamb Shoulder
For those that opt for wood-fired, a slow lamb shoulder is the ultimate showpiece dish. Start with a low fire to build smoke penetration, then raise the heat to finish with a roasted crust. The outdoor environment means you're not dealing with smoke alarms or lingering smells inside — the Volta expands your cooking capabilities exponentially for exactly this kind of dish.
Expert Tips for Cooking Beyond Pizza
A few things to keep in mind when you venture beyond pizza in your Volta:
Choose the Right Cookware
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Cast iron is your best friend — it handles extreme heat beautifully and goes straight onto the stone
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Carbon steel pans also work extremely well
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Avoid glass bakeware at very high temperatures — thermal shock can cause cracking or shattering
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use glass or ceramic bakeware in a smart outdoor oven?
Use caution. Ceramic bakeware rated for high heat can work at moderate oven temperatures, but standard glass bakeware is not recommended. Always check the manufacturer's temperature rating before putting any bakeware into a high-heat outdoor oven.
Can I use silicone utensils in my Volta?
For stirring and serving, yes — silicone utensils are heat-resistant and safe to use. However, avoid leaving silicone tools resting inside the oven or near the flame, as prolonged direct contact with extreme heat can damage them.
Managing Spills and Boil-Overs
If something boils over onto the cooking stone, don't panic. Allow it to burn off naturally. The high heat will turn most spills into soot. Once the oven cools, brush away the residue with a stiff wire brush. Never use soap or water on the stone.
How do I prevent flare-ups when roasting meat in my smart outdoor oven?
Place meats on a rack set inside a heavy roasting pan rather than directly on the stone. This catches dripping fat before it hits the flame or stone, significantly reducing the chance of flare-ups and making cleanup easier.
Should I clean the pizza stone in between cooking different dishes?
Generally not needed between every dish. The high heat sanitizes the stone naturally. If there are significant food residues, use a brass brush to sweep them away before the next cook. A deep clean is only needed if there's visible buildup affecting performance.
Can I bake delicate desserts, like soufflés or cakes, in the Volta?
Yes — with the right approach. For delicate bakes, you'll want a lower, more stable temperature (around 325–375°F). The Volta's precise temperature controls make this achievable. Use a heavy Dutch oven or covered baking dish to moderate heat exposure for items like cakes or custards.
Is it safe to use my smart outdoor oven in the rain or snow?
Yes! As long as you keep yourself warm. Fontana ovens are built for outdoor use. Always use a quality cover when the oven is not in use.
What can I cook in an outdoor pizza oven besides pizza?
Almost anything. Roasted meats, whole fish, bread, vegetables, casseroles, desserts, and smoked dishes are all excellent candidates. The Volta's precise temperature control and high-heat capability make it a true all-seasons, all-purpose outdoor cooking appliance.
About Fontana Forni Smart Outdoor Ovens
Fontana Forni has been building premium outdoor ovens for decades, combining Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The Volta smart outdoor oven represents the pinnacle of that tradition — featuring app connectivity, digital temperature probes, cool-touch insulated exteriors, and the ability to cook virtually anything you can dream up.
Whether you're a weekend pizza enthusiast or a serious outdoor cook, Fontana has an oven built for the way you cook.
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