Our tips and tricks for perfectly baking bread in a wood-fired oven

Nothing beats the authentic flavor of bread baked in a wood-fired oven, with its golden crust and soft, fluffy interior! To achieve this result worthy of the finest bakers, mastering the art of wood-fired oven baking is essential. My Barbecue reveals its best tips!

Are you the proud owner of a wood-fired oven purchased online from My Barbecue? Discover our comprehensive FAQ with tips for successful homemade bread baking, from dough preparation to optimal oven use, including choosing essential accessories.

Buy your wood- fired oven online !

1. Prepare your wood-fired oven

Before baking your bread, it is crucial to preheat the oven properly.

Preheating: Allow the oven to reach a temperature of 250 to 300°C. This can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your oven and the type of wood used. Use hardwood, such as oak or beech, to ensure a slow and even burn. When the interior dome turns white, the temperature is correct.

Next, allow the heat to distribute evenly by closing the door for a few minutes.

My Barbecue's tip: before putting your bread in the oven, check the oven floor temperature with a laser thermometer. A floor that's too hot could burn the base of the bread, while a floor that's too cold might not cook it thoroughly.

Our tips for preparing your wood-fired oven

2. Master the art of cooking

When you put your bread in the oven, remove the excess ash with an oven brush to avoid any bitter taste.

Using steam: For a crispy crust, add a container of water or throw a few ice cubes onto the oven floor when you put the bread in. This will create steam that hydrates the dough and promotes the formation of a beautiful crust.

Cooking time: The bread should cook for between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on its size.

My Barbecue tip: you can test if the bread is cooked by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow. If necessary, rotate the bread to ensure even cooking, as some wood-fired ovens may have hotter spots than others.

3. Adjust the temperature

Baking in a wood-fired oven requires some adjustment. Heat management: If your bread is browning too quickly on top, you can lower the temperature by slightly opening the door or removing some embers. Conversely, if you need more heat, add more wood and let the temperature rise before closing the door.

My Barbecue's tip: Invest in an oven thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and avoid surprises.

4. Buy the right accessories to succeed

For perfect bread baking, certain accessories are essential. Here is a must-have selection available on my-barbecue.com:

Bread peel: Essential for putting bread in and taking it out of the oven without damaging the dough or burning yourself.

Oven thermometer: To accurately control the internal temperature and adjust the cooking according to your needs.

Oven brush: Ideal for cleaning the oven floor before baking, removing ash and debris.

Protective gloves: To handle accessories safely, as the heat from the oven can be intense.

My Barbecue's advice: Opt for accessories made of strong, good quality materials to ensure their durability, especially if you cook frequently.

Buy the best accessories for your wood-fired oven online!

Baking bread in a wood-fired oven requires patience, practice, and the use of the right equipment. By following these tips, you'll get a delicious loaf that will impress your family and friends.