Understanding Focaccia Baking in a Pizza Oven

Yes, you can cook focaccia in a pizza oven, and the results are often superior to baking it in a traditional home oven. A pizza oven provides strong radiant heat, a deeply heated cooking surface, and excellent heat retention—all essential elements for creating focaccia with a crisp, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. Because focaccia benefits from high temperatures and fast baking, a pizza oven is an ideal tool for producing bakery-quality results outdoors.

Why a Pizza Oven Is Ideal for Focaccia

1. High, Even Heat Promotes Rapid Rise

The intense heat in a pizza oven helps focaccia experience strong oven spring, creating the signature airy texture.

2. Crisp Exterior with Soft Interior

Radiant heat caramelizes the olive oil-rich surface, forming the golden, bumpy crust that makes focaccia unique.

3. Excellent Moisture Retention

The insulated chamber traps steam from the dough, helping the crumb remain tender while the crust crisps.

4. Large Baking Area for Multiple Portions

Pizza ovens allow you to bake one large focaccia or several smaller pans at once, making them ideal for gatherings.

Best Temperature for Baking Focaccia

Focaccia is typically baked at 220°C to 260°C.
A pizza oven is capable of reaching this range quickly and holding it consistently.

• Lower temperatures result in pale crust

• Higher temperatures may burn the edges before the center sets

Stabilizing the oven before baking ensures the best texture and flavor.

How to Bake Focaccia in a Pizza Oven

1. Preheat the Oven Properly

Allow the stone or cooking surface to absorb heat.
Use a thermometer if needed to maintain 220°C–260°C.

2. Prepare the Dough

Focaccia dough is typically high in hydration and enriched with olive oil.
Let it proof in a sheet pan or cast iron skillet.

3. Drizzle Olive Oil and Add Toppings

Before baking:

• Add olive oil to encourage crisping

• Press dimples into the dough

• Add herbs, tomatoes, olives, onions, or salt

4. Place the Pan in the Pizza Oven

Do not place focaccia dough directly on the stone.
Use a pan to prevent sticking and to bake evenly.

5. Rotate for Even Browning

Pizza ovens may have hotter zones near the flame, so rotate the pan halfway through.
Bake for 12–20 minutes, depending on thickness.

6. Rest Before Slicing

Let the focaccia cool slightly so the crumb can set before cutting.

Tips for Excellent Focaccia Results

• Preheat the pan lightly for extra crispness

• Use cast iron or heavy-gauge metal pans for even heat

• Add toppings with high moisture content sparingly

• Check color frequently, as pizza ovens bake fast

• Finish with extra olive oil after baking for richer flavor

Proper technique brings out the best in the high-heat environment.

Focaccia Variations You Can Bake in a Pizza Oven

A pizza oven supports a wide range of focaccia styles, including:

• Classic rosemary sea salt

• Cherry tomato and basil

• Garlic confit focaccia

• Olive and oregano

• Potato focaccia

• Cheese-studded focaccia

The intense heat enhances caramelization and aromatic toppings.

How TopGrill Outdoor Pizza Ovens Enhance Focaccia Baking

TopGrill Outdoor designs pizza ovens with features that make them exceptionally well-suited for focaccia and other artisan breads.
Key advantages include:

• Thick refractory stones that produce strong bottom heat for crisp crusts

• Insulated steel chambers that maintain the mid-range temperatures focaccia needs

• Efficient wood or gas heat systems providing consistent thermal balance

• Wide cooking platforms ideal for sheet pans or cast iron skillets

• Durable construction that withstands repeated baking cycles

These engineering strengths allow TopGrill Outdoor ovens to create focaccia with excellent height, crisp crust, and aromatic golden surfaces every time.