Prepare Dough: Follow any of our dough recipes. You will need to prepare the dough at least 24 hours ahead of time. Proper fermentation will result in a nice, crisp exterior with an airy, soft interior. Prepare Ingredients of Choice: Feel free to get creative and choose any ingredients you like for your Panuozzo filling. This could include meats, cheeses, vegetables, or greens—whatever suits your vision of a gourmet sandwich!
Preheat Oven:If using an outdoor pizza like an Ooni pizza oven, aim for a temperature of 400-450°C at the center of your pizza stone. Use an infrared thermometer to ensure accuracy. It should take around 25-30 minutes to reach temperature.For a home oven, using a pizza steel or stone, place the stone or steel inside the oven and preheat to the highest temperature for at least 30 minutes. Prepare Panuozzo Base: On a lightly floured surface, cut a dough ball in half. Take one half and stretch it by hand, gently pressing and shaping it into an American football shape, perfect for filling later. Avoid using a rolling pin to maintain the dough’s airy texture. Lightly dust a pizza peel and place the shaped dough on it. If desired, brush the dough with extra virgin olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
Bake Your Panuozzo:Outdoor Pizza Oven: Place the dough into the oven and turn the flame to low. Keep an eye on the Panuozzo, rotating it every 20-30 seconds to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning. The Panuozzo is ready when the top and bottom are crispy with leopard spotting but not overly charred, usually in 2-3 minutes.Home Oven with Pizza Steel or Stone: Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is nicely browned and crispy. Assemble and Serve: Once baked, remove the Panuozzo from the oven and carefully slice it open to create a pocket, like a sandwich. Add your choice of fillings, close it up, and enjoy your freshly made Panuozzo!