How to Build Your Own Rock Oven

Dig a fire pit in the ground that's about 8 inches deep. Alternatively, you can build your rock oven next to an existing fire pit.

Stack rocks to make a curved, C-shaped wall facing the fire pit, standing about 15 to 20 inches tall. Place the largest rocks near the bottom for stability. For a more permanent stone oven, apply a thick coat of mortar between the rocks with a trowel as you go. For a temporary oven, fill the gaps between stones with dirt.

Place a large, flat rock, such as shale, on top of the curved oven wall. If you attach the top with mortar, leave an open gap in the back to allow smoke to escape. Allow the mortar to set for 48 hours, or as directed.

Place three medium-sized rocks in a triangle pattern inside the C-shaped oven. Place a smaller flat rock on top of the three rocks to create a surface for baking.

Build a fire in the fire pit. The fire heats the open stone oven. Alternatively, you can shovel hot coals inside the oven under the cooking surface and cover the open end with a large flat rock.