On the latest episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, host Erica D’Arcangelo sat down with a man whose journey into the pizza world is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Scott Deley, the creator behind the viral Scott’s Pizza Project, didn’t grow up in a family kitchen or dream of opening a shop. His story began quite literally in his living room in April 2020.
An Unexpected Gift
Unlike many who spend years honing their craft, Scott’s obsession started with a surprise birthday gift from his father-in-law: an Ooni pizza oven.
“I had no idea what the brand was… I’d never even said I wanted a pizza oven,” Scott recalls. But with the world in lockdown and the stress of a day job weighing on him, the oven became more than a kitchen gadget—it became a creative release. Within weeks, he launched his Instagram page, and the “Project” was born.
The Learning Curve: Hydration and Humility
While Scott’s first Margherita was a triumph, his early journey wasn’t without its hurdles. He warns new pizza makers about the “online world of high hydration.” After two successful bakes, he tried to push his dough hydration too high, too fast.
“It was so sticky and hard to handle… they were tearing, it was horrible,” he admits. Being someone who values visual perfection, the “ugly” pizzas were a wake-up call. His biggest piece of advice to beginners? Master the basics first. Don’t feel pressured by online trends to move to high-hydration doughs until you can handle a standard 60-63% dough with confidence.
The Scott Deley Style: Precision and OCD
If you follow Scott’s Pizza Project, you know his work is instantly recognizable. He describes himself as “quite OCD” with his pizzas, striving for perfectly round shapes and symmetrically placed toppings.
The “Dough Stopper” Champion
In 2023, Scott took his skills to the live stage, competing in the UK’s Best Amateur Pizza Maker competition run by Love Logs.
The pressure was immense, with judges watching over his shoulder as he stretched and topped his dough. He had to produce a classic Margherita and a “Dough Stopper” (a creative freestyle pizza). His precision paid off—he walked away with the title, a moment he describes as an “amazing feeling” that validated years of Sunday afternoon bakes.
The Ooni Pizza Project: The Book
What started as a random Instagram DM from a publisher in Massachusetts turned into a major career milestone: Scott’s book, The Ooni Pizza Project.
Writing the book was a family affair. Scott’s wife, a talented photographer, shot all the images for the book during a freezing UK winter. The guide is designed specifically for the beginner who just unboxed their first oven and needs a roadmap. It covers everything from accessory guides to recipes for Neapolitan, New York, Detroit, and even dessert pizzas.
Build Your Own Brand
For those looking to grow their own social media presence, Scott emphasizes consistency and identity. “I’ve created something that if people are scrolling… they’ll know it’s mine,” he says. He suggests “dressing the frame” by adding elements like olive oil cans or fresh basil to photos to create a cohesive aesthetic.
Most importantly, he encourages reaching out to the community. “99.9% of the people in the pizza community are really helpful,” Scott says.
Follow Scott’s Pizza Project on Instagram @scottspizzaproject
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