Ingredients
Pizza Dough & Crust
- 12 oz. pizza dough (at room temp.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Toppings
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese (whole milk, low moisture)
- 14 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced onions and peppers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and allow it to heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure your cast iron skillet gets really hot for optimal crisping.
- Prepare Dough: If you have more than 12 oz of dough, remove about a quarter. Roll the 12 oz of room temperature dough into a 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Form Crust: Spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the rolled dough to the skillet, working it halfway up the sides. Then roll the edges downward to create a defined crust.
- Season Dough: Using a pastry brush, spread 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly over the dough’s surface. Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Use a fork to poke holes across the dough to vent steam and prevent bubbles during baking.
- Par-Bake Crust: Place the skillet on the lower rack of the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the skillet and pat the crust gently with a paper towel to remove any excess oil and press the crust firmly into the skillet.
- Add Toppings: Spread ½ cup marinara sauce evenly over the crust, then top with 1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese, followed by 14 slices of pepperoni and the sliced onions and peppers.
- Bake Pizza: Return the skillet to the lower oven rack and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish Crust and Broil: Remove the skillet from the oven, brush the crust with melted butter, then transfer the skillet to the upper rack. Bake for 3 more minutes. Finally, broil at 425°F (220°C) for 1 minute to achieve a golden crust—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pizza rest in the skillet for 3 to 5 minutes. Then carefully tilt the skillet and use a spatula to slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Allow dough to come to room temperature for easier handling and better texture.
- Using a well-preheated cast iron skillet ensures a crispy crust.
- Poking holes in the dough before baking helps prevent air bubbles forming.
- Brushing the crust with melted butter after baking adds flavor and a golden finish.
- Broiling at the end enhances the crust’s crispness—monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
