Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving the perfect balance of crispy edges and melty cheese with a homemade touch, the Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe captures that irresistible golden crust you get from a restaurant-style pizza, all thanks to the magic of a hot cast iron skillet. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll whip up a pizza that’s bursting with bright flavors and that satisfyingly chewy crust every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe plays an important role, whether it’s enhancing texture, layering flavors, or adding a little pop of color. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll see how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable.

• 12 oz. pizza dough: Using room temperature dough ensures it’s easy to stretch and bake evenly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on the dough to add moisture and help create a golden crust.
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a savory, nutty flavor with a bit of crispiness on the crust.
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a subtle, aromatic Italian essence to the pizza.
• ½ cup marinara sauce: Rich and tangy, it’s the classic base for all your toppings.
• 1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese (whole milk, low moisture): Melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, cheesy yum.
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted): Brushed on the crust for that irresistible buttery finish.
• 14 slices pepperoni: Adds a spicy, meaty kick and gorgeous color contrast.
• ¼ cup sliced onions and peppers: Brings crunch and a hint of sweetness to balance the richness.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 475° F and let it heat for a full 30 minutes. This is a crucial step because that scorching heat combined with the cast iron skillet creates that signature crispy crust everyone loves. The longer the oven warms, the better your pizza will bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

If you happen to have a full pound of dough, trim it down to 12 ounces to keep this recipe perfectly balanced. Then roll the dough out into a 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. This sizing helps it fit beautifully into a 12-inch skillet with plenty of room to form a lovely crust along the edges.

Step 3: Transfer Dough to Skillet and Shape

Give your 12-inch cast iron skillet a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to avoid sticking. Place the rolled dough inside the skillet and gently work it up halfway along the sides. Then roll the dough downward to create that classic pizza crust edge which will brown and crisp perfectly during baking.

Step 4: Add Oil, Cheese, and Seasoning

Brush the dough generously with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to lock in moisture and promote browning. Sprinkle over the parmesan cheese and dried oregano, then poke the dough all over with a fork. This little venting trick prevents air bubbles from forming and keeps your crust even and flat.

Step 5: Partially Bake the Crust

Place the skillet on the lower oven rack and bake the crust for 5 minutes. Remove it carefully and blot any excess oil from the surface with a paper towel. This step ensures your crust won’t get soggy and keeps things beautifully crispy.

Step 6: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust, then pile on the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and the sliced onions and peppers for a burst of flavor and color. This layering is where the magic really starts to shine through.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza

Slide your skillet back onto the lower oven rack and bake the pizza for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the toppings are cooked to perfection.

Step 8: Finish with Butter and Broil

Remove the pizza again and brush the crust with melted butter for that rich, glossy finish. Move the skillet to the upper rack and bake for an additional 3 minutes. Finally, broil at 425° F for 1 minute to get that heavenly golden-brown top. Just watch it like a hawk because it can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds!

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the pizza rest for 3-5 minutes right in the skillet. This brief pause lets the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t slide off. Then carefully tilt the skillet and use a spatula to slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice it up and get ready for pure pizza bliss.

How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Try finishing your pizza with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a fresh, vibrant kick. A drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can also elevate the flavors and give an amazing aroma as you bite in.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Or serve alongside roasted garlic breadsticks or a bowl of soup for a cozy, comforting meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe directly in the skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation. Or pop it onto a wooden pizza peel or board for that classic pizzeria feel. Cut into rustic wedges or even squares to mix things up at your next dinner party or family night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your pizza cool completely before placing any leftovers in an airtight container or wrapping tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for the best texture and taste.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the pizza first and wrap pieces individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen pizza pieces will keep well for up to 2 months, which is perfect for quick snacks or meals down the line.

Reheating

To reheat, using a cast iron skillet on medium heat helps revive the crust’s crispiness while melting the cheese perfectly. Alternatively, a quick few minutes under the broiler or in a toaster oven works great as well, just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough works wonderfully here, just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling out to make handling easier and improve texture.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? Can I use a regular pan?

This recipe shines because of the heat retention and even cooking of cast iron. If you don’t have one, use a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet, but results might differ slightly with less crust crispiness.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Partially baking the crust before adding toppings and blotting excess oil are the key steps to keep your crust crispy and avoid sogginess in this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe.

Can I customize toppings?

Definitely! This recipe is a fantastic base for any favorite toppings. Just keep similar moisture content in mind to maintain crust texture and bake times.

How do I clean my cast iron skillet after making pizza?

Wipe the skillet with a paper towel while still warm, then wash with hot water and a brush if needed. Avoid soap and heavy scrubbing to protect your skillet’s seasoning.

Final Thoughts

There is just something so satisfying about a homemade pizza crisped to perfection in a cast iron skillet. This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe not only brings incredible flavors and texture but also lets you enjoy the process as much as the final slice. Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and treat yourself to a cozy, delicious pizza night that’s sure to become a favorite tradition.

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