Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe
If you’re anything like me, there’s just something magical about making pizza from scratch right in your own kitchen. This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe delivers that perfect combination of a golden, crispy crust with bubbling, melty cheese — all without the hassle of a pizza oven. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy, homemade treat that tastes like it came from a fancy pizzeria.
What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving and flexible it is. Using frozen bread dough makes prepping a breeze, and cooking the pizza in a cast iron skillet gives you this amazing crispy bottom with chewy, tender edges that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re feeding two or making it for a date night at home, this recipe is absolutely worth trying at least once (and then again, and again!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients working together. Fresh dough, savory sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni create a classic combo, but don’t miss the little extras like olive oil for crisping the crust and parmesan for a punch of sharpness.
- Frozen Bread Dough: I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and easier handling.
- All-purpose flour: Just a dusting to keep your dough from sticking when you roll it out.
- Olive oil: Helps create that golden crust and prevents sticking in your skillet.
- Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce; it’s the flavor base that ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Use whole-milk mozzarella for gooier, richer melting.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic topping that crisps up nicely under the cheese.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami punch when sprinkled on top.
- Fresh basil: For garnish — it brightens every slice with fresh herbaceous notes.
Variations
I love that this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe is a blank canvas for whatever you’re craving. Feel free to swap out toppings or tweak the cheese blend to suit your mood or dietary needs. The key is to keep the dough and cooking method consistent, and you’ll nail it every time.
- Vegetarian Variation: Substitute pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions. I often add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough in place of the frozen bread dough. Just make sure your skillet is thoroughly greased to avoid sticking.
- Cheese Lover’s Style: Layer mozzarella with provolone and a little sharp cheddar – it’s a melty dream! I’ve done this when I wanted a richer, more complex cheese profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or pepper flakes before baking for a touch of heat that pairs beautifully with the savory toppings.
- Seasonal Twist: In summer, fresh tomato slices and basil work beautifully. In winter, roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions add warmth and depth.
How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough and Toppings
First things first: thaw your frozen bread dough according to the package instructions—overnight in the fridge is my favorite method for perfect texture. While the dough’s relaxing, prep your toppings like slicing pepperoni or grating cheese. Having everything ready when you’re ready to assemble makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Heat Up Your Cast Iron Skillet
Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 500°F — you want that pan hot, so it crisps the crust nicely. After about 20 minutes, carefully take the skillet out (it’ll be very hot, so don’t forget your oven mitts!) and drizzle in olive oil, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom and sides. This step is a game-changer for that incredible crunch.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Transfer to Skillet
On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough out until it’s just a couple inches wider than your skillet’s diameter. This helps you push the dough up the sides for that perfect pizza pan edge. Transfer the dough into the skillet, pressing it against the sides. If you want a crispier crust and you’re using a ton of toppings, prick the dough with a fork and prebake for about 7 minutes — I usually skip this with a classic pepperoni pizza.
Step 4: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Spread your marinara sauce evenly across the dough—don’t forget to leave a small border! I like sprinkling a little Italian seasoning or garlic powder on the sauce to amp up the flavor. Then comes one of the best parts: sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, followed by your pepperoni slices or your chosen toppings.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the skillet back into the oven and bake for 14 to 17 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese’s melted and bubbly with golden spots and the crust looks beautifully crisp and browned. Remember, ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the pizza to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Cool Slightly, Garnish, and Serve
Once your pizza’s out of the oven, let it cool in the skillet for about a minute—this makes it easier to handle. Using a pancake turner or spatula, gently lift the pizza onto a cutting board. Top it off with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness, slice it up, and dig in!
How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh basil for garnish—it adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll also sprinkle a little extra parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple arugula and lemon salad. Roasted garlic bread or some garlic knots are also great choices if you’re serving this for a casual dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the pizza family-style right in the skillet—it keeps things warm and rustic. You can also create mini skillet pizzas for parties, letting guests customize their own toppings. Wrapping up in parchment paper strips can make serving slices feel fun and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? Absolutely! I store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. This pizza holds up well for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to cool it fully before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover slices wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in zip-top bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture is pretty close to fresh if you reheat it properly.
Reheating
To keep the crust crispy when reheating, I pop slices back into a hot skillet on the stovetop for a few minutes or set my oven to 375°F and bake slices for about 7-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that beautiful crispiness!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen bread dough for this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh dough works wonderfully and can even give you more control over flavor and texture. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for easier handling and rolling before shaping in your skillet.
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Why do I need to preheat the cast iron skillet before adding the dough?
Preheating the cast iron skillet ensures the crust starts cooking immediately and develops that perfect crispy, golden bottom. It mimics the bottom heat of a pizza oven and prevents soggy dough.
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Is it necessary to prebake the dough before adding toppings?
It depends on how many toppings you’re adding. If you’re piling on heavy or wet toppings, prebaking the dough for about 7 minutes helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy. For lighter toppings like cheese and pepperoni, you can skip this step.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Using vegan cheese alternatives and dairy-free olive oil-based sauces will work fine. Just keep in mind that melting properties and flavor may differ slightly from traditional cheese.
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What size skillet should I use?
A 10 to 12-inch cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, offering a nice balance of crust thickness and topping coverage. Larger skillets might require more dough and ingredients, so adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something comforting about pulling a fresh, crispy, cheesy pizza right out of a hot cast iron skillet—especially one made with simple, wholesome ingredients like in this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe. It’s become my favorite quick pizza hack that impresses friends and satisfies any pizza craving at home. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in it as I do. Trust me, once you make your first skillet pizza, you’ll want to keep this recipe close forever!
PrintCast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe
This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with melty mozzarella cheese and classic pepperoni, all baked to perfection in a hot cast iron skillet. The method ensures a delicious homemade pizza with a wonderfully crunchy base and bubbly cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 loaf Frozen Bread Dough
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For Cooking
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thaw and Prep Dough: Begin by thawing the frozen bread dough according to the package directions, ideally overnight in the fridge for best results. While the dough thaws, prep your toppings such as slicing olives or veggies and grating cheese, so everything is ready to go.
- Preheat Skillet: Place your cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat it to 500°F. Allow the pan to heat for about 20 minutes to ensure it’s very hot. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a cooling rack or hot pad. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the pan and spread it evenly using a paper towel or basting brush. Be cautious—the pan will be extremely hot.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to be a couple of inches wider than your skillet’s diameter using a rolling pin or your fingers. Transfer the dough to the greased skillet, pressing it snugly against the sides. If you plan to add more than three toppings, prick the dough several times with a fork and prebake the crust for about 7 minutes before adding toppings; otherwise, proceed to the next step.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza crust. At this stage, you can sprinkle on Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or your preferred herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Layer Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer, ensuring an even coverage for melty goodness.
- Add Toppings: Arrange your chosen toppings on the cheese layer—pepperoni slices are a classic and favorite addition.
- Bake Pizza: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 14-17 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pizza to cool for a minute. Use a pancake turner to carefully lift the pizza out onto a cutting board. Garnish with fresh basil, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the cast iron skillet is properly heated to achieve a crispy crust.
- If adding many toppings, prebaking the crust helps prevent sogginess.
- Adjust toppings to your preference; vegetables like sliced olives or bell peppers work well.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to prevent toppings from sliding off.
- Use parchment paper under the dough if you prefer easier cleanup.
Keywords: cast iron skillet pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, cast iron cooking, pepperoni pizza, skillet pizza
