Cast 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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
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)
- 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.
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