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Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a perfectly crispy crust with a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, fresh marinara sauce, and optional toppings like pepperoni and sautéed peppers and onions. Cooking in a cast iron skillet and using high oven heat ensures a beautiful, golden-brown crust, while simple techniques like oil brushing and pre-baking the dough keep bubbles at bay. Ideal for a quick yet delicious homemade pizza experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough and Base

  • 12 oz. pizza dough, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

Toppings and Sauce

  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese, whole milk/low moisture
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Optional Toppings

  • 14 slices pepperoni
  • ¼ cup sliced onions and peppers

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475° F, ideally allowing it to heat for 30 minutes so the cast iron skillet can get thoroughly hot for optimal crust development.
  2. Prepare Dough Amount: If starting with a full pound of dough, remove a quarter to use exactly 12 oz., as this amount works best for this recipe.
  3. Shape Dough: Roll the dough into a 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray and transfer the dough into it. Stretch the dough halfway up the sides of the skillet, then roll the dough downwards to create a raised crust edge.
  4. Oil and Season Dough: Using a pastry brush, spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Use a fork to poke holes evenly across the dough’s surface to allow steam to escape and prevent bubble formation during baking.
  5. Pre-bake Crust: Place the skillet on the lower oven rack and bake the dough for 5 minutes. Remove the skillet carefully and use a paper towel to dab any excess oil away while pressing the crust down to ensure even contact with the skillet.
  6. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust, then layer the mozzarella cheese and add any desired optional toppings such as pepperoni, sliced onions, and peppers.
  7. Bake Pizza: Return the skillet to the lower oven rack and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
  8. Finish Crust and Broil: Remove the skillet from the oven, brush the melted butter over the crust edges, and then transfer the skillet to the upper oven rack. Bake for 3 more minutes, then broil at 425° F for 1 minute, watching closely to avoid burning, to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
  9. Rest and Serve: Allow the pizza to rest in the skillet for 3-5 minutes. Carefully tilt the skillet and use a spatula to slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • This recipe yields 4 servings.
  • Optional toppings such as pepperoni, onions, and peppers can be adjusted to your preference.
  • Preheating the oven for a full 30 minutes is crucial for a crispy crust when using a cast iron skillet.
  • Use a fork to poke holes in the dough to prevent bubbling during the first bake.
  • Allow the pizza to rest after baking for easier slicing and better flavor development.
  • Nutritional information excludes optional toppings and is estimated per serving.