Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Cast iron skillet pizza offers a crispy, golden crust with a perfectly melted cheesy topping. This method uses your trusty skillet to deliver rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Perfect for a homemade pizza night with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 pound homemade pizza dough (454 g)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup pizza sauce of choice
• 1 cup loosely packed shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)
• Pepperoni slices, as needed
• Grated parmesan cheese, as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500℉.
2. Step 2: Let the homemade pizza dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
3. Step 3: Spread olive oil evenly in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Place the room temperature dough in the skillet and gently push and pull to fit the pan. Be patient—cold dough is elastic and may spring back. If dough sticks, grease your fingers with olive oil and keep shaping it.
4. Step 4: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices on top, then add the remaining mozzarella. Optionally, season with black pepper or crushed red pepper.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the exposed crust edges.
6. Step 6: Place the skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Warm the skillet and cook the pizza for 3-5 minutes until the bottom crust sets and you see oil bubbling around the edges.
7. Step 7: Transfer the hot skillet to the oven’s center rack. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pizza rest for 3-5 minutes. Carefully remove the pizza from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Cut into slices with a sharp knife or pizza wheel. Garnish with additional parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a bit of olive oil on your hands to prevent dough from sticking and help stretch it easily.
• Try pesto or BBQ sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Add fresh basil or arugula after baking for a fresh, peppery finish.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, cook the dough a minute longer on the stove before adding toppings.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to restore crispiness, or warm in the oven at 350℉ until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well and saves time. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

A heavy oven-safe skillet or a pizza stone can be used as alternatives, but the cast iron gives the best crust texture due to its heat retention.

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 132 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 12-inch pizza, serves 4 1x

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Description

This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe offers a delicious homemade pizza experience with a perfectly crisp crust and melty cheese, cooked using a combination of stovetop and oven methods for optimal texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 1 pound homemade pizza dough (454 g)

For Cooking

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

Toppings

• ¼ cup pizza sauce of choice
• 1 cup loosely packed shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)
• Pepperoni slices, as needed
• Grated parmesan cheese, as needed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 500℉ to prepare for baking your pizza later.
2. Rest dough: Let the homemade pizza dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to stretch and shape.
3. Prepare skillet and dough: Spread olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Place the room temperature dough in the oiled skillet and gently push and pull the dough to fit the skillet. If the dough is sticky, grease your fingers or palms with olive oil to handle it better. Be patient as cold dough can be elastic and spring back.
4. Add sauce and toppings: Spread pizza sauce evenly on the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices on top, then cover with the remaining mozzarella. Optionally season with black or crushed red pepper for added flavor.
5. Sprinkle parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the exposed pizza crust to add extra flavor to the edges.
6. Cook on stovetop: Place the skillet over medium heat on your stovetop. Warm the cast iron skillet and cook the pizza for about 3-5 minutes until the bottom crust is set and the olive oil bubbles along the rim.
7. Bake in oven: Transfer the hot skillet carefully to the preheated oven, placing it on the center rack. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pizza to rest for 3-5 minutes before unmolding. Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired, then serve.

Notes

• Allowing the dough to rest at room temperature makes it easier to stretch without snapping back.
• Greasing your hands with olive oil prevents sticking and helps shape the dough smoothly.
• Cooking the pizza briefly on the stovetop before baking helps achieve a crispy bottom crust.
• Use a very hot oven (500℉) for optimal melting and a nicely browned crust.
• Letting the pizza rest after baking helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: cast iron skillet pizza, homemade pizza, stovetop pizza, easy pizza recipe, pepperoni pizza