Why make this recipe
Making pizza in a cast iron skillet gives you a crispy crust and gooey cheese that is hard to beat! It’s a fun way to make pizza right at home, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Plus, using a skillet means that you don’t need a fancy pizza stone or a lot of extra equipment. It’s straightforward and delicious.
How to make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough to fit your skillet and place it in the skillet, pressing it into the edges.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add your choice of toppings on top of the cheese.
- Cook on the stove for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy.
- Remove from the oven, add fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve.
How to serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Serve your Cast Iron Skillet Pizza hot from the oven. You can slice it into wedges and add extra toppings like red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese if you like. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual get-togethers with friends.
How to store Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
If you have leftovers, let the pizza cool down. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the oven or microwave.
Tips to make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
- Make sure to preheat the skillet and the oven to get a nice crispy crust.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings to avoid a soggy crust.
- If using homemade dough, let it rise properly for better texture.
- Experiment with different cheeses and toppings for more variety.
Variation
You can try making a breakfast pizza using eggs, cheese, and vegetables. Another popular variation is a white pizza with ricotta, garlic, and spinach.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of skillet?
Yes, you can use other oven-safe skillets, but cast iron gives the best heat retention and crust.
2. How do I know when my pizza is done?
The pizza is done when the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
3. Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it well and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Ingredients
Dough and Base
- 1 package Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking the dough
- 1 cup Tomato sauce For spreading on the dough
Toppings
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- to taste Toppings of choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
- optional Fresh basil For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough to fit your skillet and place it in the skillet, pressing it into the edges.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add your choice of toppings on top of the cheese.
Cooking
- Cook on the stove for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy.
Serving
- Remove from the oven, add fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve.