I have to admit, making pizza at home always felt a little daunting to me. That is until I tried this cast iron skillet pizza recipe. It changed everything! Imagine a golden crust that’s crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside.
Topped with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, it’s like having pizzeria-quality pizza straight from your kitchen. The best part? It’s simple, fast, and endlessly customizable. Once you’ve tasted it, you won’t want to make pizza any other way. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
With so many pizza recipes out there, why should this one become your go-to? Here are a few irresistible reasons.
1. It’s Ridiculously Easy to Make
You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of preparation. A cast iron skillet and a handful of basic ingredients are really all it takes. The crust achieves that perfect crispness with just a quick bake, no complicated techniques required. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe will make you feel like a pro.
2. Customizable to Your Heart’s Desire
Whether you’re a veggie lover or a meat enthusiast, this skillet pizza lets you tailor every aspect to your taste. Add mushrooms, pepperoni, bell peppers, or even fresh arugula on top. Gluten-free? Swap in a gluten-free crust. The possibilities are endless.
3. Perfect for a Crowd or Solo Cravings
Need a fun meal for family movie night? Or just treating yourself after a busy day? This recipe scales perfectly. Make a large pizza to share or a smaller one for yourself. Everyone wins.
4. No Pizza Stone? No Problem!
Cast iron skillets are the heroes here. They distribute heat evenly, giving you a crust that’s crispy and delicious every time. Forget stressing about expensive pizza stones.
5. Dietary Options Are Easy
This recipe works for various dietary needs. Easily make it vegan with plant-based cheese or keep it protein-packed with extra toppings.
Cooking Time
Here’s how quickly you can whip up your cast iron skillet pizza:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for your pizza:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for the skillet)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of your favorite toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Variations
Want to switch things up or cater the recipe to dietary preferences? Here are some ideas:
- For a Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and load up on veggies. Skip the Parmesan topping.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional dough with a cauliflower crust.
- Add More Flavor: Mix fresh garlic, herbs, or even chili flakes into the dough for extra punch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast Iron Skillet (essential for that crispy crust)
- Mixing Bowl (to prepare the dough)
- Rolling Pin (to roll out the dough)
- Kitchen Towel (for resting the dough)
How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza?
Making this pizza is as fun as eating it! Follow these simple steps:
Prepare the Dough
Start by making the dough. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl and wait for it to froth (about 5 minutes). Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover it with a towel and rest it for 10 minutes.
Preheat the Skillet
Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat at 475°F (245°C). The hot skillet is key to achieving that crispy crust.
Roll Out the Dough
Roll your dough into the size of your skillet. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; rustic is beautiful!
Assemble the Pizza 🍕
Take the hot skillet out (use oven mitts; it’s HOT! 🔥). Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on its surface. Lay the dough inside the skillet, letting the edges slightly fold up the sides for extra crispy crust goodness.
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the base (don’t overdo it!). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously, and add your chosen toppings. Be as creative as you like.
Bake the Pizza 🍽️
Place the skillet back into the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Cool and Garnish 🌿
Take the skillet out of the oven carefully. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for a final touch. Slice and serve.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Resting the dough allows the yeast to activate fully, giving you a soft and airy crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Keep the skillet hot before adding the dough. This step creates the perfect crust texture.
- Spread cheese evenly, but don’t overload, as too much can make the crust soggy in the center.
How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza?
Presentation is everything! Cut your pizza into triangles or squares directly in the skillet for a rustic look. Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for extra elegance. Pair with a light salad or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here are the approximate values for each slice of pizza (assuming 8 slices):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 10g
Make Ahead and Storage
Leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in foil or a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F until warm.
Whether for a casual dinner or a weekend treat, cast iron skillet pizza is a winner. Each bite offers a perfect combination of texture and flavor, and the customization opportunities mean you’ll never get bored. Time to indulge in some homemade pizza magic! 🍕
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water about 110°F/43°C
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for the skillet
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of your favorite toppings pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.
- Fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Start by making the dough. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl and wait for it to froth (about 5 minutes). Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover it with a towel and rest it for 10 minutes.
- Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat at 475°F (245°C). The hot skillet is key to achieving that crispy crust.
- Roll your dough into the size of your skillet. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; rustic is beautiful!
- Take the hot skillet out (use oven mitts; it’s HOT! 🔥). Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on its surface. Lay the dough inside the skillet, letting the edges slightly fold up the sides for extra crispy crust goodness.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the base (don’t overdo it!). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously, and add your chosen toppings. Be as creative as you like.
- Place the skillet back into the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Take the skillet out of the oven carefully. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for a final touch. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Resting the dough allows the yeast to activate fully, giving you a soft and airy crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Keep the skillet hot before adding the dough. This step creates the perfect crust texture.
- Spread cheese evenly, but don’t overload, as too much can make the crust soggy in the center.
