Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
If you’re craving homemade pizza but want something quick, delicious, and with a crispy crust that can rival your favorite pizzeria, this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. I love how the cast iron skillet creates that perfect crunchy base while locking in all the melty, cheesy goodness on top. It’s a go-to when I want a cozy night in or need to impress friends with minimal fuss in the kitchen.
What makes this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe so worth trying is how forgiving and adaptable it is, plus it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for two or just yourself, the steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently amazing. I’ve found that prepping the dough ahead and having all toppings ready makes the whole process smooth and enjoyable for anyone, even if you’ve never made pizza this way before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe works in harmony to build classic, comforting flavors and textures. Choosing good-quality pepperoni and fresh basil really brings the final dish to life, so consider grabbing the best you can find.
- Frozen bread dough: Thaw it slowly overnight for the lightest, fluffiest crust that crisps up perfectly in the skillet.
- All-purpose flour: Just a bit for dusting your surface to prevent sticking when rolling out your dough.
- Olive oil: Besides greasing the pan, it adds a subtle richness and helps develop that signature crispy crust.
- Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce—something with good garlic and herbs works best.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This is your melty, gooey layer—go for whole milk mozzarella for best melt and stretch.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic and spicy, they add the perfect savory punch; adjust the amount based on your love for meatiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle over the top gives an extra boost of savory flavor and a slightly nutty finish.
- Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, bright garnish that balances the richness beautifully.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to make your own—don’t be shy to personalize it with your favorite toppings or dietary tweaks.
- Vegetarian variation: Swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts—I’ve tried it with spinach and ricotta, and it’s divine.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking or use spicy pepperoni for that extra heat I secretly love.
- Gluten-free crust: I’ve had success using gluten-free dough prepared the same way in the skillet—just watch the baking time as it might be a bit shorter.
- Extra cheesy: A combo of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina cheeses delivers an indulgently rich topping for cheese lovers.
How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Toppings
Start by thawing your frozen bread dough according to the package—overnight in the fridge works best for flavor and texture. While that’s doing its thing, get your toppings ready: shred the mozzarella, grate the Parmesan, and slice your pepperoni. Having everything prepped makes the assembly step so much smoother!
Step 2: Heat Up Your Cast Iron Skillet
Pop your cast iron skillet in the oven and crank the heat up to 500°F. Let it heat for about 20 minutes so the pan gets seriously hot—this is the trick to achieving that crispy, golden crust. When ready, carefully take the skillet out (oven mitts are a must!) and drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, spreading it evenly. The hot oil actually helps the dough start cooking instantly and adds lovely texture.
Step 3: Shape and Place the Dough
On a floured surface, roll your dough so it’s a couple inches wider than your skillet. Transfer it carefully into the hot pan, pressing it snugly up the edges. If you like lots of toppings, consider pricking the dough a few times with a fork and prebaking it for about 7 minutes to avoid sogginess. Otherwise, you can go ahead and start layering right away.
Step 4: Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni Layering
Spread a thin but even layer of your marinara sauce over the dough. This is a great point to sprinkle some Italian seasoning or garlic powder if you want to boost flavor. Next, cover the sauce with that delicious shredded mozzarella, aiming for full coverage so every bite is cheesy. Finally, artfully arrange your pepperoni slices on top—go wild or keep it classic like I do.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfection
Slide the skillet back into the oven and bake for 14 to 17 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly with browned spots. Keep an eye toward the end, as ovens vary—nobody wants a burnt bottom or undercooked dough!
Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for just a minute, so it firms up and is easier to handle. I find using a pancake turner to gently lift the pizza out of the skillet onto a cutting board works great. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil, slice it up, and get ready to enjoy a slice of happiness!
How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my pizza with fresh basil leaves—it adds such a fresh, vibrant note that cuts the richness. Sometimes, I toss on a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra flavor. Grated Parmesan over the hot cheese is a must for me, too.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or even a Caesar salad. On busy nights, I’ll serve it with roasted veggies or garlic bread to make it a complete meal without extra hassle.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist during a casual dinner party, I serve the pizza directly in the skillet on the table and let everyone slice their own pieces. You can also add a colorful platter of toppings beside the skillet for your guests to customize their slices. It’s simple but feels special and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure the slices are cool before sealing to avoid condensation that makes the crust soggy. Leftovers taste great within 2-3 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pizza, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When I’ve done this, the pizza reheats almost as well as fresh, especially when reheated properly (more on that below).
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I find the best method is warming them up in a hot skillet over low heat for a few minutes. This rescues the crispiness on the bottom better than the microwave, which can make crusts chewy or soggy. If you’re short on time, a quick 30-second zap followed by a skillet crisp-up works wonders.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen dough for this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh dough works just as well and sometimes yields even better flavor and texture. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature and proof properly if needed before shaping and cooking.
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Why do you preheat the cast iron skillet before adding the dough?
Preheating the cast iron skillet ensures the pan is hot enough to give you that crisp, golden crust from the start. If the pan is cold, the dough might cook unevenly and end up soggy instead of crunchy.
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What’s the best way to prevent the pizza from sticking to the cast iron skillet?
Use enough olive oil to coat the skillet well before placing the dough. Also, make sure your skillet is properly seasoned, and avoid moving the dough around once it’s in the pan to help it develop a nice crust and release easily.
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Can I add more toppings than pepperoni?
Yes! You can customize with veggies, extra cheese, or meats, but if you add a lot, I recommend pricking and prebaking the crust for 7 minutes to avoid sogginess from moisture-heavy toppings.
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How long can I store leftover pizza in the fridge?
Leftover pizza is best eaten within 2 to 3 days to enjoy it at its freshest and avoid any taste or texture degradation.
Final Thoughts
This Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe holds such a special place in my heart because it’s simple, fast, and always delivers that perfect comforting slice everyone loves. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a midweek craving, putting a hot, crispy skillet pizza on the table feels like a small celebration. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll be amazed how a few simple ingredients and that trusty skillet can come together to create something truly delicious!
Print
Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe offers a delicious homemade pizza experience with a crispy crust and melty cheese, all cooked perfectly in a cast-iron skillet. Using frozen bread dough for convenience, it is topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and finished with fresh basil for a classic flavor combination.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Crust
- 1 loaf Frozen Bread Dough
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the pan)
For the 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)
Instructions
- Thaw and Prep: 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 the 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 and Place 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 Seasonings: 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.
- Sprinkle 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 the 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.
- Cool and 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
- For a crispier crust, prebake the dough for 7 minutes if using more than three toppings.
- Be very careful when handling the hot cast iron skillet to avoid burns.
- You can customize toppings to your preference such as vegetables or different meats.
- Using fresh basil as garnish adds a fresh herbal aroma and taste.
- Make sure the oven and pan are thoroughly preheated to get the best crust texture.
Keywords: Cast Iron Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Skillet Pizza, Easy Pizza Recipe, Quick Dinner
