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
Scale
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