Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is a quick and delicious way to enjoy homemade pizza with a perfectly crispy crust. Using a cast iron pan gives the dough a golden, crunchy bottom while keeping the toppings melty and flavorful. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade), room temperature
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (use low moisture block mozzarella for a crispier crust)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
• Desired pizza toppings

Instructions

1. Step 1: Move one oven rack to the very bottom and one to the top of your oven, then preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Step 2: Evenly spread the olive oil in the bottom and sides of the cast iron pan. Gently stretch the pizza dough to fill the bottom of the pan, dimple it with your fingers.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the dough, spreading it all the way to the edges. Then dot the pizza sauce over the cheese evenly.
4. Step 4: Add your favorite toppings on top of the sauce. Bake the pizza on the bottom rack for 18-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown on the bottom and the cheese is bubbly and browned. Check the crust by lifting the edge with a spatula. Continue baking if needed.
5. Step 5: For a more browned top, move the pan to the top rack for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
6. Step 6: Remove the hot pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen the crust from the pan. Carefully transfer the pizza to a cutting board with a spatula to avoid a soggy crust. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use room-temperature dough for even and quick baking.
• Opt for low moisture block mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella for a crispier crust.
• Use a few toppings rather than piling them on to ensure the dough cooks through.
• If bubbles form on the dough while baking, gently pop them with a sharp knife to release air.
• For a smaller 9-inch skillet, adjust ingredients: 2 tsp olive oil, 10 ounces dough, 1/3 cup pizza sauce, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a cast iron skillet or oven to keep the crust crispy; avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella for this recipe?

It’s not recommended because fresh mozzarella contains more moisture, which can prevent the crust from crisping up properly and make the pizza soggy.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the cast iron pan?

Generously oil the bottom and sides of your cast iron pan before stretching the dough. Running a knife around the edges after baking will also help release the crust.

Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

Enjoy a delicious and crispy homemade pizza made effortlessly in a cast iron skillet. This easy cast iron skillet pizza features a perfectly golden crust topped with melted mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings, all baked to perfection in your oven for a restaurant-quality pizza experience at home.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade), room temperature

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (use low moisture block mozzarella for best crispiness)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
• Desired pizza toppings (choose your favorites)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Move one oven rack to the very bottom and another to the top, then preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure high heat for a crispy crust.
2. Oil the Pan and Shape Dough: Evenly spread the olive oil over the bottom and sides of your cast iron skillet. Gently stretch the pizza dough to fill the pan’s bottom, creating dimples with your fingers for a rustic texture.
3. Add Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the stretched dough, extending to the edges. Dot the pizza sauce over the cheese layer thoroughly, covering the entire pizza.
4. Add Toppings and Bake: Place your selected pizza toppings on top evenly. Bake the pizza on the bottom rack for 18-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown on the bottom and the cheese is melted and browning.
5. Finish Browning (Optional): For extra browning on top, move the skillet to the top oven rack and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes carefully watching to avoid burning.
6. Remove and Serve: Remove the hot skillet from the oven and place it on a wire rack briefly. Run a sharp knife around the edges to prevent sticking, then carefully transfer the pizza to a cutting board using a spatula. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

• This recipe is designed for a large 12-inch cast iron skillet. For a smaller 9-inch skillet, reduce ingredients to 2 teaspoons olive oil, 10 ounces dough, 1/3 cup pizza sauce, and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.
• Use low moisture mozzarella cheese instead of fresh mozzarella for a crispier crust and better melt.
• Make sure to use room temperature dough to ensure even cooking and faster baking.
• Keep toppings minimal to allow the dough to cook through fully and prevent sogginess.
• If bubbles form on the pizza during baking, gently pop them with a sharp knife to release air and maintain even cooking.

Keywords: cast iron skillet pizza, easy pizza recipe, homemade pizza, crispy crust pizza, skillet pizza