Name: Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade, at room temperature); 2 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade); Desired pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of making pizzeria-quality pies right at home, then this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe is about to become your new obsession. The magic of a cast iron skillet brings out a perfectly crispy crust with just the right amount of chew, while the bubbly mozzarella and vibrant sauce combine for a mouthwatering slice every time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a pizza newbie, this recipe turns simple, wholesome ingredients into an irresistible feast that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward pizza perfection. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this cast iron skillet pizza unforgettable.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps create a golden, crispy crust by coating the pan.
Pizza dough (12 ounces): The foundation of your pizza—room temperature dough is easier to stretch and produces a tender bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For that irresistibly gooey, melty texture; low moisture block mozzarella crisps better than fresh.
Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a bright, tangy tomato flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cheese.
Desired pizza toppings: The fun part—anything from classic pepperoni to fresh veggies or spicy sausage works wonderfully.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by positioning one oven rack at the very bottom and another near the top, then preheat to 450°F (230°C). This setup ensures your pizza crust crisps from below while the cheese browns nicely on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet and Dough

Generously oil the bottom and sides of your cast iron skillet with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also contributes to that coveted golden crust. Gently stretch your pizza dough to fit the skillet, leaving no bare spots and creating little dimples with your fingers to achieve an even bake.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Sauce

Layer the shredded mozzarella evenly over the stretched dough, spilling all the way to the edges for that classic cheesy pull. Then, dot the pizza sauce over the cheese, covering the surface thoroughly but without drenching it, creating a perfect balance in every bite.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Now comes the fun part—sprinkle your favorite toppings across the cheese and sauce. Place the skillet on the bottom rack of your oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. To check if the crust is golden brown, carefully lift a side with a spatula. If your crust needs more color or you prefer a little extra caramelization on top, move the skillet to the top rack for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, transfer the hot skillet to a wire rack to prevent sogginess from steam. Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen any sticking crust, then gently slide your pizza onto a cutting board using a spatula. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy that irresistible crispy crust and melty cheese combination.

How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make your homemade Cast Iron Skillet Pizza pop both visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil, or add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat. A quick dusting of grated Parmesan or a handful of arugula right before serving can elevate every slice.

Side Dishes

Pair your pizza with simple sides to create the perfect meal. A crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic green beans, or even a bowl of marinated olives complement the rich, savory flavors of the pizza without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can be just as fun as the pizza itself. Try slicing the pie into rustic wedges and serving directly from the skillet for a cozy, family-style feel. For parties, cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a large platter with colorful dipping sauces alongside for a casual gathering vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Cast Iron Skillet Pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save your pizza for longer, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This double layer protects against freezer burn and lets you thaw only what you need for a quick meal later.

Reheating

To revive that crispy crust and melty cheese, reheat leftover pizza in a hot cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes, covered with a lid to warm the toppings thoroughly. Alternatively, pop it in a preheated 375°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and is a great time-saver. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching so it handles easily and produces a tender crust.

What type of cheese is best for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza?

Low moisture block mozzarella is best because it melts beautifully and crisps up the crust underneath. Fresh mozzarella releases more moisture and can make the crust soggy, so it’s better suited for other pizza styles.

How do I prevent the pizza from sticking to the cast iron skillet?

Generously oiling the pan before adding the dough is key. Running a sharp knife around the edges after baking helps release the crust smoothly. Using a well-seasoned skillet also helps prevent sticking.

Can I customize the toppings on this pizza?

Definitely! The beauty of Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is how adaptable it is. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, vegetables, or even unconventional ingredients like figs and prosciutto, the skillet handles it all deliciously.

Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet or can I use another pan?

While a cast iron skillet gives the best crispiness and even heat, you can use other oven-safe pans, though the texture of the crust might vary. Nonstick skillets won’t develop the same caramelized crust that makes this recipe so special.

Final Thoughts

Making Cast Iron Skillet Pizza at home is not just cooking; it’s creating a memorable experience filled with warmth, flavor, and a little bit of kitchen magic. Once you savor that crispy crust and gooey cheese combo, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout. So grab your skillet, rally your favorite toppings, and dive into pizza night that’s truly homemade and utterly delicious.

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, caramelized crust topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings. Ready in about 30 minutes, it offers a delicious homemade alternative to takeout pizza with a perfectly browned bottom crust and melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza

1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade, at room temperature)
2 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
Desired pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Move one oven rack to the very bottom and another to the top of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
Prepare Skillet: Evenly spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the bottom and sides of a cast iron pan to prevent sticking and enhance crust crispiness. Gently stretch the pizza dough to fill the bottom of the pan, using your fingers to create dimples in the dough.
Add Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire surface of the dough, extending to the edges. Dot 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the cheese, covering it evenly to the edges.
Add Toppings and Bake: Add your favorite toppings on top of the sauce and cheese. Place the pan on the bottom oven rack and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the bottom crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted and begun to brown. Use a spatula to lift the crust side and check browning. Continue baking if needed. For a more browned top, move pan to the top rack for 2-3 minutes.
Remove and Serve: Carefully place the hot pan on a wire rack to cool briefly. Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the crust. Use a spatula to transfer the pizza to a cutting board to avoid soggy crust. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

Allow pizza dough to come to room temperature before stretching for easier handling and a better rise.
Use low moisture mozzarella cheese instead of fresh for a crispier crust and less moisture.
To achieve an even crispier crust, preheat the cast iron skillet in the oven prior to adding dough (optional).
Customize with your favorite toppings, but avoid overloading to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American