Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
The ultimate comfort food, Cast Iron Skillet Pizza brings together cheesy goodness and a perfectly crispy crust. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to please everyone at the table. Make it tonight and savor the delightful flavors!
Equipment
- Lodge 12″ Large Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pizza Dough room temperature for 2-5 hours
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup Cheddar Cheese or gruyere, shredded
- ¼ medium Red Onion sliced thin (optional)
- ½ cup Pepperoni slices
- ¼ tsp Italian Seasoning dried
- 2 tbsp Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet on the middle rack so it heats up while you prepare the pizza. You want that skillet roaring hot for an amazing crust!
- Take the room temperature pizza dough and stretch it out on a floured surface. Aim for a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the rustic look adds character!
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (remember, it’s super hot!). Drizzle half of the olive oil into the skillet and use a brush to evenly coat the bottom. This will help create a lovely golden crust.
- Place the stretched dough into the skillet, gently pushing the edges to form a 1-inch crust. Brush the exposed crust with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt for flavor.
- Par-bake the pizza dough without toppings for 3 minutes. This step is vital; it ensures your crust gets a head start to become perfectly crispy.
- Once par-baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on top, leaving some space at the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese over the sauce. Then add the red onion and pepperoni. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for that Italian flair.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- After baking, take the skillet out of the oven and let the pizza sit for a minute. Slice it up and serve warm, topped with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- Tip 1: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for best results; microwaving can make the crust soggy.
- Tip 2: You can freeze leftover slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven.
- Tip 3: This pizza goes wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different types of dough, like whole wheat or gluten-free options, to suit your dietary needs.
- Tip 5: Consider adding dried herbs to the dough for an infused flavor that will elevate your crust.
- Tip 6: Serve your Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for an extra touch!