This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza offers a delightful combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, all achieved without the need for a pizza stone. The cast iron skillet allows for even heat distribution, ensuring the bottom of the pizza is perfectly golden and crispy while the interior remains soft and chewy. It’s a great recipe for those who want the taste of traditional pizzeria pizza at home. With a simple dough and the ability to customize toppings, this recipe is a versatile, family-friendly meal that can be whipped up in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Prepare the skillet: Heat a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet. Remove from heat once the oil is evenly distributed.
- Stretch the dough: Roll or stretch your pizza dough to approximately the size of your skillet. Place the dough in the skillet, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Build your pizza: Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, and then add your desired toppings.
- Cook on the stove: Place the skillet back on medium heat and cook the pizza for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom of the dough starts to firm up and gets golden.
- Transfer to oven: Move the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes. Top with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Slice and enjoy!
