Easy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe

Making a pizza in a cast-iron skillet feels like I’ve unlocked some secret level of home cooking; there’s just something magical about the way the crust turns crispy and golden brown. As the smell of bubbling mozzarella and pepperoni wafts through my kitchen, I’m reminded why this delicious classic will always have my heart—especially with a sprinkle of fresh basil for that extra touch of flavor.

A quick and satisfying meal I adore is Easy Cast Iron Pizza. It uses only a pound of pizza dough and a few simple ingredients, yet delivers a stunning array of flavor in a dish that is as hearty and filling as any I make.

With its marvelous combination of olive oil, pizza sauce, and cheeses, this one is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Easy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Rich in carbohydrates, provides a chewy texture, forms the base.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, enhances crust’s flavor and makes it crisp.
• Mozzarella Cheese: High in protein and calcium, melts into creamy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a tangy, salty flavor, rich in umami.
• Pepperoni: Offers protein and spice, brings savory and smoky flavors.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor, garnishes with vibrant color.

Easy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Easy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

2. Put a cast-iron skillet measuring 10-12 inches over medium heat and pour in the olive oil.

3. On a floured work surface, roll the pizza dough to a size that approximates that of the skillet.

4. Take care to press the dough into the hot skillet, making sure to stretch it so that it fits the skillet and the edges of the dough rise slightly up the sides of the skillet.

5. Prepare the dough on the stovetop for approximately 3-5 minutes. It should bubble. The bottom? Getting nicely browned.

6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Pizza sauce, which you can buy pre-made, is very similar to marinara. 1 (Although slightly thicker for pizza and with a little less olive oil, it’s hard to mess up either.)

7. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Follow it with the grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Distribute the sliced pepperoni uniformly over the cheese. Dust the top with dried oregano and garlic powder.

9. Move the skillet to the hot oven and bake it for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is a lovely golden brown.

10. Take it out of the oven, allow it to cool just a little, then sprinkle it with red pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves, if you’d like to add those. Cut, and serve it while it’s still hot.

Easy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Cast-iron skillet (10-12 inches)
3. Stovetop
4. Rolling pin (optional)
5. Floured work surface
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Ladle or spoon (for spreading sauce)
9. Grater (if cheese is not pre-grated)
10. Knife (for slicing and serving)
11. Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves

FAQ

• Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
  Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.
• How do I prevent the pizza from sticking to the cast iron skillet?
  Make sure to coat the skillet with the olive oil before adding the dough. This helps prevent sticking and gives the crust a crispy texture.
• Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
  Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pizza with any toppings you like. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza to ensure it cooks evenly.
• What’s the best way to heat the cast iron skillet before cooking?
  Preheat the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes before adding the dough. This helps achieve a crispy crust.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
• Can I make the dough from scratch?
  Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just ensure it equals roughly 1 pound.
• Is the red pepper flakes necessary?
  No, the red pepper flakes are optional and add a bit of heat. Skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.

Easy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pizza crust: Replace with whole wheat crust for a healthier alternative, or use a store-bought flatbread for a speedy base.
Avocado oil or melted butter can be used instead of olive oil, but they provide flavors that are different from olive oil.
Sauce for pizza: Use marinara or a homemade tomato sauce as an alternative.
Substitute for shredded mozzarella cheese: When looking for an alternative to shredded mozzarella cheese, try shredded provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste.
Replace pepperoni with sliced ham, crumbled cooked sausage, or your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat the Skillet: Before adding the dough, make sure your skillet is evenly heated by leaving it on the stovetop for a few minutes. This ensures an even cook and prevents cold spots that might cause uneven browning.