Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Pepperoni and Basil Recipe

If you’re anything like me, nothing beats the smell of pizza baking in a cast iron skillet—it’s cozy, comforting, and downright delicious. This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Pepperoni and Basil Recipe is a go-to when I want a quick, homemade pizza that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The skillet crisps the crust perfectly while keeping the toppings bubbly and flavorful.

Whether you’re feeding two or just craving that perfect slice, this recipe works brilliantly for a cozy night in or an easy weekend treat. Plus, the pepperoni and fresh basil combo turns a simple pizza into something that tastes way better than takeout. Trust me, once you learn this method, you’ll be making skillet pizza on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Pepperoni and Basil Recipe is straightforward but plays a key role in the flavor and texture. I’ve learned that simple, quality ingredients really shine here, and prepping them ahead saves so much stress during the cooking.

• Frozen Bread Dough: Using frozen bread dough is a lifesaver for convenience without sacrificing fresh-baked taste. Just thaw it ahead and you’re set.
• All-purpose Flour: Great for dusting so the dough doesn’t stick when you roll it out—never skip this step!
• Olive Oil: This not only keeps the dough from sticking in the skillet but also crisps the crust beautifully with a subtle, rich flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: I prefer a good-quality jar or homemade version to give the pizza a tangy, savory base.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The classic melty topping—don’t skimp here for the best gooey texture.
• Pepperoni Slices: Pepperoni adds just the right amount of spice and crispness as it bakes.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top, it gives a salty kick and enhances the cheese flavor without overpowering.
• Fresh Basil: Spearheading the fresh, aromatic finish that contrasts perfectly with rich cheese and pepperoni.

Variations

I always encourage mixing things up a bit based on what’s in your fridge or your mood. This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Pepperoni and Basil Recipe is a perfect canvas for your favorite flavors.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap out pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. I’ve made this many times to please my veggie-loving friends, and everyone raves.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or swap pepperoni for spicy sausage. It’s a great way to add heat if that’s your vibe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free dough—you might need to tweak the baking time slightly, but it still turns out fantastic.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for extra richness. I often do this when I want a truly indulgent pizza night.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Pepperoni and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Your Dough and Toppings

Start by thawing the frozen bread dough according to the package directions—ideally, overnight in the fridge to develop the best flavor and texture. While the dough is thawing, take some time to prep your toppings—slice your pepperoni if needed, grate the cheeses, and pick fresh basil leaves. Having everything ready before you heat the skillet means you won’t feel rushed or frazzled mid-bake.

Step 2: Preheat Your Skillet in the Oven

This step is key for that unbeatable crispy crust and it’s a trick I swear by. Set your oven—cast iron skillet inside—to 500°F and let it heat for about 20 minutes. When it’s searing hot, carefully remove the pan (use oven mitts!) and drizzle the olive oil, spreading it evenly with a paper towel or brush. The oil will sizzle immediately, and that’s a great sign that your crust will crisp up just right.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Transfer to Skillet

Dust your clean surface with flour and roll the dough out wider than your skillet by a couple of inches—that way, it’ll fit snugly into the pan and fill out the edges nicely. Use your hands to press the dough into the greased skillet, tucking the edges gently against the sides to create a nice crust barrier. If layering multiple toppings beyond three, give your dough a few fork pricks and pop it in the oven for 7 minutes first to prebake. Otherwise, you’re good to layer next.

Step 4: Sauce and Season

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, covering almost to the edges. If you want, sprinkle on a bit of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs—I add these to boost flavor every time. This little addition makes a big difference and tastes like pizzaiolo-level seasoning without extra effort.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni

Generously top your sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure it’s spread evenly for that beautiful melt. Then, scatter your pepperoni slices in a single layer. This step is where the magic starts—the cheese melts perfectly around the edges of the pepperoni as it bakes, creating those little crispy, flavorful cups that are so addictive.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Pop your skillet back into the oven and bake for 14 to 17 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust—it should turn golden and crispy, and the cheese will start bubbling and browning on top. If your oven runs hot or cool, the timing might shift slightly, so trust your eyes more than the clock. When done, carefully remove the skillet and let it rest for a minute.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Use a pancake turner or spatula to gently lift the pizza out of the skillet onto a cutting board. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for that pop of color and fresh bite that brightens the savory toppings—if you skip the basil, you’re missing out! Slice it up and dig in while it’s still warm and melty. Trust me, this pizza disappears fast around here.

How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Pepperoni and Basil Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh basil straight from the garden or market—it adds a lovely herby freshness that contrasts the rich, cheesy, and pepperoni flavors perfectly. Sometimes, I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if we want a bit of heat. Parmesan shavings on top right before serving never fail to impress guests.

Side Dishes

I typically serve this skillet pizza with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also pair wonderfully. For a casual night, a side of honey-glazed carrots or a light pasta salad rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes add mini pizza portions straight from the skillet for a rustic look—guests love the casual vibe and everyone can grab their own slice. Another fun idea is to serve with small bowls of extra toppings or dipping sauces, like garlic butter or spicy marinara. I’ve even turned this into a “pizza bar” night by prepping different toppings and letting friends build their own before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover skillet pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge—they keep for about 3 to 4 days nicely. To avoid soggy crust, I always let the pizza cool completely before refrigerating. I love grabbing a slice or two for a quick lunch the next day.

Freezing

Freezing leftovers works well if you wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. I usually freeze slices individually so I can grab just one for a fast meal. When thawed, the crust doesn’t lose much of its crispiness, especially if reheated correctly.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices back into a hot skillet on medium heat or under the oven broiler for a few minutes. This method crisps up the crust again nicely and melts the cheese without drying out the pizza. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but tends to make the crust soggy, so I save that for emergencies!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Pepperoni and Basil Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners that somehow still feels like a special occasion. I love how simple ingredients come together to create that crispy crust, savory pepperoni, and fresh basil bite that hits all the right spots. When you try this recipe, you’ll see it’s a game-changer for homemade pizza nights—warm, satisfying, and just downright delicious. So grab your skillet and give it a go; I promise you won’t regret it!

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