Description
This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with gooey melted mozzarella and savory pepperoni, all made using a frozen bread dough base. Using a hot cast-iron skillet and high oven temperature ensures a perfectly cooked pizza with a delightfully crunchy edge and flavorful toppings. This method is simple, quick, and perfect for a delicious homemade pizza experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough and Base
- 1 loaf Frozen Bread Dough
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thaw and Prep Dough and Toppings: Begin by thawing the frozen bread dough according to the package directions, ideally overnight in the fridge for best results. While the dough thaws, prepare your toppings such as slicing olives or veggies and grating cheese so everything is ready to assemble.
- Preheat Cast Iron Skillet: Place your cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat it to 500°F. Allow the pan to heat for about 20 minutes to ensure it’s very hot. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a cooling rack or hot pad. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the pan and spread it evenly using a paper towel or basting brush. Be cautious as the pan will be extremely hot.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to be a couple of inches wider than your skillet’s diameter using a rolling pin or your fingers. Transfer the dough to the greased skillet, pressing it snugly against the sides.
- Optional Prebake: If you plan to add more than three toppings, prick the dough several times with a fork and prebake the crust for about 7 minutes before adding toppings; otherwise, you can proceed to the next step without prebaking.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza crust. Optionally, sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or your preferred herbs over the sauce to enhance flavor.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer, ensuring even coverage for melty goodness.
- Arrange Toppings: Arrange your chosen toppings on the cheese layer—pepperoni slices are a classic and favorite addition.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 14-17 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pizza to cool for a minute. Use a pancake turner or spatula to carefully lift the pizza out onto a cutting board. Garnish with fresh basil, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Prebaking the crust is recommended if using multiple heavy toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Be very careful when handling the hot cast iron skillet to avoid burns.
- You can customize toppings as desired; just adjust the prebake step accordingly.
- Allow the dough to thaw fully for easier rolling and better texture.
- Using a very hot skillet and oven helps achieve a crispy, pizzeria-style crust.
Keywords: Cast Iron Pizza, Skillet Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Easy Pizza Dough, Pepperoni Pizza, Quick Pizza Recipe, Oven Baked Pizza