Cast Iron Pan Pizza
Ingredients
- 1dough ball homemade perfect all purpose pizza dough recipe or store-bought
refrigerated pizza dough.
- ½ cpizza sauce
store-bought or my rich and zesty pizza sauce.
- 1 ½ cmozzarella cheese
- 3 ozpepperoni
sliced
- olive oil to brush onto dough + olive oil to brush onto pan
- ½ tspitalian seasoning
dried, optional
- additional toppings of your choice - cooked italian sausage
thinly sliced, sautéed peppers, onions, sliced olives, mushrooms etc.
- parmesan cheese
grated for serving
- crushed red pepper flakes for serving
Directions
Prepare the dough
- 1
Once you have either made your homemade dough (see note below) or purchased prepared dough, (like Trader Joe's refrigerated dough) it's time for a stretch.
- 2
If the dough is refrigerated, allow the dough to come to room temperature before stretching the dough. Dust the work surface with a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking. In terms of size, If you are using a 10-inch skillet, you will want to stretch the dough to a circle slightly larger than the bottom of the pan. The dough should be an 11-inch circle.
- 3
Don't worry if the circle isn't perfect, once it's placed in the pan and baked it will be fine. For this cast iron pan pizza you will not need cornmeal to dust a pizza peel as the dough will go directly into a heated, oiled pan.
- 4
NOTE: If you are using my pizza dough recipe, you will need 1/3 of the dough per pan pizza.
How to prep the cast iron pan to bake pizza
- 1
For the best results, preheat grill or oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
Once the oven is preheated, place the empty cast iron pan in the middle rack or grill and preheat for 10 minutes.
- 3
Using an oven-safe mitt, carefully remove the preheated cast iron pan and carefully brush olive oil on the bottom and sides of the skillet.
How to bake cast iron pan pizza
- 1
Now carefully place the dough circle in the pan and carefully push the edges if needed to even it out the dough on the bottom of the skillet.
- 2
OPTIONAL: Spray or brush olive oil onto the dough, sprinkle Italian seasoning onto the dough.
- 3
Spoon pizza sauce onto the dough to the edges.
- 4
Add plenty of cheese to the top and edges of the pizza dough and top with pepperoni.
- 5
Now place back into the hot oven for 10 or 12 minutes.
- 6
The pizza will be baked when it's puffy, crispy and the cheesy edges are golden brown. Yum!
- 7
Once the pizza is baked, carefully slide out the pizza onto a cutting board. Use a metal spatula to loosen the sides of the pizza before sliding it onto a cutting board. Cut the pizza into 6-8 slices using a pizza cutter or a long butcher's knife.
Cast Iron Pan Pizza
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that perfect, satisfying slice with a gloriously crispy bottom and cheesy edges? This Cast Iron Pan Pizza recipe delivers an unparalleled homemade pizza experience that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
Why This Pizza Works
What makes this pan pizza truly special is its remarkable texture. You'll achieve that sought-after crispy bottom that holds up to every bite, alongside crispy, cheesy edges that are a flavor bomb in themselves. The dough boasts a beautiful, puffy rise, creating a substantial yet tender base for all your favorite toppings, transforming simple ingredients into a showstopper.
What to Expect
Prepare for a hearty, flavorful pan pizza that is pure comfort food. Each slice offers a delightful contrast of textures: the substantial, fluffy dough with its golden, crunchy crust, melty mozzarella, and savory pepperoni. It's a robust pie, perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in, proving that homemade pizza can easily surpass takeout. This recipe truly embodies what a perfect cast iron pan pizza should be.
Customization & Variations
You have the flexibility to make this pan pizza your own. While pepperoni is a classic choice, consider adding cooked Italian sausage, thinly sliced, or sautéed peppers, onions, sliced olives, and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought pizza dough or make it a truly homemade affair with a perfect all purpose pizza dough recipe and a rich and zesty pizza sauce.
Serving & Context
This robust Cast Iron Pan Pizza is a fantastic center-piece for any casual meal, especially those leaning into a BBQ-style spread. Serve it hot from the pan, generously garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.