Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Making pizza at home is easier than you think, especially with a trusty cast iron skillet. This easy cast iron skillet pizza delivers a crispy crust and melty cheese with your favorite toppings, perfect for a quick homemade meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade), room temperature
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (use low moisture block mozzarella for crispier crust)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
• Desired pizza toppings

Instructions

1. Step 1: Move one oven rack to the very bottom and one to the top of your oven, then preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Step 2: Evenly spread the olive oil in the bottom and sides of the cast iron pan. Gently stretch the pizza dough to fill the bottom of the pan, dimpling it with your fingers.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, all the way to the edges. Dot the pizza sauce over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
4. Step 4: Add your favorite toppings, then bake the pizza on the bottom rack for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottom crust is golden and the cheese is melted and browning. To check the crust, gently lift the side with a spatula. If needed, continue baking until browned.
5. Step 5: For a more browned top, move the pan to the top rack and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Carefully place the hot pan on a wire rack. Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen the crust from the pan, then use a spatula to transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use low moisture block mozzarella cheese rather than fresh to achieve a crispier crust and less watery topping.
• If you have a smaller 9″ cast iron pan, reduce the ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil and 10 ounces pizza dough.
• Preheat the cast iron skillet in the oven before adding dough for an even crispier bottom crust.
• Experiment with different toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or fresh basil for your preferred flavor combination.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F (190°C) oven to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the dough completely and let it come to room temperature before stretching it in the skillet for best results.

How do I prevent the pizza from sticking to the cast iron pan?

Coat the pan evenly with olive oil before adding the dough, and make sure to run a knife around the edges after baking to loosen the crust before removing the pizza.

Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with melty mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings. Prepared in a cast iron skillet and baked in the oven, it’s a simple way to enjoy delicious homemade pizza with a perfectly browned crust.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (4–6 servings) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough & Oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade), room temperature

Cheese & Sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture block mozzarella recommended)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)

Toppings

• Desired pizza toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare racks: Move one oven rack to the very bottom and one to the top of your oven, then preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). This setup ensures even cooking and browning of the pizza crust and toppings.
2. Oil the skillet and shape dough: Evenly spread the olive oil in the bottom and sides of the cast iron skillet. Gently stretch the pizza dough to fill the bottom of the pan, dimple it lightly with your fingers to shape it evenly and fit the skillet.
3. Add cheese and sauce: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire top surface of the dough, reaching all the way to the edges. Then dot the pizza sauce over the cheese in an even layer, again going to the edges, to create a flavorful base.
4. Add toppings and bake: Add your favorite pizza toppings evenly over the sauce. Place the skillet on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottom crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and browning. Check the crust by lifting the side with a spatula; if needed, continue baking until crisp.
5. Finish browning (optional): For a more browned top, move the skillet to the top rack of the oven and bake an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns to your preference.
6. Remove and serve: Carefully place the hot skillet on a wire rack to cool briefly. Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the crust, then use a spatula to transfer the pizza to a cutting board to avoid sogginess. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

• This recipe is designed for a large 12-inch cast iron pan. If using a smaller 9-inch skillet, reduce ingredients to 2 teaspoons olive oil and 10 ounces pizza dough.
• Using low moisture block mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella results in a crispier crust.
• Room temperature dough is easier to stretch and prevents shrinking during baking.
• To avoid sticking, ensure the skillet is well oiled before adding dough.
• Checking the crust for browning by lifting the pizza helps prevent burning or undercooked dough.

Keywords: cast iron skillet pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza, crispy crust pizza, mozzarella pizza, stove oven pizza