Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza (Better Than Takeout!) Recipe
This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust and melty cheese, rivaling your favorite takeout. Using a cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution for the perfect homemade pizza, topped with your choice of sauce, cheese, and toppings for a customizable and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza, 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade), room temperature
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably low moisture block mozzarella for the crispiest crust)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
- Desired pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives)
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. This helps create a crispy crust and prevents sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll or stretch the 12 ounces of pizza dough to fit the size of your skillet. Ensure the dough is at room temperature to make stretching easier and to rise slightly if homemade.
- Cook the Base: Place the dough into the heated skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the 1/2 cup pizza sauce evenly over the partially cooked crust. Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by your desired toppings.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce heat to low. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through.
- Browning the Cheese: For an extra crispy cheese top, you can place the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes towards the end of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the pizza cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade skillet pizza that beats takeout!
Notes
- Use low moisture block mozzarella cheese instead of fresh mozzarella for a crisper crust.
- Room temperature dough is easier to work with and stretches better.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the size and thickness of your dough.
- You can substitute or add any desired toppings, such as pepperoni, vegetables, or herbs.
- Covering the skillet during melting helps cook the toppings evenly without burning the crust.
- To get a smokey char, broil briefly but watch carefully to avoid burning.
