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Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

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3.8 from 6 reviews

This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a perfectly crispy crust with a flavorful blend of parmesan, oregano, mozzarella, and classic pepperoni toppings. Cooked primarily in a cast iron skillet and baked in a super-hot oven, it boasts a golden, buttery crust and perfectly melted cheese for a delicious homemade pizza experience in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Pizza Dough and Crust

  • 12 oz. pizza dough (at room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

Toppings and Sauce

  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese (whole milk, low moisture)
  • 14 slices pepperoni
  • ¼ cup sliced onions and peppers

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F and allow it to heat for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s very hot, which is ideal for cooking in a cast iron skillet.
  2. Prepare Dough: If you have one pound of dough, remove a quarter of it, leaving 12 ounces for best results at room temperature.
  3. Shape Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 14-inch circle. Spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick spray, transfer the dough into the skillet, work the dough halfway up the sides, then roll downward to form a crust edge.
  4. Prepare Crust: Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the dough with a pastry brush. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and dried oregano evenly. Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough to vent steam and prevent bubbles.
  5. Par-bake Crust: Place the skillet on the lower oven rack and bake for 5 minutes. Remove carefully and use a paper towel to dab away excess oil, pressing down the crust flat against the skillet.
  6. Add Toppings: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the crust, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and add the pepperoni slices along with sliced onions and peppers.
  7. Bake Pizza: Return the skillet to the lower oven rack and bake for an additional 10 minutes to cook the toppings and melt the cheese.
  8. Finish Crust and Broil: Remove pizza from the oven, brush the crust edge with melted butter. Move the skillet to the upper rack and bake for 3 more minutes. Then broil at 425°F for 1 minute to achieve a golden, bubbly top—watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the pizza rest for 3-5 minutes in the skillet. Tilt the skillet and slide the pizza onto a cutting board using a spatula. Slice into portions and serve hot.

Notes

  • Allowing the oven to heat for at least 30 minutes ensures the cast iron skillet gets sufficiently hot for a crisp crust.
  • Poking holes in the dough before par-baking prevents large air pockets and ensures even cooking.
  • Using melted butter on the crust after baking adds a rich, golden finish and enhances flavor.
  • Adjust toppings as desired to suit dietary preferences or availability.
  • Be cautious during the broil stage; the pizza can quickly go from golden to burnt.