How to Make the Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Italian American · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
A thick and chewy pizza with a perfectly crispy bottom crust is achieved by cooking the dough directly in a preheated cast iron skillet on the stovetop before finishing it under the broiler. This method gives you a deep-dish style pizza with golden, bubbly cheese without needing a pizza stone or specialty oven.
Why this recipe works
This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough at room temperature
- 0.75 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough in the Skillet
Coat a 12-inch cast iron skillet generously with olive oil. Stretch the pizza dough to fit the skillet, pressing it into the edges, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature so the gluten can relax before adding toppings.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge for the crust. Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Cook on the Stovetop
Place the skillet over medium heat on the stovetop and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom of the dough turns golden brown and crispy. Carefully lift the edge of the dough with a spatula to check the color of the crust.
Step 4: Broil Until Bubbly
Move the oven rack to the top position and set the broiler to high. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown in spots. Remove carefully and allow to cool for 3 minutes before slicing.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- store-bought pizza dough → homemade pizza dough made with bread flour for an even chewier and more flavorful crust
- sliced pepperoni → sliced mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian topping option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not using enough olive oil to coat the skillet, which causes the dough to stick and the crust cannot be removed cleanly
- Skipping the stovetop step and going straight to the broiler, which results in a doughy and undercooked bottom crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 22g protein, 58g carbs, 22g fat, 3g fiber.
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