Description
This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with perfectly melted mozzarella and savory pepperoni, all cooked right in your skillet. With a balance of tangy marinara, fragrant oregano, and a buttery finish, it’s a quick and delicious homemade pizza experience that satisfies any craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough and Base
- 12 oz. pizza dough (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Toppings
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese (whole milk, low moisture)
- 14 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced onions and peppers
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F and allow it to heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure the cast iron skillet gets properly hot for a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: If you have one pound of dough, remove a quarter of it to use 12 oz. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14-inch circle.
- Shape Dough in Skillet: Spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the dough to the skillet, working it halfway up the sides, then roll downward to form the crust edges.
- Oil and Season: Use a pastry brush to evenly spread 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dough surface. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and dried oregano on top. Poke holes across the dough using a fork to vent and prevent bubbles during baking.
- Initial Bake: Place the skillet on the lower oven rack and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the skillet, dab away excess oil with a paper towel, and press the crust to the skillet’s bottom to flatten it out.
- Add Toppings: Spread marinara sauce evenly over the crust, then add mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sliced onions, and peppers.
- Bake Again: Return the skillet to the lower rack and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese melts and toppings cook.
- Butter and Crisp Crust: Remove the pizza and brush the crust edges with melted butter. Place the skillet on the upper rack and bake for 3 more minutes. Then broil at 425°F for 1 minute—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pizza rest in the skillet for 3–5 minutes. Tilt the skillet and use a spatula to slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Allowing the oven and skillet to get really hot is key to achieving a crispy crust.
- Using room temperature dough makes it easier to stretch and shape.
- Vent holes prevent air bubbles for an even crust.
- Brushing with butter after baking adds a rich, golden finish to the crust.
- Keep a close eye during the broiling step to prevent the pizza from burning.
- You can customize toppings as desired; just ensure they are thinly sliced for even cooking.
