Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

There’s something magical about making pizza in a cast iron skillet that you just can’t get with a regular baking sheet or pizza stone. This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe really brings out that perfect crispy crust with beautifully melted cheese and a rich, flavorful sauce that feels like a little slice of homemade pizzeria heaven. Whenever I want an easy but extra-special dinner that impresses everyone (including myself!), this recipe gets pulled out.

What I love most is how it blends the rustic charm of cast iron cooking with the flexibility to customize toppings however you want. Plus, having a piping hot oven and the right dough means you’ll get a crust that’s crispy on the bottom, soft and airy inside, with a buttery finish that makes every bite indulgent. You’re definitely going to want to keep this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe in your weeknight rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that simple, quality ingredients make all the difference here. Since this recipe highlights the dough and the crust as much as the toppings, you want your pizza dough to be at room temperature so it’s elastic and easy to spread. Beyond that, fresh mozzarella melts like a dream, and a good marinara gives you that tangy boost without overpowering.

• Pizza dough: I like to use store-bought that’s fresh and pliable or homemade if you’ve got the time; room temp is key for easy handling.
• Olive oil: Adding olive oil to the dough before baking helps crisp the crust—don’t skip this step!
• Parmesan cheese: Gives that sharp, nutty kick on the crust, which deepens the flavor beautifully.
• Dried oregano: A classic herb that works wonders with tomato and mozzarella.
• Marinara sauce: Choose a sauce with good herbs and a bright tomato flavor—it’s the pizza’s anchor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Whole milk, low moisture mozzarella melts perfectly and gives that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
• Butter: Brushing the crust with melted butter after baking adds that golden, irresistible sheen and extra flavor.
• Optional toppings (pepperoni, onions, peppers): Feel free to customize with your favorites—I always keep pepperoni on hand, but onions and peppers add crunch and sweetness!

Variations

I’m all about making this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe your own—once you’ve nailed down the basic technique, it’s so fun to play around with toppings and even dough variations. It’s quick to adapt whether you’re vegan, craving veggies, or want a meaty feast.

• Veggie-packed pizza: I add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers for a fresh take that’s still hearty.
• Spicy kick: Try adding red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle some sliced jalapeños on top before baking. It woke up my taste buds instantly!
• Gluten-free dough: You can swap in a gluten-free pizza dough—the cast iron skillet handles it well and still crisps up nicely.
• Cheese swaps: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or gouda adds depth, and a sprinkle of fresh basil after baking really brightens things up.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Heat your oven and prep the dough

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F, ideally giving it a solid 30 minutes to reach that high heat—cast iron thrives in a super hot oven and you want that crispy crust. While it’s heating, roll your 12 oz. of room temp dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14-inch circle. I find that keeping the dough just the right size makes it fit snugly into my 12-inch skillet with some crust formation on the sides.

Step 2: Form the crust in the skillet and add initial flavor

Spray your skillet with a nonstick spray so the dough slides out easily later. Gently transfer the dough to the skillet, pressing it so it goes up about halfway on the sides, then roll the edges under to make that lovely crust. Next, use a pastry brush to spread olive oil evenly over the surface, then sprinkle Parmesan and oregano on top. Don’t forget to poke holes with a fork across the dough—that little venting step keeps your crust from bubbling up awkwardly.

Step 3: Par-bake the crust

Pop the skillet on the lower oven rack for 5 minutes. This step sets the crust so it stays crispy under your toppings. When you take it out, dab any excess oil off the surface with a paper towel—trust me, this keeps the crust from getting soggy—and gently press down the crust if it’s puffed up too much.

Step 4: Add sauce, cheese, and toppings

Spoon on your marinara sauce evenly, then cover with your mozzarella. Layer on your chosen toppings—pepperoni, peppers, onions, or whatever you love. This is the fun part where you make your pizza truly yours!

Step 5: Bake to melty perfection

Back in the oven on the lower rack goes the pizza for about 10 minutes. At this point, the cheese should be bubbling and the crust getting beautifully golden. Then, pull it out and brush the edges with melted butter. Return the skillet to the upper rack for 3 minutes, then switch to broil for 1 minute to get that crust extra crispy and the cheese lightly browned—just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Once you take your pizza out, let it rest in the skillet for 3 to 5 minutes. This little pause lets everything settle and makes slicing easier. Tilt the skillet and use a spatula to slide the pizza onto a cutting board, slice it up, and dig in!

How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a handful of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good quality olive oil right after baking. It adds freshness and an herbal hint that really lifts the whole pizza. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or even a dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving is always welcome at my table.

Side Dishes

When I’m serving this skillet pizza, I often pair it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness perfectly! Garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables on the side also stand out as easy options that complement the meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve presented this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe in individual mini skillets for guests—that extra touch makes it feel so cozy and personalized. Another fun idea is to let friends top their own pizzas before baking right in the cast iron—that makes for a great interactive dinner party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let leftover pizza cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container in the fridge. That helps keep the crust from getting soggy overnight. Leftovers last about 3 to 4 days, and they’re honestly just as good warmed up the next day!

Freezing

Freezing cast iron skillet pizza slices works well if you wrap them individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. I recommend thawing in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the crust texture intact. While fresh is best, freezing is a handy option when you want pizza ready on hand for busy nights.

Reheating

The secret to reheating leftover skillet pizza and preserving that crispy crust? Pop it back in a hot skillet on medium heat for 3-5 minutes with a lid on to warm through. Alternatively, a quick broil in the oven works nicely—just keep your eyes on it so it doesn’t burn. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe has been a go-to for me whenever I want restaurant-worthy pizza without the fuss. It’s rewarding to see that crust turn golden and feel that satisfying crunch under toppings you’ve chosen yourself. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s surprisingly simple, flexible, and truly delicious. Trust me, once you’ve tasted homemade skillet pizza, you’ll never look back to takeout in the same way again!

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