Name: Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade, room temperature); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade); Desired pizza toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, olives, etc.)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a homemade pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, then this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is going to become your new favorite go-to. Using a cast iron skillet creates a wonderfully golden crust with crunchy edges that you simply can’t get from a regular pizza stone or baking sheet. Plus, the ease of controlling the heat and evenly melting the cheese while baking your favorite toppings makes this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building that perfect balance of crispy, saucy, cheesy goodness. With the right combination, you’re just minutes away from a delicious homemade pizza experience.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the crust and adds a subtle richness to the pan.
12 ounces pizza dough (room temperature): A flexible base that crisps beautifully in the cast iron, whether store-bought or homemade.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Use low moisture block mozzarella for the crispiest, most melty cheese topping.
1/2 cup pizza sauce: Adds a tangy, flavorful layer that complements the cheese and toppings perfectly.
Desired pizza toppings: Customize with your favorites, from pepperoni and mushrooms to fresh basil or olives.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by positioning one oven rack near the bottom and another near the top of your oven, then preheat to a sizzling 450°F (230°C). This dual rack setup ensures even cooking and that perfect balance between crust crispiness and topping melt.

Step 2: Oil the Skillet and Shape Your Dough

Generously spread olive oil across the bottom and sides of your cast iron pan. This step not only prevents sticking but also promotes a golden, crunchy crust. Carefully stretch your pizza dough to fill the skillet’s surface, gently dimpling it with your fingertips to create little pockets for bubbling cheese and sauce.

Step 3: Layer with Cheese and Sauce

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, extending all the way to the edges to create an irresistibly cheesy layer that browns beautifully. Follow by dotting the pizza sauce over the cheese evenly, painting your pie with bursts of savory flavor.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake

Arrange your favorite toppings over the sauce in a single, balanced layer so each bite is packed with flavor. Pop the skillet onto the bottom oven rack and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. At this point, the bottom crust should be golden and crisp, with cheese bubbly and browning. Use a spatula to peek underneath the crust to check doneness—if it needs more time, bake a bit longer. For a beautifully browned top, slide the pan to the top rack for an extra 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Remove, Rest, and Serve

Once baked, carefully place the hot skillet on a wire rack to cool briefly, helping the crust set without becoming soggy. Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen the pizza, then transfer it to a cutting board with a spatula for easy slicing and serving—deliciousness awaits!

How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take your Cast Iron Skillet Pizza to the next level. Think vibrant basil leaves for a pop of color and fragrance, a sprinkle of red chili flakes for heat, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add richness. These little touches brighten up the flavors and make every bite sparkle.

Side Dishes

This hearty pizza pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy Caesar salad to balance out the richness. For a cozy meal, roasted garlic bread or garlic knots make delicious companions that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your skillet pizza into small squares or strips and serve it as a shareable appetizer at your next gathering. Or layer slices with fresh veggies and herbs on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces—perfect for casual get-togethers or game nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh Cast Iron Skillet Pizza, store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. The crust stays impressively crisp if handled gently during storage.

Freezing

If you want to save pizza for longer, freeze it by wrapping slices tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. When frozen properly, the pizza can last up to 2 months without sacrificing taste or texture.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pizza on a baking sheet or directly in the cast iron skillet for 7 to 10 minutes. This method crisps the crust and melts the cheese perfectly, avoiding sogginess from microwaves.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pizza dough for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the dough completely and bring it to room temperature before stretching it in the skillet to ensure it cooks evenly and develops that perfect crust.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? Can I use another pan?

A heavy oven-safe skillet or deep baking dish could work, but the cast iron skillet is ideal for its heat retention and ability to create that crisp, golden crust everyone loves.

How thick should I stretch the dough?

The dough should be stretched to cover the entire skillet with a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. This thickness helps achieve a crust that’s crisp on the outside but soft and chewy inside.

Can I make this pizza dairy-free or vegan?

Definitely! Swap traditional mozzarella for your favorite vegan cheese. Just keep in mind that melting and browning might vary depending on the cheese alternative used.

What toppings work best for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza?

The beauty of this pizza is its versatility! Classic toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers are always winners, but don’t hesitate to get creative with arugula, caramelized onions, or even figs and goat cheese for something special.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about pulling a piping hot Cast Iron Skillet Pizza straight from the oven, crust perfectly crisp, cheese bubbling, and toppings just right. It’s a simple recipe with reliable ingredients that transforms dinner into an experience and feels like a celebration every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this favorite your own, sharing it with family and friends around the table.

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with perfectly melted cheese and your favorite toppings. Made in a cast iron pan, it’s a homemade pizza that’s better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for a quick, delicious meal with a satisfying texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough

12 ounces pizza dough (store bought or homemade, room temperature)

Other Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
Desired pizza toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, olives, etc.)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Move one oven rack to the very bottom and one to the top of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure a hot environment for a crispy crust.
Prepare Skillet: Evenly spread the olive oil in the bottom and along the sides of the cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and enhance crust browning.
Shape Dough: Gently stretch the pizza dough to fill the bottom of the pan, dimpling it lightly with your fingers to create an even base that will crisp nicely.
Add Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire surface of the dough, including to the edges. Dot the pizza sauce over the cheese thoroughly to ensure flavor throughout.
Add Toppings and Bake: Arrange your favorite toppings evenly over the sauce and cheese. Bake the pizza on the bottom rack of the oven for 18-20 minutes, until the bottom crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Use a spatula to lift the edge and check crust doneness. If desired, move to the top rack for 2-3 minutes for a more browned top.
Cool and Serve: Remove the hot skillet from the oven and place it on a wire rack momentarily. Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen the crust from the pan. Carefully transfer the pizza onto a cutting board using a spatula to keep the crust crispy. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

Allow pizza dough to come to room temperature before stretching to prevent shrinking and for easier handling.
Use low moisture mozzarella cheese instead of fresh mozzarella for a crispier crust.
To avoid a soggy crust, transfer the pizza to a cutting board immediately after baking instead of serving directly from the pan.
If your oven tends to run hot or cold, adjust baking time accordingly and check crust browning frequently.
Cast iron retains heat well, so use oven mitts when handling the pan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American