Go Back

Cast-Iron Pizza

This recipe guides you through creating a delicious and crispy cast-iron pizza in minutes. By preheating the skillet to a high temperature, you achieve a crust reminiscent of a professional pizza oven. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying way to make homemade pizza with classic toppings like pepperoni and fresh mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 people
Calories 2627.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Cast-iron skillet 12-inch, oven-safe
  • 1 Oven Mitts Essential for handling the extremely hot skillet
  • 1 Rolling Pin Or use hands to stretch dough
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Pizza Cutter or Chef's Knife

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound frozen store-bought pizza dough thawed and risen
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup torn fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees F.
  • Meanwhile, roll or stretch the dough into a 14-inch circle. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle two thirds of the olive oil into the skillet, then carefully transfer the dough to the skillet, pressing the dough up the edges. Spread the sauce over the dough, making sure to get all the way to the edges. Shingle the pepperoni over the sauce and top with the mozzarella pearls. Brush the exposed dough with the remaining olive oil. Bake on the bottom rack until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.
  • Transfer to a cutting board, top with torn basil, cut into slices and serve.

Notes

The high oven temperature and preheated cast-iron skillet are crucial for achieving a super crispy crust, similar to a brick oven. Ensure your pizza dough is fully thawed and at room temperature for easier handling and stretching. Don't skip brushing the exposed crust with olive oil; it contributes significantly to the flavor and golden-brown finish. For best results, use good quality fresh mozzarella pearls as they melt beautifully and evenly. Adding the fresh basil after baking preserves its vibrant color and aromatic oils, enhancing the overall freshness of the pizza. Be extremely careful when handling the hot skillet.