Hey there, y'all! There's no denyin' that homemade pizza is a true crowd-pleaser, and I've got a recipe for you that'll take your pizza game to the next level. Introducin' the Perfect Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza! This recipe takes advantage of the even heat distribution and crispy crust-makin' abilities of a cast-iron skillet, resultin' in a heavenly pizza that'll have you swearin' off delivery for good. So, gather up your favorite toppings and let's get started on this tasty and simple dish!
Prep Time: 20 minutes (1-2 hours dough rise time)
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: ? as many as you want.
Let me just say that my go to for pizza before I used a cast-iron skillet for the first time was the le creuset pizza pan. if you want an alternative to cast-iron I love this pan.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)
- Optional: fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for garnish
Keys to Success and Enjoyment:
- Preheat your cast-iron skillet in the oven to ensure even heating and a crispy crust.
- Don't be shy with the toppings, but remember that overloading your pizza can result in a soggy crust or uneven cooking.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing to let the cheese set and make for easier serving.
Instructions:
- Allow your pizza dough to come to room temperature and rise for 1-2 hours if necessary, following the instructions on the packaging or recipe.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place your cast-iron skillet in the oven while it's preheating to get it nice and hot.
- On a floured surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough into a circle roughly the same size as your cast-iron skillet.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Gently lay the pizza dough in the skillet, making sure it's evenly spread and reaches the edges.
- Spoon the pizza sauce onto the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce and add your desired toppings.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the pizza cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a cutting board.
- Slice the pizza into wedges, garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired, and serve immediately.
Fun Facts: The cast-iron skillet is a beloved kitchen tool with a history dating back to the 5th century in China. It's known for its excellent heat retention, even heating, and durability, making it perfect for cooking everything from fried chicken to cornbread and, of course, pizza! The skillet's ability to produce a crispy, golden crust sets it apart from other pizza-making methods and will have you reaching for your trusty cast-iron time and time again.
So, there y'all have it - the Perfect Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza that's sure to impress your family and friends. Once you've tried this method, you'll be wonderin' why you ever settled for delivery or frozen pizzas. This homemade pizza is not only scrumptious, but it's also a fun and creative way to bring everyone together in the kitchen. So, go ahead and whip up your own Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza masterpiece, and don't forget to share your delicious creations with your loved ones. Happy pizza makin', y'all!