How to make the Irresistible Cast Iron Pizza Recipe

There’s something almost theatrical about making pizza in a cast iron skillet. The sizzle as the dough hits the hot pan, the golden crust crisping up along the edges, and the aroma of bubbling cheese and sauce wafting through your kitchen, it’s a sensory event. This cast iron pizza recipe is one of my absolute favorites, not only for its flavor but also for its fuss-free approach to pizza night.

Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy Friday dinner, this method is perfect when you crave a crispy crust without hauling out a pizza stone or turning your oven into a sauna. The cast iron gives this pizza a deep, caramelized base and just the right amount of chew, exactly what pizza should be.

This recipe lands somewhere between a pan pizza and a deep dish, but lighter and more versatile. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable with toppings and sauces, so it fits beautifully into your weekly meal plan or a fun dinner with friends.

Why This Cast Iron Pizza Recipe Works Every Time

The brilliance of this cast iron pizza recipe lies in the balance of high-heat cooking and excellent pan conductivity. Cast iron holds heat better than most materials, which gives your dough that crisp, restaurant-style bottom crust that’s nearly impossible to get with a standard baking sheet.

I love how flexible this recipe is. You can use store-bought dough or whip up a batch of my no-knead pizza dough the night before. Prefer gluten-free or whole wheat? No problem, this cooking method accommodates all kinds of dough beautifully. And toppings? Let your creativity roam free. From classic pepperoni and mozzarella to roasted veggies, spicy sausage, or even goat cheese with fig jam, this is your chance to turn pantry staples into a pizza that feels gourmet.

Another reason this recipe wins every time is that it takes the pressure off timing. Unlike thin-crust pizzas that cook quickly and can burn fast, the cast iron approach gives you more control. The crust crisps while the cheese melts evenly, thanks to the even heat distribution of the skillet.

And finally, cleanup is simple. One pan, minimal mess, and no need for parchment paper or elaborate setups. A quick wipe and your cast iron skillet is ready for round two or dessert pizza, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Recipe Card

Cast Iron Pizza Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

This cast iron pizza recipe delivers the ultimate deep-dish experience with a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy homemade dinner!

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Ingredients

• For the dough

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• For the Toppings:

• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup pepperoni or other desired toppings

• ½ cup vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms – optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the skillet)

Directions

• In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
• Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth (about 5-7 minutes).
• Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet with olive oil.
• Punch down the dough and stretch it to fit the skillet, forming a slight lip around the edges.
• Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and your choice of toppings.
• Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to crisp the bottom crust.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
• Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• If using pre-made dough, adjust the cooking time slightly as it may vary.
• Feel free to experiment with toppings like fresh basil, sausage, or even pineapple

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Cast Iron Pizza

1. Preheat the Skillet: A hot skillet ensures the crust gets that signature crispiness while cooking evenly.
2. Stretch Don’t Roll: Gently stretch the dough with your hands to maintain its elasticity and airiness.
3. Layer Strategically: Add cheese first, then sauce, followed by toppings. This keeps the crust from becoming soggy.
4. Skillet Size Matters: Use a 10–12-inch cast iron skillet for the perfect crust thickness. Adjust cooking times if using a different size.
5. Oil Generously: Don’t skimp on oil when greasing the skillet. It enhances flavor and ensures easy removal.

Delicious Variants to Try with This Cast Iron Pizza Recipe

1. Spicy Sausage and Ricotta Cast Iron Pizza

Add crumbled Italian sausage, dollops of creamy ricotta, red pepper flakes, and caramelized onions. This combo is rich and satisfying, perfect for cold nights or feeding a hungry crowd.

2. Margarita-Style Cast Iron Pizza

Use fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil after baking. This version leans into simplicity and freshness and lets the crust shine.

3. BBQ Chicken Cast Iron Pizza

Spread BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce, top with shredded chicken, red onion slices, and a mix of mozzarella and smoked gouda. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.

4. Vegetarian Supreme Cast Iron Pizza

Roasted red peppers, mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, olives, and feta make a colorful, Mediterranean-inspired pizza. Add a touch of oregano and chili flakes for depth.

FAQs

Health Benefits of Cast Iron Pizza

1. Balanced Meal: A well-rounded cast iron pizza includes carbs, protein, and healthy fats, especially with veggie-loaded toppings.
2. Rich in Iron: Cooking in cast iron naturally adds trace amounts of iron to your food, beneficial for energy levels.
3. Customizable Nutrition: Adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs, such as using low-fat cheese or gluten-free dough.
4. Encourages Fresh Ingredients: Homemade pizza allows control over quality, with fresh veggies and unprocessed toppings.

Nutrition Information

• Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
• Servings: 4–6 slices
• Protein: High in protein due to the cheese and optional meat toppings.
• Fats: Moderate, depending on the amount of cheese and oil used.
• Carbohydrates: Primarily from the crust, with added fiber if using whole-grain dough.

Wrapping It Up

If you’ve ever wished for pizzeria-quality pizza from the comfort of your home, this cast iron pizza recipe will absolutely deliver. It brings together simplicity, flexibility, and the kind of crave-worthy texture and flavor that makes it a go-to in my kitchen week after week.

I love that I can switch up the toppings based on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. From bold, meaty flavors to fresh, veggie-loaded options or even a sweet dessert version, this method adapts like a dream. And because it only uses one pan, cleanup is almost as easy as eating the pizza itself.

Craving more comfort food? Check out Spinach Garlic Stuffed Flatbread Recipe for the perfect sidekick to your cast iron pizza night.