🍕 Cast Iron Pizza Recipe: Crispy Crust, Gooey Cheese, Pure Pizza Bliss
When you want a pizza that hits like a wood-fired pie from your favorite pizzeria—but you’re cooking at home—this cast iron pizza recipe is your secret weapon. That golden, crunchy crust. The molten mozzarella. The bubbling tomato sauce that sings with garlic and herbs. It’s pizza perfection… and it all happens in your skillet.
As someone who’s obsessed with pizza (yes, I’ve made it every way you can imagine), I keep coming back to this method. The cast iron pan traps heat like a furnace, giving you that crispy-on-the-bottom, chewy-in-the-middle texture we crave. And bonus? No pizza stone required.
Whether you’re making classic Margherita or going wild with toppings, this recipe is a rockstar base. Let’s dive in.
🧲 Ingredients for Cast Iron Pizza
Here’s what you’ll need for one 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet pizza:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough (homemade/store-bought) | 1 ball (10–12 oz) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp (divided) |
| Crushed San Marzano tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh basil (optional) | A few leaves |
| Salt + pepper | To taste |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 to 1.5 cups |
| Grated Parmesan (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Optional Toppings: Pepperoni, mushrooms, red onions, olives, arugula, chili flakes
🌟 Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Heat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If it has convection, even better. Let it get hot while you prep.
Step 2: Preheat the Pan
- Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Drizzle in 1 tbsp olive oil and let it heat for about 2–3 minutes.
Tip: This step helps jumpstart the crust and gives that golden bottom.
Step 3: Stretch the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and stretch the dough into a circle roughly the size of your pan.
- Carefully place it into the hot skillet (it may sizzle—that’s a good sign!).
Step 4: Add Sauce & Toppings
- Spread the crushed tomatoes over the dough.
- Sprinkle garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Top with mozzarella and any additional toppings.
Step 5: Bake!
- Transfer the whole skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is deep golden brown.
Step 6: Broil (Optional)
If you want an extra bubbly, blistered cheese top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Watch closely!
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and top with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Slice and enjoy straight from the pan (just mind the handle—it’s hot!).
💡 Tips & Tricks for Cast Iron Pizza Perfection
- Use a well-seasoned pan. This prevents sticking and gives the best crust.
- Oil it well. Don’t skimp—olive oil = crispy edges.
- Don’t overload toppings. Keep it balanced so the dough cooks through.
- Let the dough rest. If it’s resisting stretching, let it sit 10 minutes and try again.
- Try a cold start. You can also build the pizza in a cold skillet, then place it on heat—less sizzle, still awesome.
🎓 FAQ: Your Cast Iron Pizza Questions Answered
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Look for one with simple ingredients. Let it come to room temp before stretching.
What size cast iron skillet should I use?
10- to 12-inch pans work best. Bigger pans = thinner crust, smaller = thicker, focaccia-like style.
Can I make it on the stovetop only?
Yes—cook on low for 8–10 minutes covered, then flip and cook 3–5 minutes uncovered. Cheese may not brown but it’s still delicious.
What kind of cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully. Add a touch of provolone, fontina, or Gouda for extra richness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a second pan or make pizzas back-to-back. You don’t want to overcrowd the skillet.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Way to Pizza
There’s a reason cast iron pizza has become a cult classic. It’s simple, rustic, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. That sizzling golden crust. The aroma of garlic, tomato, and cheese. The way the toppings caramelize just slightly at the edges…
See Also: Barbecue Chicken Pizza Recipe – Sweet, Smoky, and Irresistibly Cheesy!
Vinit Hirave is a passionate content writer for Pizzetteria Brunetti. A true pizza enthusiast, Vinit’s love for authentic flavors goes beyond the keyboard—he has hands-on experience working in a pizza shop, giving him a deep understanding of what makes a perfect slice. Through his writing, he shares stories, tips, and insights that reflect both his industry knowledge and his genuine affection for the art of pizza-making.