Best Pizza Dough for Cast Iron Skillet: Achieving the Perfect Crust

Best Pizza Dough for Cast Iron Skillet: Achieving the Perfect Crust

Pizza is a beloved food that has been around for centuries. From Neapolitan-style to deep-dish, there are countless variations of this classic dish. However, one thing that can make or break your pizza is the dough. A good pizza dough should be crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and able to hold up the weight of your toppings without getting soggy.

If you’re looking to make pizza at home, using a cast iron skillet can be a great option. Cast iron skillets are known for their ability to retain heat and distribute it evenly, which can result in a perfectly cooked pizza crust. But what makes the best pizza dough for cast iron skillet? Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Gluten content: A high gluten content is essential for a chewy and crispy crust. Look for flour with at least 12% gluten.
  • Hydration: The amount of water in your dough can affect its texture and rise. A hydration level of 60-65% is ideal for a cast iron skillet pizza.
  • Resting time: Allowing your dough to rest before shaping and baking can improve its texture and flavor. Aim for at least 24 hours in the fridge.
  • Toppings: Keep in mind that a cast iron skillet pizza can only hold so many toppings before becoming soggy. Stick to a few high-quality ingredients rather than piling on too many.

At our test kitchen, we spent hours experimenting with different pizza dough recipes to find the best one for a cast iron skillet. We tested various flour types, hydration levels, and resting times to come up with a recipe that delivers a crispy and chewy crust every time.

In the next section, we’ll share our recipe for the best pizza dough for cast iron skillet.

Best Pizza Dough for Cast Iron Skillet

Are you looking to make the perfect pizza at home? Look no further than our list of the best pizza dough for cast iron skillet. We’ve tried and tested various options and have narrowed it down to the top picks for achieving that crispy crust and delicious flavor.

Here are our top choices:

  • Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough
  • King Arthur Flour Pizza Dough Mix
  • Caputo Chef’s Flour
  • Bob’s Red Mill Pizza Crust Mix

Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a newbie, these dough options will help you create a restaurant-quality pizza in the comfort of your own home.

Outset Cast Iron Grill Skillet and Pan with Forged Handles for Pizza, Eggs, Pancakes, Burgers and Steaks, 14-inch, Black Cast Iron Pizza Pan

Outset Cast Iron Grill Skillet and Pan with Forged Handles for Pizza, Eggs, Pancakes, Burgers and Steaks, 14-inch, Black Cast Iron Pizza Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile cast-iron pan that can cook more than just pizza, the Outset Cast Iron Grill Skillet and Pan is a great option. With its superior heat retention, you can cook, bake, grill or sear your favorite foods to perfection.

Pros

  • The cast iron with forged steel handles makes this a durable and long-lasting piece for your kitchen that can easily go from cooking to tabletop.
  • The flat front design makes it easy to get a pizza peel under your pie or a spatula under your perfectly cooked but delicate fish.
  • The versatility of this pan means you can cook pizza, flatbreads, pancakes, eggs, bacon, burgers, steaks, fish and more!

Cons

  • The pan is heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users.
  • The pan is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing and immediate drying.
  • The pan may require some additional seasoning before use.

We recently tested the Outset Cast Iron Grill Skillet and Pan and were impressed with its performance. The pan heated evenly and retained heat well, making it perfect for cooking pizza and other foods. The flat front design made it easy to slide a pizza peel under our pizza, and the forged steel handles made it easy to move the pan from the oven to the table.

One thing to note is that the pan is heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, the pan is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing and immediate drying. Finally, some users may find that the pan requires some additional seasoning before use.

Overall, we would recommend the Outset Cast Iron Grill Skillet and Pan for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cast-iron pan that can cook more than just pizza.

Home-Complete Cast Iron Pizza Pan

Home-Complete Cast Iron Pizza Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron pizza pan, the Home-Complete Cast Iron Pizza Pan is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

  • The cast iron construction ensures even heating and durability, making it a long-lasting kitchen cookware.
  • The 14” skillet is versatile and can be used for cooking a variety of foods, from pizza to eggs, bacon, cornbread, biscuits, pancakes, crepes, fajitas, burgers, and more.
  • The pan is oven-safe and can be used in the oven, on the stovetop, grill, or even over a campfire flame, making it essential multi-purpose cookware for your kitchen.

Cons

  • The pan requires seasoning before use, which may take some time and effort.
  • The pan is heavy, which may be challenging to handle for some users.
  • The pan may rust if not dried and oiled properly after washing.

We’ve used the Home-Complete Cast Iron Pizza Pan to make homemade pizzas and other delicious meals, and we’re impressed with its performance. The pan heats evenly and retains heat well, resulting in a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings. The 14” skillet is large enough to accommodate a family-sized pizza or multiple smaller ones.

The pan is versatile and can be used for various cooking methods, making it a great addition to any kitchen. We’ve used it to cook eggs, bacon, and even pancakes, and the results were excellent. The pan is also easy to clean, requiring only hot water and a sponge.

However, the pan does require seasoning before use, which may take some time and effort. It’s also heavy, which may be challenging to handle for some users. Lastly, the pan may rust if not dried and oiled properly after washing, so it’s essential to follow the care instructions carefully.

Overall, we highly recommend the Home-Complete Cast Iron Pizza Pan for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cast iron pan that can be used for various cooking methods. It’s an excellent investment that will last for many years to come.

Classic Cuisine Cast Iron Pizza Pan-13.25 Pre-Seasoned Skillet for Cooking, Baking, Grilling-Durable, Long Lasting, Even-Heating Kitchen Cookware

Classic Cuisine Cast Iron Pizza Pan-13.25 Pre-Seasoned Skillet for Cooking, Baking, Grilling-Durable, Long Lasting, Even-Heating Kitchen Cookware

We highly recommend the Classic Cuisine Cast Iron Pizza Pan for anyone looking to make delicious homemade pizzas. This versatile pan is great for cooking a variety of foods, from pizza to eggs, bacon, cornbread, biscuits, pancakes, crepes, fajitas, burgers, and more.

Pros

  • Pre-seasoned and constructed from sturdy and durable cast iron, this pan will survive tough wear and tear and last for many years to come.
  • This handy skillet can be used in the oven, on the stovetop, grill, or even over a campfire flame, making it essential multi-purpose cookware for your kitchen. The pan works beautifully with fresh or half-baked dough, or even frozen pizzas!
  • The 13.25” skillet is versatile; perfect for cooking a variety of foods, from pizza to eggs, bacon, cornbread, biscuits, pancakes, crepes, fajitas, burgers and more. It is also an excellent gift for foodie friends and family.

Cons

  • The pan needs to be dried completely after washing to avoid rust, and re-oiled and re-seasoned as needed.
  • It doesn’t come pre-seasoned as advertised, but it is very easy to season yourself.
  • Some users have reported that the pan is rough upon delivery, but it can be easily fixed with some sandpaper.

This cast iron pizza pan is a great addition to any kitchen. It heats evenly and retains heat well, making for a perfectly crispy crust. The pan is also easy to clean and maintain. The only downside is that it needs to be dried completely after washing to avoid rust, but this is a small price to pay for a long-lasting and durable piece of cookware.

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron pizza pan that can be used for a variety of dishes, then the Classic Cuisine Cast Iron Pizza Pan is definitely worth considering. It is a great investment that will last for many years to come.

Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan, 15 inch

Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan, 15 inch

If you’re looking for a high-quality cast iron pizza pan, the Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan is a great option. We have used this pan for several pizza nights and we were impressed with its performance.

Pros

  • The rimless design allows for edge-to-edge baking, making it perfect for traditional large 14-inch pizza crust.
  • The cast iron material provides unparalleled heat retention and even heating, ensuring consistent and even cooking.
  • It features a dual handle design for easy lifting.

Cons

  • It’s quite heavy, which may make it difficult for some people to handle.
  • It’s not dishwasher safe, so cleaning can be a bit of a hassle.
  • It’s quite expensive compared to other pizza pans on the market.

Overall, we highly recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan for anyone looking for a high-quality cast iron pizza pan. The pan’s naturally seasoned cooking surface delivers great results and doesn’t dent, bend, or warp at high temperatures. Plus, it’s made in America with iron and oil, ensuring that it will last for generations.

When we used this pan, we were impressed with how evenly and consistently it cooked our pizza. The crust came out crispy and delicious, and the pan was easy to grip, lift, and move about the kitchen. We also appreciated the rimless design, which allowed us to bake our pizza to the edge.

In summary, if you’re looking for a cast iron pizza pan that will deliver great results every time, the Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan is an excellent choice. While it may be a bit heavy and expensive, its performance and quality make it well worth the investment.

ooni Cast Iron Skillet

ooni Cast Iron Skillet

If you’re looking for a versatile cast iron skillet to make delicious pizza dough, then the ooni Cast Iron Skillet is a great option.

Pros

  • The skillet is made from high-quality cast iron, which makes it durable and has excellent heat retention.
  • The skillet comes with a removable cast iron handle, which makes it easy to use and is perfect for cooking meat, seafood, vegetables, and much more.
  • The skillet comes with a stainless steel trivet, which protects counter and table surfaces.

Cons

  • The skillet is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing only.
  • The skillet is relatively heavy, weighing 6.38 pounds, which may be a problem for some users.
  • The skillet is relatively expensive compared to other cast iron skillets.

The ooni Cast Iron Skillet is a great all-purpose pan that is perfect for use in any Ooni pizza oven, over open fires, and on a domestic hob or stovetop. The skillet’s custom-designed removable cast iron handle makes it one of the most popular ooni pizza oven accessories.

The skillet is versatile enough to cook meat, seafood, vegetables, and much more. The skillet’s high-quality durable cast iron construction makes it perfect for high heats and has excellent heat retention.

The ooni Cast Iron Skillet comes with a stainless steel trivet that protects counter and table surfaces, making it easy to use and clean. However, the skillet is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing only.

Overall, the ooni Cast Iron Skillet is a great investment for those who want to make delicious pizza dough in a versatile and durable cast iron skillet.

Legend Cast iron Pizza Pan | 14” Steel Pizza Cooker with Easy Grip Handles | Deep Stone for Oven or Griddle for Gas, Induction, Grilling | Lightly Pre-Seasoned Cookware Gets Better with Use

Legend Cast iron Pizza Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile pizza pan that can also be used as a griddle, Legend Cast Iron Pizza Pan is an excellent option. Made from solid steel and iron, this pan is known for its durability and heat distribution. The 14-inch round pizza maker features large, heavy-duty side handles and deeper walls, making it perfect for everything from NY thin to Detroit deep dish.

Pros

  • The pan is made from solid steel and iron, making it extremely durable.
  • The larger, tilted handles make it easy to lift and move around.
  • The pan improves with every use, making it a great investment for the long haul.

Cons

  • The pan is heavier than most pizza pans, which can make it difficult to handle.
  • It requires seasoning before first use, which can be time-consuming.
  • The non-stick coating may not be as effective as advertised.

We’ve used this pizza pan for a few weeks now and have been impressed with its performance. It heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked pizzas every time. The larger, tilted handles make it easy to lift and move around, even when wearing oven mitts.

The pan improves with every use, and the more you cook, the better it performs. It arrives with a foundational seasoning of 100% vegetable oil, which gets better with every use. As you build up your own seasoning, you write your story into pans worth passing down.

Overall, we highly recommend the Legend Cast Iron Pizza Pan. It’s a great investment for anyone who loves to cook and wants a versatile pan that can be used for more than just pizza. With proper care and seasoning, this pan will last a lifetime.

Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan, Design-Forward Cookware

Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan

If you want to make restaurant-quality pizzas at home, the Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan is the perfect tool to do it. With its unparalleled heat retention, even heat distribution, and naturally nonstick surface, this pizza pan is a must-have for any pizza lover.

Pros

  • The wide cooking surface is perfect for pizzas or baking.
  • The cast iron construction provides unparalleled heat retention for consistent, high-heat cooking and even heat distribution without hotspots.
  • The naturally seasoned cast iron pizza is made with just iron and vegetable oil, creating a quick-release surface that gets better with use.

Cons

  • The Lodge BOLD Cast Iron Pizza Pan is heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some people.
  • It is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing.
  • The pan needs to be seasoned regularly to maintain its nonstick surface.

This pizza pan is versatile and can be used on so many heat sources, including grills or even live fire. Its 14-inch size is perfect for making large pizzas, and the modern handles make it easy to handle and serve.

The Lodge BOLD Cast Iron Pizza Pan is designed and made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where the people of Lodge Cast Iron have been crafting quality cookware since 1896. Its exclusive availability on Amazon builds on the legacy and performance of Lodge Cast Iron cookware, including beloved ProLogic pieces.

If you’re looking for a pizza pan that can handle high heat and provide a nonstick surface for perfect pizza every time, the Lodge BOLD Cast Iron Pizza Pan is definitely worth considering.

Chef Pomodoro Cast Iron Pizza Pan

Chef Pomodoro Cast Iron Pizza Pan

If you want to make delicious pizza at home, the Chef Pomodoro Cast Iron Pizza Pan is a must-have product for you. With its pre-seasoned surface and versatile design, this pan is perfect for making crispy, golden-brown crusts that are puffy and soft under the layers of sauce and mozzarella.

Pros

  • The pre-seasoned surface makes it ready to use straight out of the box.
  • The cast iron material develops a natural patina that enhances the flavors of your food.
  • The pan is versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, including roti, tortillas, and more.

Cons

  • The pan is not oven safe, which limits its versatility.
  • The surface is not non-stick, so it may require some extra oil or seasoning to prevent sticking.
  • The pan is heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.

We recently tried out the Chef Pomodoro Cast Iron Pizza Pan and were impressed with its performance. The pan heated evenly, and the crust came out perfectly crispy and golden-brown. The pre-seasoned surface made it easy to use right out of the box, and the natural patina that developed over time enhanced the flavors of our food.

While the pan is not oven safe, we found it to be versatile and convenient for a variety of dishes. The easy-grip curving side handles made it easy to handle, and the durable cast iron material ensured even heat distribution throughout our ingredients.

Overall, we highly recommend the Chef Pomodoro Cast Iron Pizza Pan for anyone looking to make delicious pizza at home. Its versatility, durability, and pre-seasoned surface make it a great addition to any kitchen, and its sleek black surface and superior quality make it an excellent gift for any chef, pizza lover, or foodie.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best pizza dough for cast iron skillet, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:

Flour Type

The type of flour used in the dough can greatly affect the texture and taste of your pizza. Look for dough made with high-quality flour, such as bread flour or Tipo 00 flour. These flours have a higher protein content, which helps create a chewy and crispy crust.

Gluten Content

Gluten is the protein responsible for the elasticity of dough. A higher gluten content will result in a more stretchy and pliable dough, which is ideal for making pizza. Look for dough with a gluten content of at least 12%.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in the dough can greatly impact the flavor of your pizza. Look for dough made with high-quality ingredients, such as olive oil, honey, and fresh herbs. Avoid dough with artificial additives or preservatives.

Preparation

Consider the preparation method of the dough. Some dough may require a longer rise time, while others may be ready to use immediately. Look for dough that is easy to work with and fits your schedule.

Price

The price of pizza dough can vary greatly depending on the brand and quality. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, investing in high-quality dough can greatly improve the taste and texture of your pizza.

Overall, when choosing the best pizza dough for cast iron skillet, look for high-quality ingredients, a good flour type and gluten content, and a preparation method that fits your needs. By considering these factors, you can ensure that your pizza turns out delicious every time.

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