I adore pizza, and making it in my cast iron skillet is something I particularly enjoy. The combination of a crunchy crust and melty cheese is simply unbeatable. Within this article, I will divulge my favorite recipe for cast iron skillet pizza that always manages to astonish.
To start, you’ll need a preheated cast iron skillet. I like to heat mine up on the stove over medium heat for about five minutes before adding a sprinkle of cornmeal and a drizzle of olive oil. Next, you’ll want to spread your pizza dough out to about the size of the skillet, making sure to cover the bottom completely. Then, add your sauce, cheese, and toppings of choice. I prefer a classic tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and mushrooms.
Once your pizza is assembled, it’s time to bake it in the oven. I like to set my oven to 500°F and cook the pizza for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. The result is a delicious, restaurant-quality pizza that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
Choosing the Right Cast Iron Skillet
When it comes to making a cast iron skillet pizza, choosing the right skillet is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a cast iron skillet for your pizza:
Size
The first thing to consider is the size of your skillet. A 10-inch skillet is a good size for a personal pizza, while a 12-inch skillet can accommodate a larger pizza. Keep in mind that the size of your skillet will also determine the thickness of your crust.
Weight
Cast iron skillets can be heavy, so it’s important to choose a skillet that you can handle comfortably. A lighter skillet may be easier to maneuver, but it may not retain heat as well as a heavier skillet. Consider your own strength and comfort level when selecting a skillet.
Brand
There are many brands of cast iron skillets on the market, but one of the most popular and reputable brands is Lodge Cast Iron. Lodge skillets are known for their durability and even heating, making them a great choice for making pizza.
Shape
Cast iron skillets come in different shapes, including round, square, and rectangular. A round skillet is the most traditional shape for making pizza, but a square or rectangular skillet can also work well. Consider the shape of your skillet in relation to the size of your pizza and the shape of your oven.
Pre-Seasoned or Not
Some cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, while others require seasoning before use. A pre-seasoned skillet can save you time and effort, but a skillet that requires seasoning may be more customizable to your preferences. Consider whether you want a skillet that is ready to use out of the box or if you’re willing to put in the extra effort to season it yourself.
Overall, when choosing a cast iron skillet for your pizza, consider the size, weight, brand, shape, and seasoning of the skillet. With the right skillet, you’ll be on your way to making delicious cast iron skillet pizza in no time!
Preparing the Dough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7u3dPeqhgM&embed=true
When it comes to making a cast iron skillet pizza, the dough is one of the most important components. You can either make your own pizza dough or buy store-bought dough. If you decide to make your own, it’s important to use the right type of flour and yeast to ensure the dough rises properly.
To make easy pizza dough at home, all you need is flour, water, yeast, salt, and a little bit of sugar. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, then slowly add water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place for at least an hour.
If you don’t have the time or desire to make your own dough, store-bought pizza dough is a great alternative. You can find pre-made dough at most grocery stores, and it’s usually sold in the refrigerated or frozen section. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before using it.
When preparing the dough, it’s important to handle it gently and not overwork it. This can cause the dough to become tough and chewy instead of light and airy. Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough out to the desired size, and make sure to leave a little bit of thickness around the edges to create a crust.
Overall, preparing the dough for your cast iron skillet pizza is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. Whether you make your own dough or use store-bought, the key is to handle it gently and let it rise properly to ensure a delicious and crispy crust.
Preheating the Skillet and Oven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHexcyE4Sdc&embed=true
When making a cast iron skillet pizza, preheating the skillet and oven is crucial to achieving a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings. Here’s how I do it:
First, I preheat the oven to a high heat, usually around 500°F. I make sure to place the oven rack in the bottom position, as this will help the crust cook evenly and prevent it from burning.
While the oven is preheating, I place my cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. I let it heat up gradually for about 10 minutes, rotating it on the burner every few minutes so that the heat is evenly applied. This step is important because it allows the skillet to heat up evenly and prevents the pizza from sticking to the bottom.
Once the skillet is hot, I turn off the stove and carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven using oven mitts. I place the skillet on the bottom rack and let it heat up for a few more minutes to ensure that it’s evenly heated.
It’s important to note that cast iron skillets retain heat very well, so they tend to stay hot for a long time. This means that the skillet will continue to cook the pizza even after it’s been removed from the oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on it and remove it from the skillet once it’s done cooking.
By preheating both the skillet and oven, you can ensure that your cast iron skillet pizza comes out perfectly every time.
Creating the Pizza Base
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0lKNKH9emA&embed=true
I love making pizza at home, and one of my favorite ways to do it is by using a cast iron skillet. The crust comes out crispy and delicious, and the skillet gives it a nice golden brown color. Here’s how I create the perfect pizza base.
Choosing the Right Crust
The first step in making a great pizza is choosing the right crust. You can make your own crust from scratch, or you can use a store-bought crust. If you’re making your own crust, be sure to let it rise for at least an hour before using it.
Preparing the Skillet
Before you start making your pizza, you need to prepare your skillet. Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as high as it will go) and place your cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat. You want your skillet to be hot, but not smoking.
Once your skillet is hot, take it out of the oven and sprinkle some cornmeal on the bottom. This will help prevent the pizza from sticking to the skillet.
Creating the Pizza Base
Now it’s time to create the pizza base. Take your crust and place it in the skillet. Use your fingers to press the dough out to about the size of the bottom of the skillet you are using. Be sure to leave a little bit of space around the edges of the skillet for the crust to rise.
If you like a thicker crust, you can fold the edges of the crust over to create a raised edge. This will also help keep the toppings from falling off the pizza.
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect pizza base is all about choosing the right crust and preparing your skillet properly. Once you have these two things down, you can experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own unique pizza masterpiece.
Sauce Selection and Preparation
When it comes to making a cast iron skillet pizza, the sauce is just as important as the crust and toppings. There are a variety of sauces that can be used, but the most common is tomato-based sauce. Pizza sauce can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made, and both options can yield delicious results.
If making your own sauce, start with a can of crushed tomatoes and add in your preferred seasonings such as garlic, basil, and oregano. Simmer the sauce on the stove for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the mixture in a food processor or blender before using.
If using pre-made sauce, look for a high-quality option that is free from additives and preservatives. Be sure to taste the sauce before using it to ensure that it has the desired flavor profile.
In addition to traditional tomato-based sauce, other options such as pesto and marinara can also be used. Pesto adds a unique flavor profile with its blend of basil, garlic, and pine nuts, while marinara sauce is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
No matter what type of sauce you choose, it is important to spread it evenly over the crust to ensure that each bite is flavorful. Use a spoon or ladle to spread the sauce, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling over.
Overall, selecting and preparing the right sauce is key to making a delicious cast iron skillet pizza. Whether making your own sauce or using a pre-made option, be sure to choose a high-quality option that complements the other ingredients on the pizza.
Choosing and Arranging Toppings
When it comes to making cast iron skillet pizza, choosing and arranging toppings is an important step that can make or break the final result. Here are some tips for selecting and arranging toppings that will help you achieve a delicious pizza every time.
Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for pizza, but you can get creative with other cheeses like parmesan, provolone, or even goat cheese. Be sure to shred the cheese before adding it to the pizza to ensure even melting.
Meats
Pepperoni and Italian sausage are popular choices for pizza, but you can also try bacon, ham, or even chicken. Cook any raw meats before adding them to the pizza to ensure they are fully cooked.
Veggies
Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and fresh basil are all great options for pizza toppings. Be sure to slice the veggies thinly so they cook evenly on the pizza.
Arranging Toppings
When arranging toppings on your cast iron skillet pizza, start with a layer of cheese on the bottom. This will help the toppings stay in place and prevent the crust from getting soggy. Next, add your meats and veggies, followed by another layer of cheese on top. Finally, add any herbs or spices you want to use, like oregano or red pepper flakes.
By following these tips for choosing and arranging toppings, you can create a delicious cast iron skillet pizza that is sure to impress.
Baking the Pizza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzC6RLuYkto&embed=true
Once the pizza is assembled and ready to be baked, it’s time to put it in the oven. For a cast iron skillet pizza, preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) or as hot as your oven will go. It’s important to preheat the oven for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the skillet gets hot enough to create a crispy crust.
Once the oven is preheated, place the skillet with the pizza in the oven on the center rack. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a more crispy crust, you can broil the pizza for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
For a pan pizza or deep dish pizza, the baking time may be longer, so be sure to check the recipe for specific instructions.
When the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. For a margherita pizza, top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Pizza night is always a hit, and making it in a cast iron skillet or pan is a fun and easy way to switch things up. With a little bit of prep work and some patience, you can have a delicious homemade pizza that’s sure to impress.
Serving and Storing the Pizza
Once the cast iron skillet pizza is ready, it’s time to serve it up! I like to use a large cutting board to cut the pizza into slices. Be sure to use a sharp knife to get clean cuts. If you want to add a little extra flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top of the pizza before serving.
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place the pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can either reheat them in the oven or in the microwave.
To reheat the pizza in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pizza slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. If you’re short on time, you can also reheat the pizza in the microwave. Simply place the pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the cheese is melted.
If you have leftover pizza that you don’t plan on eating within the next few days, you can also freeze it for later. To freeze the pizza, wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. The pizza will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat the frozen pizza, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it using one of the methods mentioned above.
Overall, serving and storing cast iron skillet pizza is easy and convenient. With a little bit of prep work, you can enjoy delicious homemade pizza whenever you want!
Troubleshooting and Tips
I’ve found that making a cast iron skillet pizza is a pretty straightforward process, but there are a few things that can trip you up. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your pizza turns out great every time.
Room Temperature is Key
One of the most important things to keep in mind when making pizza dough is that it needs to be at room temperature before you start working with it. If your dough is too cold, it will be difficult to stretch and shape, and you may end up with a thick, chewy crust. To bring your dough to room temperature, simply take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to use it.
Use Grated Cheese
When it comes to cheese, I recommend using grated cheese rather than sliced. Grated cheese will melt more evenly and create a better overall texture on your pizza. You can use any type of cheese you like, but I find that a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan works well.
Cooking on the Stovetop
If you don’t have access to an oven or simply prefer to cook on the stovetop, you can still make a great cast iron skillet pizza. Just be sure to cook the crust on high heat to get a nice sear, then flip it over and reduce the heat to medium to cook the toppings. Cover the pan to ensure that the cheese melts and the toppings get cooked through.
Don’t Skimp on the Salt
Pizza dough needs a decent amount of salt to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. I recommend using kosher salt, as it has a cleaner flavor than table salt. Be sure to add enough salt to your dough, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little extra on top of the pizza before baking.
Add Some Spice
If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to your pizza. They’ll give it a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Use a Stand Mixer
If you have a stand mixer, I highly recommend using it to make your pizza dough. It will save you a lot of time and effort, and ensure that your dough is properly kneaded. Just be sure not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough and chewy.
Red Onion for Extra Flavor
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some thinly sliced red onion to your pizza. It pairs well with a variety of toppings and adds a nice crunch. Just be sure to slice it as thinly as possible so it cooks through in the oven.
