Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Night

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is my go-to for easy weeknight dinners or cozy family pizza nights when I want something quick but still loaded with flavor. It always comes out with a perfectly crisp bottom and melty cheese, and I love that everyone can make their own with whatever toppings they dream up. Even when I want to keep things classic with just cheese and pepperoni, this method never fails to wow.

Ingredients

• Canned pizza crust: This shortcut dough makes things fast and easy and is a great alternative when you do not want to wait for homemade to rise
• Pizza or marinara sauce: Go for a sauce you already enjoy on its own as it is the base of the flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: I always buy a block and grate myself for better melting and that real pizza cheese pull
• Olive oil: Essential for preventing sticking and delivering a golden crispy bottom on your crust Choose a good quality extra virgin if you can
• Pepperoni slices: Adds classic flavor and a bit of spice Choose a thicker cut or the cup-and-char style if you like more texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Skillet and Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to four twenty five degrees Fahrenheit This high heat is what creates a crust that rivals restaurant pizza Pour about one tablespoon of olive oil into your cast iron skillet and brush or swirl to coat the entire bottom and sides for full coverage

Shape the Dough:

Open your canned pizza dough and gently unroll it Place the dough straight into the cast iron skillet Press and stretch the dough to the edges of the pan making sure it fully covers the bottom and climbs a little up the sides This ensures a sturdy edge and helps lock in the toppings

Add Sauce and Toppings:

Spread pizza or marinara sauce evenly over the shaped dough using the back of a spoon Go all the way to the edge for a saucy bite every time Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and top with pepperoni or any other toppings you love

Bake Your Pizza:

Transfer the skillet carefully to the oven Bake for about twenty to twenty five minutes Watch for the crust to turn golden and the cheese to bubble and brown in spots This often happens right at the sweet spot for texture

Cool and Slice:

Remove the pizza from the oven and slide it out of the skillet as soon as possible This helps keep the bottom crispy and avoids steam making the dough soggy Place the pizza on a cooling rack to set for a couple of minutes Then slice into wedges and serve

Save

Storage Tips

Let leftover pizza cool to room temperature before packing it into an airtight container Keep it in the fridge and enjoy within four days For best texture reheat pizza in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy crust Microwaving is fast but will soften the base

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find canned pizza dough crescent roll dough or even refrigerated biscuit dough makes a fun twist Any marinara or even pesto can stand in as the sauce Try cheddar for a different flavor or swap in plant based cheese for a dairy free version

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal A side of ranch or garlic dip works perfectly for crust dunking I also like to offer a spread of extra toppings on the side like olives mushrooms or red onion for everyone to personalize their own pie

Save

Cultural or Historical Context

Pan pizzas have roots in Italian American cooking and became popular thanks to corner pizzerias offering thick crust pies This cast iron method borrows from those traditions using the home cook’s trusty skillet for a deliciously crisp base No need to travel for great pizza when you can make it right at home

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent pizza from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the skillet is well coated with olive oil before adding the dough. This helps create a crispy crust and prevents sticking.

→ What type of dough works best?

Canned pizza dough is very convenient and works great, but homemade dough or store-bought fresh dough can also be used.

→ Can I use other toppings besides pepperoni?

Absolutely! Add your favorite cheese, vegetables, cooked meats, or herbs to customize each pizza to your liking.

→ How do I reheat leftover pizza to keep it crispy?

Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispness, rather than using the microwave which can make the crust chewy.

→ Can I cook this on a campfire or grill?

Yes, cast iron skillets are perfect for cooking pizza over an open flame or on a grill, making it camper and picnic friendly.