Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe (Crispy Bottom Every Time)

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Cast iron skillet pizza is the easiest way to get a crispy, golden, pan-pizza crust at home without a pizza oven. The cast iron retains heat evenly, giving you a crust that is crunchy on the bottom and pillowy in the middle.

Why Cast Iron Works So Well for Pizza

Cast iron distributes heat more evenly and gets much hotter than standard pans. The oil pooling around the edges creates an almost fried crust that is impossible to achieve otherwise. A 10 or 12 inch skillet is ideal. Lodge 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet – best value for pizza

Ingredients (serves 2-3)

• 250g pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup pizza sauce
• 200g low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
• Toppings of choice

Method

1. Rest dough: Take out of the fridge 30-60 min before. Cold dough tears.
2. Preheat skillet: Place dry cast iron in oven and preheat to 500F for at least 30 minutes.
3. Oil the pan: Carefully remove skillet. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and coat bottom and sides.
4. Press dough: Working quickly, press dough to fill the skillet.
5. Add toppings: Sauce, cheese, toppings. Don’t overload.
6. Bake: Return to oven, bake 12-15 minutes until crust is deep golden and cheese is bubbly.
7. Finish: Rest 2 min, slide onto cutting board, drizzle with olive oil.

Recommended Gear

• Lodge 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet – pre-seasoned, lasts forever
• Heavy-duty silicone oven mitts – cast iron handles get extremely hot
• Sharp pizza cutter wheel – makes clean cuts through crispy crust

Related Reading

• Pizza Flour Guide
• Best Pizza Sauce Recipe
• Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

See also: Pizza Stone vs Pizza Steel