If you’re craving a homemade pizza that tastes like it came straight from a cozy pizzeria, this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of crispy crust, melty cheese, tangy marinara, and savory toppings all cooked to golden perfection right in your trusty cast iron skillet. The skillet helps achieve a beautiful, crunchy bottom crust while keeping the inside soft and flavorful, giving you that perfect balance every pizza lover dreams of. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for an impressive yet simple weeknight dinner or a weekend treat with friends. Let’s dive into making pizza magic with just a few essential ingredients and easy steps!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe truly shine. Every item plays a vital role, from the dough that forms a sturdy base to the cheese that melts into a gooey, dreamy layer atop the sauce.

12 oz. pizza dough (at room temp.): This is just the right amount to fit snugly in your skillet and create that perfect crust thickness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on the dough to add richness and help develop a golden crust.
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated): Sprinkled for an extra layer of savory, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully.
¼ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that infuses a subtle earthiness and traditional pizza aroma.
½ cup marinara sauce: The tangy, flavorful base that ties all the toppings together.
1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese (whole milk/low moisture): The star of the show for melty, stretchy cheesy goodness.
1 tablespoon butter (melted): Brushed on the crust for a buttery finish that enhances texture and flavor.
14 slices pepperoni: Classic topping that crisps slightly and delivers a savory, spicy punch.
¼ cup sliced onions and peppers: Adds a fresh crunch and a subtle sweetness to balance the bold flavors.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 475° F. It’s important to let the oven heat thoroughly for around 30 minutes since cast iron skillets thrive in high heat, which ensures a wonderfully crispy crust with that classic pizza chew you want. Trust me, skipping this step means missing out on that beautiful crust texture!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

If you’re starting with a full pound of dough, remember this recipe uses 12 ounces, so set aside about a quarter of it for another use. On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a 14-inch circle. This size perfectly fits a 12-inch skillet, allowing room for the crust to rise up the sides later.

Step 3: Prepare the Skillet and Shape the Crust

Spray your cast iron skillet with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then carefully transfer your dough circle into it. Press the dough so it climbs halfway up the skillet’s rim, and then fold or roll the edges inward to create a nice crust that bakes up crispy and golden. This step sets the stage for a deliciously rustic look and texture.

Step 4: Season and Vent the Dough

Brush the dough’s surface with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese and dried oregano for an infusion of flavor and a bit of texture. Using a fork, gently poke small holes across the dough’s top. These vents prevent unwanted bubbles from forming during baking and keep the crust evenly crisp.

Step 5: Par-Bake the Crust

Place the skillet on the lower oven rack and bake the dough for 5 minutes. This par-bake stage firms up the crust, making it ready to hold all your tasty toppings without getting soggy. When you pull it out, grab a paper towel to dab off any excess oil and press the crust down gently to keep it snug in the skillet.

Step 6: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Spread your marinara sauce evenly over the crust. Then layer on the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and the sliced onions and peppers. Don’t be shy—these flavorful additions transform the pizza into a wonderfully satisfying meal.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza

Return the skillet to the lower rack and bake for 10 more minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly and the toppings to cook through. This stage brings everything into harmony—the crust crisps, the cheese bubbles, and the toppings develop deliciously deep flavors.

Step 8: Finish with Butter and Broil

Remove the pizza briefly and brush the crust with melted butter. This golden layer adds richness and a beautiful sheen to the crust. Move the skillet to the upper rack and bake for an additional 3 minutes. Then, set your oven to broil at 425° F and broil the pizza for about 1 minute to get that irresistible bubbly, browned cheese on top. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning.

Step 9: Rest and Slice

Let your finished pizza rest right in the skillet for 3 to 5 minutes. This short resting time lets the cheese settle and makes slicing easier. Then carefully tilt the skillet and slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice it up, grab your favorite drink, and get ready to enjoy one of the best homemade pizzas you’ll ever taste!

How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your pizza experience by sprinkling fresh basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top after baking. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a fragrant, peppery lift. These simple garnishes bring brightness and contrast that complement the rich, melty cheese and savory toppings beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted garlic and herb wings for a heartier meal. Garlic knots or a simple caprese salad with ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella are also wonderful companions that round out the flavors without overpowering your star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pizza right in the cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board to keep the warmth and add rustic charm to the table. If you’re entertaining, try slicing it into smaller squares for easy sharing or turn it into a make-your-own pizza party by setting out bowls of additional fresh toppings for everyone to customize their slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, the pizza reheats wonderfully without losing its texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them individually in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza slices keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust magic, reheat your leftover pizza in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, covering it loosely with a lid to melt the cheese evenly. Alternatively, you can pop slices in a 375° F oven for about 8-10 minutes, which refreshes the crispness while warming through the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and is a great shortcut. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out, as this makes it much easier to work with and improves the texture.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

While the cast iron skillet is key for that signature crispy crust and even heat distribution, if you don’t have one, try using a heavy, oven-safe skillet or a pizza stone instead. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as heat retention and crisping might vary.

Can I customize toppings on this pizza?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts of the Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe. Feel free to swap pepperoni for veggies, sausage, mushrooms, or even barbecue chicken. Just keep toppings balanced to avoid weighing down the crust.

How thick should I roll the dough?

About ⅛ to ¼ inch thick is ideal for this recipe. Rolling the dough to a 14-inch diameter lets it fit perfectly in your 12-inch skillet with edges to form a nice crust that crisps up while supporting the toppings.

Why do we brush the crust with butter at the end?

Brushing melted butter on the crust after baking adds a rich, golden finish that enhances flavor and gives the edges a tender but crisp texture. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the overall eating experience.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe is such a joy because it blends simplicity with incredible flavor and texture. From the crispy, buttery crust to the bubbling cheese and perfect toppings, every bite tastes like a little celebration. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy homemade pizza!