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One-Skillet Cast Iron Pizza Recipe Easy Perfect Weeknight Dinner

one-skillet cast iron pizza - featured image

A quick and easy one-skillet cast iron pizza recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a crispy crust, melty cheese, and customizable toppings with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups (240 g), sifted for best texture
  • Active dry yeast – 1 teaspoon (about 3 g)
  • Sugar – 1 teaspoon
  • Warm water – 3/4 cup (180 ml), around 110°F (43°C)
  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Canned crushed tomatoes – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Garlic – 1 clove, minced
  • Dried oregano – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Red pepper flakes – optional
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 to 1 1/2 cups (100-150 g)
  • Fresh basil leaves – a handful
  • Your choice of toppings – pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or caramelized onions
  • Olive oil – for brushing the crust

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size.
  4. Prepare the sauce: While the dough rises, mix the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
  5. Preheat the skillet: Place your cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Brush the bottom and sides lightly with olive oil.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and gently stretch or roll it into a circle slightly smaller than your skillet.
  7. Cook the dough base: Carefully place the dough in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Add sauce and toppings: Spread your prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella and your chosen toppings.
  9. Bake the pizza: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  10. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet carefully using oven mitts. Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

Preheat the skillet well before adding dough to ensure a crispy crust. Avoid overloading toppings to keep the crust crispy. Let the dough rise properly for best texture. If crust isn’t crisp enough, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Pat watery toppings dry before adding to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-skillet pizza, cast iron pizza, quick pizza recipe, weeknight dinner, easy pizza, homemade pizza, crispy crust pizza