This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza gives you all the flavor and texture of a classic pizzeria-style pie—crispy crust, melty cheese, and a perfectly browned bottom—without needing a pizza stone or fancy oven. The cast iron skillet traps heat evenly, giving the crust a golden crunch while keeping the inside soft and chewy. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this pizza is perfect for busy nights or weekend comfort meals. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy that homemade, bubbling perfection right from the oven to your table.
2. Ingredients
For the dough (or use store-bought):
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon instant yeast
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¾ cup warm water (around 110°F)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the toppings:
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¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
3. Instructions
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Make the dough (if homemade):
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil the bowl, cover with a towel, and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. -
Prepare the skillet:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet on medium heat and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Once warm, carefully place the dough in the skillet and press it outward with your fingers to stretch it evenly to the edges. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes on the stove to start crisping the bottom. -
Add the sauce and toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Add oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if desired. Top with your chosen ingredients, making sure not to overload so it cooks evenly. -
Bake the pizza:
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. For an extra crispy top, switch to the broil setting for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. -
Cool and serve:
Remove from the oven carefully (the handle will be very hot). Brush the crust edges lightly with olive oil for shine and extra flavor. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve straight from the skillet.
4. Cooking Time
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes dough rise time)
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Dough rise: 1 hour
5. Serving
Serves 2–4 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Sugar: 3 g
7. Tips
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Skip homemade dough: Use store-bought pizza dough or naan for a faster version.
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Extra crispy base: Sprinkle a little cornmeal or semolina on the skillet before adding the dough for a restaurant-style crunch.
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Cheese variety: Try mixing mozzarella with provolone or a bit of parmesan for richer flavor.
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Avoid soggy pizza: Don’t overload the toppings—especially vegetables—since too much moisture can soften the crust.
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Add fresh touch: After baking, top with fresh basil, arugula, or a drizzle of chili oil for a gourmet finish.
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Reheat like new: Reheat leftover slices in the skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes to revive the crispness.
8. Final Thought
Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza delivers everything you crave in homemade pizza—crunchy edges, gooey cheese, and a soft, flavorful crust. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for pizza night with friends or family. With just one pan and your favorite toppings, you can enjoy a perfectly baked, restaurant-worthy pizza right in your kitchen.
