Who doesn't like grilled pizza? The problem is that not all of us have the opportunity to make grilled pizzas when and where we want them. The alternative? A cast iron skillet pizza.
Follow this deep dish pizza recipe that will teach you how to make pizza that is crusty and not soggy. What's the secret? Preheat your skillet and cook the dough for a few minutes before adding any toppings. Then bake your pizza for 10-15min and enjoy the perfect combination of tomato, cheese, and crusty dough.
Follow this easy recipe and learn how to make homemade deep dish pizza!
1 ball 12 oz pizza dough (make it yourself or get it at the supermarket)
½ cup tomato sauce (make it yourself or get it at the supermarket)
¾ cup fresh mozzarella, slivered
1 tbs olive oil
Dried oregano
A pinch of salt
1 tbs cornmeal or all-purpose flour, optional
Red pepper flakes, optional
Fresh basil leaves, optional
Any extra toppings of your choice
Directions
To save time, use pizza dough you've made ahead of time or bought at the supermarket. Let the dough come to room temperature. Sprinkle cornmeal or all-purpose flour onto a chopping board or a clean surface. Form the dough into a circle, 8-inch in diameter. Let it sit for 20-30min, and then stretch it to a 12-inch circle.
Set the oven to 450°F. Yes, it will have to be super hot! Place your 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven. Let it get hot as it will give us that crunchiness we are looking for.
Take the skillet out of the oven and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Carefully place pizza dough in the skillet. Make sure that the bottom of the skillet is fully covered, and, of course, don't touch it or you'll burn yourself.
Put the skillet back in the oven and let the dough bake for approximately 3min. We want it to be puffy and slightly, not entirely, cooked.
Remove the skillet again. Now brush the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving 1/2 inch around the edges. Brush the edges with olive oil. Now is the time for the toppings and cheese. If you are after a traditional Margarita, skip all the toppings and simply add Mozzarella. Sprinkle oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
Return the skillet to the oven. Bake for another 10-15min or until the cheese has melted and the edges have turned golden brown.
Remove your cast iron skillet pizza from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve while hot. You can eat it straight of the pan (beware that it's hot) or transfer it to a cutting board. It goes perfectly with a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
Cast Iron Pizza FAQ
Do I have to preheat a cast iron pizza pan?
Cast iron skillets can handle high heat and heating them in the oven before placing the dough is highly recommended. It will give your pizza that extra crunchiness - the bottom of the pizza will be thoroughly cooked and not soggy. If you skip this step and put tomato sauce and Mozzarella straight away, you are risking to either have an uncooked dough or cooked dough but burnt toppings.
