Cast Iron Skillet Pizza: 5 Mouthwatering Recipes to Try Tonight

Are you tired of ordering the same takeout pizza week after week? That soggy, lukewarm delivery just doesn’t compare to the crispy, bubbly perfection you can create at home. Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish, and I’ve discovered that cast iron skillet pizza is the game-changer your weeknight dinner routine needs!

My passion for cast iron skillet pizza began three years ago when I was experimenting with different cooking methods in my tiny apartment kitchen. What started as a curious experiment turned into an obsession that transformed my homemade pizza game forever. The crackling crust, the perfectly melted cheese, and that unmistakable homemade flavor it’s simply irresistible.

In this guide, I’ll share five incredible cast iron skillet pizza recipes that will transform your dinner table tonight. You’ll learn how to achieve that perfect crust, master the cooking technique, and customize your pizzas to suit any preference. From classic margherita to creative gourmet options, these recipes will make you forget about delivery pizza altogether!

Why These Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipes Work

• Creates an exceptionally crispy bottom crust that’s still tender inside
• Requires minimal equipment just a cast iron pan you probably already own
• Takes less time than delivery (about 30 minutes from start to finish)
• Provides restaurant-quality results at a fraction of the cost
• Works with store-bought or homemade dough for ultimate flexibility
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining

Choosing the Right Cast Iron Skillet for Pizza

Best Skillet Size for Pizza Success

For most cast iron skillet pizza recipes, a 10-12 inch skillet works perfectly. This size creates a pizza that feeds 2-3 people with a perfect crust-to-topping ratio. If you’re cooking for one, an 8-inch skillet makes a personal pizza. For larger gatherings, consider making multiple pizzas rather than one giant one, as the cooking becomes less even with oversized pans.

Seasoning Matters for Pizza Perfection

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is crucial for cast iron skillet pizza success. The seasoned surface prevents sticking and helps create that crispy, golden crust. If your skillet is new or needs re-seasoning, coat it lightly with vegetable oil and bake it upside down at 375°F for an hour before making your first pizza.

Pre-heating Is Non-Negotiable

Unlike other cookware, cast iron skillets must be properly pre-heated for pizza. A properly heated skillet (about 500°F) instantly starts cooking the bottom of the dough, creating that signature crisp crust. Never place cold dough in a cold skillet and then heat them together you’ll end up with a soggy, disappointing crust.

Ingredients & Prep for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Dough Essentials

• Store-bought dough: Look for pizza dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, or ask at your local pizzeria many sell their dough!
• Homemade dough: Combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon instant yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 cup warm water. Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled.
• Important step: Allow cold dough to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before stretching.

Sauce & Topping Basics

• Simple tomato sauce (crushed tomatoes + salt + basil)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Various toppings (see recipes below)

Equipment Needed

• 10-12 inch cast iron skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven mitts (the skillet handle gets VERY hot)
• Pizza cutter or kitchen scissors

Step-by-Step Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

1. Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (or as hot as your oven goes).
2. While the skillet heats, stretch your room-temperature dough into a circle slightly larger than your skillet.
3. Prepare all toppings and have them ready beside the stove once you start cooking, the process moves quickly!
4. If making multiple pizzas, organize your toppings assembly-line style for efficiency.

Cooking Method for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

1. CAREFULLY remove the hot skillet from the oven using thick oven mitts.
2. Place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
3. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in the hot skillet.
4. Carefully lay the stretched dough in the skillet (it will immediately start to bubble and cook).
5. Cook for 2 minutes on the stovetop until the bottom begins to crisp.
6. Working quickly, add sauce and toppings while the crust cooks.
7. Transfer the entire skillet to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Doneness Check for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Your cast iron skillet pizza is ready when:

• The crust edges are deeply golden brown
• The bottom is crisp when you lift it with a spatula
• Cheese is completely melted and slightly browned in spots
• Any vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized

Serving Your Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

1. Remove the skillet from the oven (remember those mitts!).
2. Let the pizza rest in the pan for 1-2 minutes to set.
3. Use a spatula to slide the pizza onto a cutting board.
4. Slice immediately and serve hot.
5. For an authentic touch, garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Avoiding Common Pizza Mistakes

• Don’t overload with toppings it weighs down the dough and creates soggy spots
• Pat moisture-heavy toppings (like fresh mozzarella) dry before adding
• Keep your oven door closed during baking to maintain temperature
• Use a timer! Just a minute too long can burn the bottom crust

Tool Recommendations for Pizza Success

• Invest in a good pizza cutter scissors work in a pinch but can pull cheese
• Consider a dough scraper for easily transferring stretched dough
• Keep dedicated oven mitts nearby cast iron handles reach temperatures up to 500°F
• Use a metal spatula (not plastic!) for removing finished pizza

Storage & Reheating Cast Iron Pizza Leftovers

• Cool completely before refrigerating (up to 3 days)
• Reheat slices in a dry skillet over medium heat to restore crispness
• For best results, avoid microwaving which makes the crust tough
• Freeze extra slices between parchment paper for up to 1 month

Looking for more pizza inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board with dozens of creative pizza ideas! Pinterest for weekly pizza night inspiration and more delicious recipes.

5 Mouthwatering Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipes

1. Classic Margherita Cast Iron Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 ball pizza dough
• 3 tablespoons simple tomato sauce
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Flaky sea salt

Instructions: Follow the basic cooking method above. Add basil leaves immediately after removing from the oven to preserve their color and flavor. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before serving.

2. Crispy Pepperoni and Honey Cast Iron Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 ball pizza dough
• 3 tablespoons simple tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 15-20 slices pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions: Follow the basic method, but place half the pepperoni directly on the dough before adding sauce for extra crispiness. Drizzle honey and sprinkle red pepper flakes immediately after removing from oven.

3. Mushroom and Truffle Cast Iron Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 ball pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (no tomato sauce)
• 1 cup mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon truffle oil (added after baking)
• Fresh thyme leaves

Instructions: Sauté mushrooms and garlic before making pizza. Make this a white pizza (no tomato sauce) by brushing the dough with olive oil instead. Add truffle oil only after baking.

4. Breakfast Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 ball pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 eggs
• 4 strips cooked breakfast meat (turkey bacon)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Hot sauce for serving

Instructions: Create slight wells in the dough for eggs. Add eggs about 5 minutes into baking so they’re still runny when pizza is done. The residual heat will continue cooking them slightly after removal.

5. Buffalo Chicken Cast Iron Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 ball pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce + 1 tablespoon butter (mixed)
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling

Instructions: Toss chicken in half the buffalo sauce mixture before adding to pizza. Drizzle remaining sauce over finished pizza. Serve with extra dressing on the side.

Flavor Variations for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Vegetarian Options

• Garden Veggie: Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion
• Mediterranean: Artichoke hearts, olives, feta, sun-dried tomatoes
• Potato Rosemary: Thinly sliced potatoes, rosemary, caramelized onions, goat cheese

Gluten-Free Adaptations

• Use pre-made gluten-free pizza dough (available at most grocery stores)
• Try cauliflower crusts (pre-heat the skillet less time about 3-5 minutes)
• Cornmeal crusts work beautifully in cast iron skillets

Global Flavor Inspirations

Serving Suggestions for Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Complementary Side Dishes

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Marinated vegetable antipasto
• Garlic knots (if you have extra dough)
• Roasted broccolini with lemon
• Warm marinated olives

Beverage Pairings

• Italian Chianti or American Zinfandel for red sauce pizzas
• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for white pizzas
• Craft IPA for pepperoni or meat-lover’s varieties
• Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
• Classic Italian sodas for a fun family dinner

FAQs About Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Q: Can I use refrigerated pizza dough?
A: Absolutely! Just let it come to room temperature for easier stretching and better texture.

Q: My pizza stuck to the pan. What went wrong?
A: Your skillet likely wasn’t hot enough before adding the dough or needs better seasoning. Make sure to preheat thoroughly and use enough oil.

Q: Can I make a thick-crust/deep-dish pizza in my cast iron skillet?
A: Yes! Use 1.5 times the dough, lower the oven temperature to 425°F, and extend baking time by 5-7 minutes.

Q: How do I clean my cast iron skillet after making pizza?
A: While still warm (not hot), scrape off any stuck bits with a wooden spoon. Use hot water and a brush (no soap), dry thoroughly, and apply a thin coat of oil before storing.

Q: My crust burned on the bottom but toppings weren’t cooked. Help!
A: Your stovetop heat was too high or skillet too hot. Next time, reduce stovetop heat to medium and shorten the stovetop cooking time to 1 minute.

Conclusion

Cast iron skillet pizza has revolutionized my home cooking, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. The combination of that perfect crispy-yet-chewy crust, endless topping possibilities, and the simplicity of the cooking method makes it an unbeatable weeknight dinner option.

I’d love to see your cast iron skillet pizza creations! Tag @foodydish on social media with your pizzas, or leave a comment below with your favorite topping combinations. And remember experimenting is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your pizza night!