Crispy Cast Iron Pizza
Total Time: 4.5 hours | Servings: 4 | Calories per Serving: 372
This cast iron pizza recipe creates a chewy, crispy crust that rivals your favorite pizzeria — all from your home kitchen. With a simple dough and layered flavor from the hot skillet bake, it’s the perfect weekend project for serious pizza lovers.
INGREDIENTS
DRY
1 1/2 cups bread flour
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
WET
1 ⅔
2 tsp olive oil
TOPPINGS (Optional)
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part skim, low moisture)
1/4 cup pepperoni
1/4 cup ricotta
Fresh basil (for garnish)DIRECTIONS
STEP 1 - Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add olive oil and warm water to the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
STEP 2 - Knead the Dough
Knead the dough by hand (or in a mixer with a dough hook) for 4–5 minutes until smooth. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
STEP 3 - Stretch & Fold the Dough
After 30 minutes, stretch and fold the dough: Grab one edge, stretch it up, and fold it over to the other side. Rotate the bowl and repeat on all four sides. Cover and repeat the stretch-and-fold every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours total (you’ll do this 4 times).
STEP 5 - Proof in the Cast Iron
After the last stretch, lightly oil a 10–12 inch cast iron skillet and gently transfer the dough into the skillet and press it out toward the edges. Cover the skillet with a towel and let it sit at room temperature for 1.5 hours.
STEP 6 - Par-Bake the Crust
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Uncover the dough and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the top and edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
STEP 7 - Add Toppings & Finish Baking
Remove the skillet from the oven and add your base toppings: Pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni (or any other favorite toppings). Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is deep golden brown.
STEP 8 - Garnish & Enjoy!
Once baked, top with: Dollops of ricotta cheese, an extra spoonful of warm pizza sauce, and fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve hot alongside a Caesar salad or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
372 calories | 16g protein | 39g carbs | 16.8g fat