Cast Iron Pizza for Laura

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Laura, this pizza is just for you! Your support means the world to me. I created this cast iron pizza recipe with you in mind. It’s quick, easy, and super tasty. You’ll have a crispy, cheesy pizza ready in just 30 minutes.

The magic happens in a cast iron skillet. You’ll stretch out store-bought dough, add toppings, and pop it in a hot oven. The result? A perfect pizza with golden edges and gooey cheese. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this special cast iron pizza:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought, room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ⅓ cup marinara sauce
• ⅔ cup shredded low moisture mozzarella
• A few cherry tomatoes, sliced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for serving

These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious pizza just for you. The room temperature dough will be easier to work with, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start cooking.

Remember to have your cast iron skillet ready too! It’s the secret to getting that perfect crispy crust.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 475°F. Put a rack in the top position.

Stretch the pizza dough into a 10-inch round on your work surface. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap.

Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into your cast-iron skillet. Carefully place the dough in the skillet. Use your fingers to spread it to the edges.

Sprinkle salt and crushed red pepper on the dough. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top.

Bake the crust for about 5 minutes until it’s lightly golden.

Take the skillet out of the oven. Spread marinara sauce over the dough. Add mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and Italian seasoning.

Put the skillet back in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes. The crust should be deeply golden around the edges and the cheese should be bubbly.

Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes. Add fresh basil on top before serving.

Enjoy your homemade cast-iron pizza!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily switch up this cast iron pizza to make it your own! Try these tasty swaps and additions:

Cheese options:

• Fresh mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Goat cheese
• Vegan cheese

Sauce alternatives:

• Pesto
• Alfredo
• BBQ sauce
• Olive oil and garlic

Veggie toppings:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Spinach

Meat toppings:

• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Prosciutto

Want to make it gluten-free? Use a cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza dough. For a low-carb option, try a chicken crust.

You can also play with different herbs and spices. Add some oregano, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Don’t have a cast iron skillet? A regular oven-safe skillet or baking sheet will work too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! The possibilities are endless when it comes to making your perfect pizza.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven for extra crispiness. This helps create a perfectly crisp crust from the start.

Don’t overload your pizza with toppings. Too many can make the crust soggy. Stick to a few quality ingredients for the best results.

Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to slide your pizza into the hot skillet. This makes transferring easier and safer.

Let your pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and makes cutting easier.

To store leftovers, place cooled slices in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat pizza in the cast iron skillet for 5 minutes at 375°F. This brings back the crispy crust and melty cheese.

Clean your cast iron skillet while it’s still warm. Use hot water and a brush, avoiding soap to keep the seasoning intact.

Experiment with different cheeses and toppings. Try goat cheese, arugula, or prosciutto for unique flavors.

Make extra dough and freeze it. Thaw in the fridge overnight for quick future pizzas.