Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a pizza that’s crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and bursting with flavor, then you’re going to love this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — the cast iron skillet gives the crust that perfect golden brown with the tiniest bit of crispiness that you just can’t get from a cookie sheet or pizza stone. Plus, it’s really simple to make, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual cook, you’ll have a fantastic pizza in no time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are friendly and easy to find, which I love. You’ll find that using frozen bread dough is a game-changer for homemade pizza since it makes the crust soft yet sturdy. And since the flavors are simple, quality toppings really shine.

• Frozen bread dough: My go-to for effortless, fluffy crust. I prefer letting it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
• All-purpose flour: For dusting your work surface and rolling pin so the dough doesn’t stick.
• Olive oil: Used to grease the skillet — it helps get that crust beautifully crispy and prevents sticking.
• Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have time; it adds that classic tomato flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Go for shredded fresh if possible — it melts so nicely and gives that ooey-gooey texture.
• Pepperoni slices: The star of the show! Feel free to add more or less depending on your preferences.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a little cheesy kick and added depth.
• Fresh basil: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor when sprinkled after baking.

Variations

What I love about this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the toppings based on what’s in the fridge or what my family’s craving that day.

• Veggie Lovers: I’ve added sliced olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers to the pepperoni – the cast iron handles the moisture well without making the crust soggy.
• Spicy Kick: Sometimes I add red pepper flakes and a drizzle of hot honey after baking for a sweet heat combo that’s irresistible.
• Cheese Variations: Mixing mozzarella with fontina or provolone gives it a richer, creamier melt if you want to change things up.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free dough substitute, and watch the crust carefully — cast iron can heat unevenly, so you may need to adjust timing.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough and Toppings

First, let your frozen bread dough thaw following package instructions — I like to pop mine in the fridge to thaw overnight. It gives the dough that perfect texture for rolling out. While the dough is thawing, go ahead and prep your toppings: slice your pepperoni if needed, grate your cheeses, and get your sauce ready. Having everything at hand makes the assembly a breeze.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven and Skillet

This is one of the secrets to a great crust. Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat the oven to 500°F. Let the skillet heat in there for about 20 minutes so it’s screaming hot — that intense heat creates a crust with incredible texture. When it’s time, use oven mitts and carefully remove the skillet. Drizzle olive oil into the skillet’s base and spread it out evenly with a paper towel or basting brush. Be super careful — the pan will be hot enough to burn you!

Step 3: Roll Out and Place the Dough in the Skillet

Lightly flour your rolling surface and roll the dough out so it’s about two inches wider than your cast iron skillet. This helps you get a nice crust edge pressed against the skillet’s sides. Transfer the dough carefully to the hot skillet — you can gently lift and place it or roll it up with your rolling pin. If you’re going heavy on toppings (more than three), poke holes all over the dough with a fork and bake the crust for about 7 minutes first to prevent sogginess. Otherwise, go ahead and add your toppings now.

Step 4: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the dough. If you like, sprinkle on Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor here. Next, cover the sauce with shredded mozzarella — don’t be shy, the cheese is an important part of the magic. Then pile on your pepperoni slices and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a little salty punch.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Return your skillet to the oven and bake your pizza for 14 to 17 minutes. The crust should be golden brown on the edges and the cheese nicely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly. Once it’s ready, carefully remove the skillet, and let your pizza rest for a minute. This makes it easier to slide out onto a cutting board without breaking.

Once plated, sprinkle fresh basil on top — the brightness it adds really finishes this Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe beautifully.

How to Serve Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the pizza with fresh basil leaves right off the oven because the heat releases the aromas without wilting them too much. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or even a sprinkling of chili flakes if my family is feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple, I usually serve this skillet pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic-roasted vegetables. My family also loves sweet potato fries alongside for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve let everyone build their own mini cast iron pizzas by cutting the dough into smaller rounds and setting out an array of toppings. It’s interactive and makes for a fun kitchen hangout. Plus, serving pizza straight from the skillet looks impressive and rustic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pizza slices tightly wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the fridge. It will keep great for up to 3 days, and I find the crust still tastes pretty close to fresh with proper reheating.

Freezing

If I want to save a pizza for later, I cut it into slices and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freezing them individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This avoids slices sticking together and lets me reheat a slice or two quickly whenever cravings hit.

Reheating

To get the crust crispy again, I like reheating leftover pizza in a hot skillet on the stove for a few minutes with the lid on, then finishing under the broiler or in the oven for a couple minutes to melt the cheese. This method brings back that fresh-from-the-skillet feel like magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cast Iron Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so reliable and delicious every time. I remember the first time I made it — the crust was perfectly crisp, the cheese melted just right, and my family declared it one of their new favorites. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try, especially if you love homemade pizza but want to skip the fuss of making dough from scratch. Trust me, once you master this skillet technique, you’ll be making pizza nights way more often and loving every bite.

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