Skillet pizza is a fun and easy way to make delicious homemade pizza right on your stovetop. Utilizing a cast-iron skillet, this recipe allows you to create a crispy crust and melt-in-your-mouth toppings all in one go. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, skillet pizza is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try making skillet pizza. First, it’s quick! You can have a hot pizza ready in less than 30 minutes. Second, you can customize it with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone gets what they want. Lastly, cooking in a cast-iron skillet gives the pizza a crispy crust, which makes it that much more enjoyable. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a win-win!
How to Make Skillet Pizza
Making skillet pizza is simple and fun! Follow these steps to create a delicious homemade pizza:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 small pepperoni slices
- ½ cup thinly sliced bell pepper (red and green)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ½ cup sliced white mushrooms
- ¼ cup sliced olives
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Black pepper (as needed for seasoning)
Directions
- If you are using store-bought pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Place your oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat up.
- Lightly flour a work surface, the dough, and your rolling pin. Roll the pizza dough out into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and spread it evenly with a paper towel.
- Lay the pizza dough into the skillet, pressing the edges into the corners. Lightly brush olive oil on the edges of the crust.
- Bake the pizza dough in the oven for 3 minutes to par-bake the crust.
- Remove the crust from the oven and spread ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Add your 16 pepperoni slices, ½ cup of sliced bell peppers, ¼ cup of sliced red onions, ½ cup of sliced mushrooms, and ¼ cup of sliced olives on top.
- Finish by sprinkling the Italian seasoning and black pepper to taste.
- Bake the pizza for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Slice the pizza and enjoy while hot!
How to Serve Skillet Pizza
Serve your skillet pizza hot out of the oven, straight from the skillet for a rustic touch. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This pizza is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends.
How to Store Skillet Pizza
To store leftover skillet pizza, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in the oven or toaster oven for the best results.
Tips to Make Skillet Pizza
- To prevent the dough from sticking, make sure your skillet is well-oiled.
- Experiment with different toppings like veggies, sausage, or even pineapple to suit your taste.
- If you like a thicker crust, use more dough or press the dough thicker in the skillet.
Variation
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat dough and load up on veggies for the toppings. You can also try using a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free version!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
2. How do I know when the pizza is done?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy. You can check the bottom of the crust to ensure it’s cooked through.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover skillet pizza. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer.
Skillet Pizza
Ingredients
Dough and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing) For greasing the skillet
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) Let sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes if store-bought
- ½ cup pizza sauce
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices small pepperoni slices
- ½ cup thinly sliced bell pepper (red and green) For extra flavor and color
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ½ cup sliced white mushrooms
- ¼ cup sliced olives Black olives recommended
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning For added flavor
- Black pepper (as needed for seasoning)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 475°F and place your oven rack in the center.
- Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat up.
- Lightly flour a work surface, the dough, and your rolling pin. Roll the pizza dough out into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and spread it evenly with a paper towel.
- Lay the pizza dough into the skillet, pressing the edges into the corners. Lightly brush olive oil on the edges of the crust.
- Bake the pizza dough in the oven for 3 minutes to par-bake the crust.
Topping and Baking
- Remove the crust from the oven and spread ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Add the 16 pepperoni slices, ½ cup of sliced bell peppers, ¼ cup of sliced red onions, ½ cup of sliced mushrooms, and ¼ cup of sliced olives over the cheese.
- Finish by sprinkling the Italian seasoning and black pepper to taste.
- Bake the pizza for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Slice the pizza and enjoy while hot!
