Olivia Carter
Making pizza at home is a delicious and satisfying experience. And when it comes to making pan pizza, a cast iron skillet is an ideal tool to achieve that perfect crispy crust and even cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will walk you through the steps to make a mouthwatering pan pizza in a cast iron skillet.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by preparing your pizza dough. You can either make it from scratch following your favorite recipe or use store-bought pizza dough. If you’re making it from scratch, ensure that you let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This will give the pizza crust a light and airy texture.
Pro tip: For a more flavorful crust, consider adding a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried herbs or garlic powder to your dough.
Step 2: Preparing the Skillet
Next, prepare your cast iron skillet. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach, usually around 500°F (260°C). Place your skillet in the oven and let it preheat for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that the skillet is hot and evenly heated, resulting in a crispy crust.
Pro tip: While preheating the skillet, you can also add a thin layer of olive oil to the bottom to further enhance the crust’s crispiness.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking the Pizza
Once your dough is ready and the skillet is hot, it’s time to shape and bake the pizza. Remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts and place it on a heatproof surface. Transfer the dough to the skillet, gently pressing it to cover the bottom and the sides of the skillet.
Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker crust, leave the dough to rise again in the skillet for 10-15 minutes before adding the toppings.
Next, add your desired toppings to the pizza. Whether it’s classic marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese or a creative combination of ingredients, feel free to get creative and experiment with flavors. Return the skillet back to the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Enjoying Your Pan Pizza
Once your pan pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the crust set, making it easier to slice and serve. Sprinkle some fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for an extra burst of flavor. Slice and serve your pan pizza hot, and enjoy a homemade slice of perfection!
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pan Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
Making pan pizza in a cast iron skillet is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. Follow these simple steps to create your own crispy, cheesy, and flavorful pizza at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by preparing the pizza dough. You can either make your own dough from scratch or use store-bought dough. If making your own dough, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water in a mixing bowl. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it and let it rise for about an hour.
Step 2: Preparing the Skillet
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to the highest temperature (usually around 500°F/260°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and let it heat up for about 15 minutes. Make sure the skillet is well greased and evenly coated with oil.
Step 3: Shaping the Dough
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Take one portion and start stretching it gently with your hands, forming a round shape. Continue stretching until you achieve your desired thickness. Repeat with the second portion of the dough.
Step 4: Transferring the Dough to the Skillet
Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. Dust the skillet with cornmeal to prevent the pizza from sticking. Place one of the dough rounds into the skillet, pressing it gently to cover the bottom and side edges. Repeat with the second dough round.
Step 5: Adding Toppings
Now comes the fun part – adding the toppings! Start with a layer of marinara sauce or pizza sauce. Spread it evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Feel free to add any additional toppings such as pepperoni, sliced vegetables, or cooked sausage.
Step 6: Baking the Pizza
Place the skillet back into the preheated oven and let the pizza bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza and adjust the baking time as needed.
Step 7: Serving and Enjoying
Once the pizza is ready, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it into wedges. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade pan pizza!
With a cast iron skillet, you can achieve a crispy and perfectly cooked pizza every time. Experiment with different toppings and dough recipes to create your own unique pan pizza masterpiece.
Preparing the Dough
Before you can start making your delicious pan pizza, you need to prepare the dough. Here’s how:
- Gather Your Ingredients: Measure out 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 cup of warm water.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Stir them together until they are well mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil and warm water. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. To knead, push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then fold it in half, rotate it, and repeat. Continue this process until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Now that your dough is ready, you can move on to shaping and cooking your pan pizza!
Preparing the Cast Iron Skillet
Before making pan pizza in a cast iron skillet, it is important to properly prepare the skillet to ensure a tasty and crispy crust. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Clean the Skillet
The first step is to clean the cast iron skillet thoroughly. Start by scrubbing it with hot water and a stiff brush to remove any residue or debris. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the skillet’s seasoned coating.
Once clean, dry the skillet thoroughly to prevent rusting. You can either air dry it or heat it on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to evaporate any residual moisture.
2. Preheat the Skillet
Next, preheat the cast iron skillet in your oven. Place the skillet in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes. Preheating the skillet helps create a hot surface for the pizza dough to cook evenly and develop a crispy bottom.
3. Oil the Skillet
Once the skillet is preheated, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Pour about a tablespoon of cooking oil into the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides. You can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
Make sure the entire surface of the skillet is coated with oil to prevent the dough from sticking. Use a brush or a paper towel to spread the oil evenly.
Note: If your cast iron skillet is well-seasoned, you may not need to oil it before adding the pizza dough.
With the cast iron skillet properly prepared, you are now ready to proceed with making your delicious pan pizza!
Assembling the Pizza
Once you have prepared your pizza dough and the cast iron skillet is ready, it’s time to assemble the pizza.
1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach, typically around 500°F (260°C).
2. Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat to warm it up.
3. Generously grease the inside of the skillet with olive oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
4. Take your prepared pizza dough and stretch it out to fit the size of your skillet. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to do this.
5. Carefully transfer the stretched dough to the hot skillet, making sure it is evenly spread out and covers the bottom and sides of the skillet.
6. Use your fingertips to gently press and shape the dough up the sides of the skillet, creating a crust.
7. Once the dough is in place, you can start adding your desired toppings. Begin with a layer of pizza sauce and spread it evenly over the crust.
8. Sprinkle your preferred combination of cheeses over the sauce. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
9. Add any additional toppings you like, such as sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives.
10. Finish off with a sprinkle of dried oregano, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you prefer.
11. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Once the pizza is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts or potholders.
13. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Now you can enjoy your homemade pan pizza made in a cast iron skillet!
Baking and Serving the Pan Pizza
Once the pan pizza is assembled and ready to be baked, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the cast iron skillet with the pizza onto the middle rack of the oven.
Bake the pan pizza for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
When the pizza is done baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts or pot holders. Place it on a heat-resistant surface to cool down for a few minutes.
Using a spatula or a pizza cutter, carefully slice the pan pizza into desired portions. The crust should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the cheese and toppings perfectly melted and delicious.
Tip: You can garnish the freshly baked pan pizza with some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Serve the pan pizza hot and enjoy it as a full meal on its own or pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal.
FAQ
What is pan pizza?
Pan pizza is a type of pizza that is cooked in a deep dish or cast iron skillet, resulting in a thick and crispy crust.
What kind of ingredients do I need to make pan pizza in a cast iron skillet?
You will need flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, warm water, pizza sauce, cheese, and your choice of pizza toppings.
Can I use a regular skillet instead of a cast iron skillet?
While a regular skillet can be used, a cast iron skillet is recommended as it provides better heat distribution and helps create a crispy crust.
How long does it take to make pan pizza in a cast iron skillet?
The total time can vary, but it usually takes around 2 hours, including the time needed for the dough to rise. However, the actual cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Can I make pan pizza in a cast iron skillet without using yeast?
No, yeast is an essential ingredient for making the dough rise and achieve a fluffy texture. If you don’t have yeast, you can try making a different type of pizza dough that doesn’t require it.
