Enjoy the ultimate cast iron pizza with a crispy golden crust, topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a savory marinara sauce. This easy-to-make pizza recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or a casual gathering with friends. Using a cast iron skillet ensures the pizza bakes to perfection with a crunchy edge and soft, bubbly cheese. You can customize it with your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or even a gluten-free crust for those with dietary preferences.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Position a rack in the top-most position of your oven and preheat it to 475°F (245°C).
Prepare the Dough: Place the pizza dough on a clean work surface. Stretch it out into a 10-inch round shape. Loosely cover with plastic wrap while you prepare the toppings.
Prepare the Skillet: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Carefully place the dough into the skillet, using your fingers to stretch it all the way to the edges of the pan. Season the dough with salt and crushed red pepper, then drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top.
Pre-Bake the Crust: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn a light golden brown.
Assemble the Pizza: Remove the skillet from the oven. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough. Top with mozzarella cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
Bake the Pizza: Return the skillet to the oven and bake on the top rack for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and slice to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Crust: The cast-iron skillet ensures a perfectly crispy and golden brown pizza crust.
Quick and Easy: With store-bought dough, this recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
Customizable: Top the pizza with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a pizza that’s just right for your tastes.

Tips

Season Your Cast Iron Skillet: Ensure your skillet is well-seasoned to prevent sticking and achieve that crispy crust.
Stretching the Dough: Be gentle when stretching the dough to avoid tearing. Let it rest for a few minutes if it’s difficult to stretch.
Use Room Temperature Dough: Let your dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it to make it easier to stretch and work with.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese: Swap the mozzarella with any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough if you prefer a gluten-free crust.
Sauce Alternatives: Instead of marinara sauce, try pesto or white sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan instead of a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, you can also use a regular oven-safe pan or a pizza stone for a similar result. The key is getting the crust crispy.

Can I freeze the pizza dough?

Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking. Once assembled, cover it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings: Serve this pizza with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Extra Toppings: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Occasions: Perfect for a casual dinner, game night, or as a fun family meal.

Enjoy a delicious, crispy cast iron pizza that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor!