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Crispy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe Easy High Heat Method for Perfect Crust

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This crispy cast iron pizza recipe delivers a perfectly golden, chewy crust with bubbly melted cheese using a high heat method for quick and delicious homemade pizza.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) instant yeast
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce
  • 6 ounces (170g) fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons (10g) grated Parmesan
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or oregano for seasoning

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining ¾ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat the oven and cast iron skillet to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface.
  6. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom, and place the dough inside.
  7. Spread ½ cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, layer with sliced mozzarella, and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
  8. Bake the pizza in the skillet for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves on top, drizzle with olive oil, and let rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Preheat the cast iron skillet in the oven for at least 30 minutes to achieve a crispy crust. Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking. Stretch the dough by hand instead of rolling to preserve air bubbles. If crust bubbles too much during baking, gently press down with a spatula. Leftover pizza reheats well in a hot skillet or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: cast iron pizza, crispy pizza, homemade pizza, high heat pizza, easy pizza recipe, quick pizza, pizza crust, mozzarella pizza