Uncle Larry Adventures

Italian Classics · Italian-American

More italian pizza recipes

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Pan pizza built in a cast iron skillet: an oiled pan fries the bottom crust while the broiler finishes the cheese and pepperoni on top.

Last updated

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Fried bottom crust, broiled top

Cast iron skillet pizza with bubbling cheese and crisp pepperoni

The short version

Pan pizza built in a cast iron skillet: an oiled pan fries the bottom crust while the broiler finishes the cheese and pepperoni on top.

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
35 minutes
Serves
1 twelve-inch pizza

Ingredients

1× batch

This recipe doesn’t list a serving count, so it scales by batch.

  • 1 lb pizza dough, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ cup pizza sauce
  • 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
  • 3 oz cup-and-char pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Fresh basil, to finish
View list

Instructions

  1. 01

    Heat the oven. Set an oven rack in the upper third and heat the oven to 500°F.

  2. 02

    Press the dough. Oil a 12-inch cast iron skillet generously and press the dough out to the edges, letting it relax a few minutes if it fights back.

  3. 03

    Top it. Spread the sauce to within half an inch of the rim, add the mozzarella all the way to the edge, then the pepperoni, Parmesan and oregano.

  4. 04

    Fry the base. Set the skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop for 4 minutes, until the bottom crust is set and sizzling.

  5. 05

    Bake. Transfer to the oven and bake 12–14 minutes, until the crust is browned and the cheese is bubbling.

  6. 06

    Broil and serve. Broil 1–2 minutes for char, then slide the pizza onto a board immediately so the base stays crisp. Finish with basil.

Larry’s rule: Cheese pushed to the very edge caramelizes against the hot iron — that ring of crisp cheese is the whole point of pan pizza.

Quoting or citing this recipe? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” andlink to this page.

Before you cook

What to know about Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

What it is

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is a pizza recipe rooted in the generous Italian-American table. This version makes 1 twelve-inch pizza in 35 minutes and focuses on the technique that gives the dish its characteristic texture and flavor.

Why this method works

The method builds flavor in a deliberate order: heat the oven, then press the dough, then top it. Following that sequence keeps the main ingredients distinct while bringing the finished dish together.

Key ingredients and what they do

  • 1 lb pizza dough, at room temperature — supports the dish's balance, texture and regional character.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil — builds the savory foundation and carries flavor through the dish.
  • ¾ cup pizza sauce — supports the dish's balance, texture and regional character.
  • 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, shredded — contributes salt, richness and structure; its moisture and temperature affect the finish.

Smart substitutions

For the most reliable result, keep the main ingredient and technique unchanged. Swap only like for like, then adjust salt, moisture and cooking time to taste.

Make ahead and leftovers

Make the dough ahead when the recipe allows. Refrigerate it covered, then bring it toward room temperature before shaping; bake topped pizza just before serving.

What to serve with it

  • Serve hot with a sharp green salad.
  • Cut into smaller pieces for an antipasto spread.

Larry’s why

Why the dough needs a slow, cold rise

A long rest in the fridge — 24 to 72 hours — lets enzymes break starch into sugar, which is what gives crust its colour and that faintly sweet, complex flavour. A fast warm rise makes gas but no taste. Time does the work you cannot fake with more yeast.

Larry’s rule: Less yeast, more time.

More questions Larry gets asked →

Did you make this?

Rate Cast Iron Skillet Pizza — real votes from real cooks only.

Be the first to rate it.

Questions Larry gets asked

How long does cast iron skillet pizza take to make?
About 35 minutes start to finish — roughly 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. That yields 1 twelve-inch pizza.
What do you need to make cast iron skillet pizza?
8 ingredients, starting with 1 lb pizza dough, at room temperature, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¾ cup pizza sauce. The full list with quantities is on this page.
How do you start cast iron skillet pizza?
Heat the oven: Set an oven rack in the upper third and heat the oven to 500°F.
How do you know when cast iron skillet pizza is done?
Broil and serve. Broil 1–2 minutes for char, then slide the pizza onto a board immediately so the base stays crisp. Finish with basil.
What is the most common mistake with cast iron skillet pizza?
Cheese pushed to the very edge caramelizes against the hot iron — that ring of crisp cheese is the whole point of pan pizza.
Can you make cast iron skillet pizza ahead of time?
Yes. Cool it completely, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days and reheat gently — covered, over low heat or in a 325°F oven — so it warms through without drying out. It is a main course that reheats well.

Share or cite this recipe

Last updated

Written recipe guidance, not a measured Test Kitchen result. Photos may illustrate the dish; they do not establish that a batch was tested. Only recorded experiments in the Test Kitchen count as measured comparisons. Sources and evidence labels.

Open this recipe page

Recipe URL

https://unclelarryadventures.com/recipes/cast-iron-skillet-pizza

Save to Pinterest

Free to use with credit and a link back. Quote up to 100 words, or embed the recipe card below.

Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to this recipe page.

Citation

“Cast Iron Skillet Pizza” — Uncle Larry Adventures, https://unclelarryadventures.com/recipes/cast-iron-skillet-pizza

Link (HTML)

<a href="https://unclelarryadventures.com/recipes/cast-iron-skillet-pizza">Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe from Uncle Larry Adventures</a>

Embed recipe card

<iframe src="https://unclelarryadventures.com/embed/recipe/cast-iron-skillet-pizza" title="Cast Iron Skillet Pizza — Uncle Larry Adventures" width="600" height="760" loading="lazy" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;border:0;"></iframe>
<p><a href="https://unclelarryadventures.com/recipes/cast-iron-skillet-pizza">Cast Iron Skillet Pizza recipe</a> by Uncle Larry Adventures</p>

Next up

Keep going — a recipe to try, a film to watch, and an answer to the question you were about to search.

Try this recipe

Vanilla Panna Cotta

Cream set just barely, with berry sauce.

Try this recipe

Cannoli Siciliani

Crisp shells, sweet ricotta, pistachio ends.

Next watch

Red Carpet Ready

Larry and Sally hit the Oscars red carpet in full black-tie style. Cameras flash, the crowd roars, and Larry proves a tuxedo pairs beautifully with supreme confidence.

Quick answer

How long do you grill Italian sausage?

Grill fresh Italian sausage 12 to 16 minutes over medium direct heat (about 350–400°F), turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until the centre reads 160°F. On a two-zone fire, cook 10 to 12 minutes on the cool side, then finish 2 to 3 minutes over the flame for colour.

The gear Larry uses →Where to eat sausage & peppers →What to drink with it →This week on the blog: Labor Day Cookout: The Sausage Lineup That Never Fails →

Contact Larry

Recipe questions, restaurant tips, gear ideas, press and collabs — send it here.