Friday Night Homemade Pizza

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza with Instant Yeast

Ingredients (Dough)

• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

• 3 ½–4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp sugar or honey

• 1 ½ tsp salt

Ingredients (Pizza)

• 1 can tomato sauce (or marinara)

• 1–2 tsp pizza seasoning (or Italian seasoning)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (I don’t recommend fresh)

• Olive oil for pan

Optional Toppings

• Pepperoni or salami

• Cooked sausage, chicken, or bacon

• Mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers (sautéed or raw)

• Black olives or banana peppers

• Fresh basil, arugula, or spinach

• Parmesan or feta for finishing

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add olive oil, salt, and 3 ½ cups flour. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead for 6–8 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed.

4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven & Pan

1. Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).

2. Once hot, carefully remove the skillet and place it on the stove over medium heat. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Stretch dough to fit the skillet (about 12–14").

2. Place the dough into the hot pan and cook for 5–10 minutes on the stove, until the bottom begins to crisp. This time is included in the time to assemble.

3. Spread sauce evenly over the dough.

4. Sprinkle pizza seasoning directly onto the sauce.

5. Add mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer the skillet to the oven.

2. Bake for 10–12 minutes (or longer if needed) until cheese is melted and bubbly, and crust is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

• Let pizza cool for a couple of minutes, then slice directly in the skillet or transfer to a cutting board.

• Finish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or chili flakes if desired.

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza FAQ

1. Do I need to preheat the cast iron skillet for pizza?
Yes, preheating the cast iron skillet in the oven helps create a crispy, golden crust. When you place the dough in a hot pan and finish it in the oven, the pizza cooks more evenly and develops a pizzeria-style texture.

2. Can I make pizza dough with instant yeast?
Absolutely. Instant yeast is perfect for quick, reliable dough. You can mix it directly with the flour, water, and salt—no proofing required. The dough rises faster than with active dry yeast, making it ideal for weeknight pizza.

3. Can I make cast iron pizza without an oven?
Yes, you can cook the pizza entirely on the stovetop in your cast iron skillet. Cook covered over medium-low heat until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. However, baking in the oven at 450°F usually gives the best results.

4. How do I keep my cast iron pizza from sticking?
Coat the skillet with a thin layer of olive oil before adding the dough. This not only prevents sticking but also adds extra flavor to the crust.

5. What toppings work best for cast iron pizza?
Classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers work well. Fresh greens like arugula or basil are great for finishing. Avoid overloading the pizza, as too many toppings can make the crust soggy.

6. Can I use store-bought pizza dough in a cast iron skillet?
Yes, store-bought dough works fine. Let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before stretching it into the skillet to make it easier to handle.

7. What’s the best cheese for homemade pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for melty, stretchy pizza. You can also mix in parmesan, provolone, or cheddar for extra flavor.