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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    The Best Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

    Modified: Jul 11, 2024 · Published: Jan 2, 2024 by Sharon Rigsby · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing a slice being cut out of a cheese pizza cooked in a cast iron skillet.

    Homemade, Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is the answer to your Friday night pizza dreams! It’s also where your favorite toppings meet the easiest pizza-making method imaginable.

    With a golden, crispy crust, bubbling mozzarella cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, this pizza is extra easy to make thanks to the convenience of store-bought pizza dough and a cast-iron skillet.

    A slice of cast iron skillet pizza.
    Jump to:
    • The inside scoop on my Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
    • Ingredient notes and substitutions
    • How to make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
    • Menu suggestions
    • Recipe variations
    • How to store and reheat leftovers
    • Recipe FAQs:
    • Expert tips and tricks:
    • More one-pan meals:
    • 📋 Recipe:

    The inside scoop on my Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

    Inspiration: Besides my Caprese flatbread, this is the “easiest pizza” you’ll ever make. With store-bought dough as your secret weapon, you can forget the hassle of making your own pizza dough

    Number of ingredients 5
    Cooking Method Baking, 15 minutes
    Dietary Info Vegetarian
    Key Flavors Cheesy pizza deliciousness
    Skill Level Beginner to intermediate but only because of handling the hot skillet

    Ingredient notes and substitutions

    Ingredients for making cast iron skillet pizza, including pizza dough and marinara sauce.

    Store-bought pizza dough – Store-bought pizza dough is your secret weapon. You can find pizza dough at most bakeries and grocery stores. It is by the bakery at our local Publix grocery store.

    Olive oil – Coating the bottom of the skillet with olive oil before placing the dough in it helps create a crisp crust by promoting even browning and a lovely golden color on the bottom. It also keeps the dough from sticking.

    Cornmeal – Adding a layer of cornmeal to the bottom of the skillet before placing the pizza dough gives it the same pleasant crunch and texture to the crust as your local pizzeria.

    Marinara sauce – Adds a rich and savory taste. You can also use purchased or homemade pizza sauce.

    Mozzarella cheese – Transforms into a gooey, cheesy, and slightly crispy layer as it melts in the oven.

    Fresh or dried basil and parmesan cheese – Optional garnishes provide even more flavor.

    Complete measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

    How to make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

    Have all of your ingredients ready and measured because this recipe comes together quickly once the skillet comes out of the oven. Also, please note that you will be working with a very hot cast iron pan, so be careful. This is not a recipe I would recommend your children help with.

    1. Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place a 10-inch, well-seasoned cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. For the crispiest crust, you need a hot skillet!
    2. While the skillet heats up, roll out the dough ball on a clean, floured surface into a 10-inch circle (or the size of your cast iron skillet).
    Pizza dough rolled out on a cutting board.
    1. Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Leave an oven mitt or kitchen towel over the handle to remind you not to touch it. Carefully drizzle olive oil in the skillet and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and bottom edges of the skillet evenly. Sprinkle the cornmeal in an even layer on the bottom of the skillet.
    2. Carefully place the dough in the skillet to the edge of the pan; do not try to bring it up the sides of the skillet.
    Pizza dough in the bottom of a cast iron skillet.
    1. Spread marinara sauce on top of the dough and spread close to the edges.
    Marinara sauce spread over pizza dough in a skillet.
    1. Top with mozzarella cheese. (Note: Be careful with hot ingredients!)
    Shredded mozzarella cheese over marinara sauce and dough in a skillet.
    1. Place the skillet back in the oven on the bottom rack and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges of the crust are light golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
    A baked pizza just out of the oven in a cast iron skillet.
    1. Remove it from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Optional: garnish with parmesan and fresh basil, and enjoy!
    A baked pizza cut into slices in a cast iron skillet.

    Menu suggestions

    Pizza can be a meal, depending on the toppings, but I like to add my House Salad to round things out. Other sides that pair well include Texas Toast Garlic Bread, Caprese Skewers, Roasted Tomato Soup, Cucumber and Tomato Salad, or a nice Fruit Salad.

    Recipe variations

    Like my loaded nachos recipe, homemade skillet pizza offers endless possibilities for toppings. Here are some toppings my family likes:

    • Pepperoni
    • Mushrooms
    • Bell peppers & onions
    • Olives
    • Italian sausage
    • Bacon
    • Fresh sliced tomatoes
    • Additional fresh mozzarella cheese
    • Red pepper flakes

    Mix and match these toppings to create the perfect homemade cast iron skillet pizza to suit your preferences. You can also adjust the size by using a larger or smaller skillet and adjusting the amount of dough and toppings accordingly.

    How to store and reheat leftovers

    Place leftover pizza slices in an airtight container, separating them with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. You can also wrap them separately in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep the slices for an extended period, they can be frozen.

    To reheat, place the slices of cold pizza on a rimmed baking sheet. Then, cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil. Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack of a cold oven and set the temperature to 275°F. Let them heat up until the bottom is crisp and the cheese has melted for 25 to 30 minutes.

    Recipe FAQs:

    Can I use any skillet for this recipe?

    A cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and helps create a crispy crust. However, other oven-safe skillets with a heatproof handle can also work.

    Do I need to preheat the skillet before adding the pizza dough?

    Yes, preheating the skillet in a hot oven before adding the dough helps ensure the crust cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

    Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?

    Yes, homemade dough works great in this recipe. You will need from 10-12 ounces. Here is an easy pizza dough recipe if you would like to make your own.

    What’s the best way to prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the skillet?

    In addition to coating the bottom with oil, sprinkle cornmeal on the bottom of the skillet before placing the dough. This will help prevent sticking.

    Expert tips and tricks:

    • Before you start, read the recipe from start to finish to understand the steps, gather any equipment, and measure out all the necessary ingredients.
    • Take your pizza dough out of the fridge for about 45 minutes before rolling it out. It will be easier to work with. 
    • Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking when rolling out the dough. You can use a rolling pin or your hands, but make sure it fits the skillet.
    • Keep an eye on the oven temperature and cooking time. Adjust as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.
    • If you notice uneven browning, rotate the skillet in the oven to ensure even cooking.
    • Use visual cues such as a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese to determine when it’s done. You can also insert a knife or toothpick into the center to check if the dough is cooked.
    • Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns.
    • Most pizza dough you purchase is 16 ounces; this recipe only calls for 12 ounces. Here are some ideas for what to do with your leftover dough.

    More one-pan meals:

    • A slice of sloppy joe cornbread casserole on a white plate.
      Easy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
    • A large spoonful of chicken and hash brown casserole.
      Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
    • Baked chicken tacos in a baking dish topped with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos.
      Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
    • Skillet Gnocchi in a cast-iron skillet full of gnocchi, mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
      Brown Butter Skillet Gnocchi with Mushrooms

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you for visiting Grits and Pinecones; I hope you come back soon!

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    A cast iron skillet pizza just out of the oven with a golden brown crust and melted cheese.

    The Best Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    Homemade, Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is the answer to your Friday night pizza dreams! It's also where your favorite toppings meet the easiest pizza-making method imaginable.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Preheat oven 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Lunch, Main Dish
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 250 kcal

    Equipment

    • 10-inch well seasoned cast iron skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 ounces purchased pizza dough
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon cornmeal
    • ½ cup marinara sauce
    • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese grated
    • Optional: fresh basil and parmesan cheese for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place a 10-inch, well-seasoned cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. For the crispiest crust, you want a hot skillet!
    • While the skillet heats up, roll out the dough ball on a clean, floured surface into a 10-inch circle (or the size of your cast iron skillet).
    • Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Leave an oven mitt or kitchen towel over the handle to remind you not to touch it. Carefully drizzle olive oil in the skillet and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and bottom edges of the skillet evenly. Sprinkle the cornmeal in an even layer on the bottom of the skillet.
    • Carefully place the dough in the skillet to the edge of the pan; do not try to bring it up the sides of the skillet. Top with mozzarella cheese. (Note: be cautious of hot splattering sauce and oil!)
    • Place the skillet back in the oven on the bottom rack and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges of the crust are light golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
    • Remove it from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Optional: garnish with parmesan and fresh basil, and enjoy!

    Notes

    Have all your ingredients ready and measured because this recipe comes together quickly once the skillet comes out of the oven. Also, please note that you will be working with a very hot cast iron pan, so be careful. This is not a recipe I would recommend your children help with.
    • Before you start, read the recipe from start to finish to understand the steps, gather any equipment, and measure out all the necessary ingredients.
    • Take your pizza dough out of the fridge for about 45 minutes before rolling it out. It will be easier to work with. 
    • Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking when rolling out the pizza dough. You can use a rolling pin or your hands, but make sure it fits the skillet.
    • Keep an eye on the oven temperature and cooking time. Adjust as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.
    • If you notice uneven browning, rotate the skillet in the oven to ensure even cooking.
    • Use visual cues such as a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese to determine when the pizza is done. You can also insert a knife or toothpick into the center to check if the dough is cooked.
    • Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns.
    • Most pizza dough you purchase is 16 ounces; this recipe only calls for 12 ounces. Here are some ideas for what to do with your leftover dough.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 682mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 278IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 144mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 7 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Ashley Lentini

      January 03, 2024 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      That looks SO AMAZING!! I will definitely try this recipe!

      Reply
    2. Nonda

      January 03, 2024 at 7:27 am

      5 stars
      This is my all time go to for making pizza!! The hot cast iron skillet is the key to awesome pizza every time!! Always love seeing new ideas for toppings. BBQ sauce with chicken is one of my favorites!

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        January 03, 2024 at 2:18 pm

        Hey Nonda, I’ll have to try your BBQ sauce and chicken. We like tomatoes and bacon. Actually, I don’t think I have ever met a pizza I didn’t like!
        Sharon

        Reply
    3. Carolyn

      August 21, 2016 at 1:39 pm

      5 stars
      I use the same pizza dough when I make pizza (not worth the time to make your own when this is a great pizza dough) and I thought how you prepared this was interesting. Like the idea of sautéing the tomatoes before adding on top of the pizza. Loved the use of the pesto which I never do and I have never used the Havarti on our pizza. A new take on how I usually make our pizza’s and one I will try soon. I dearly love artichokes but WEH does not. So I’m thinking a half n half pizza.

      Carolyn

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        August 21, 2016 at 3:07 pm

        Half and half works great. JJ and his wife came over the other night and that’s how I fixed theirs! I only used the Havarti because that’s what I had, but it was so good, I’m always going to keep some on hand now just to put on pizzas!

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, content creator, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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