Description
A quick and easy weeknight deep-dish pizza made in a cast iron skillet. This recipe yields a golden, crispy crust and gooey cheese, perfect for busy families looking for a comforting meal that takes less than 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, brought to room temperature)
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 package pepperoni slices (about 100g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Optional: Sliced black olives, chopped bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or cooked Italian sausage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack.
- Place a 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up while the oven preheats.
- Let pizza dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until soft.
- Lightly flour hands and counter. Press dough into the center of the hot skillet, pushing it out to the edges to create a thick rim.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over the dough, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over the sauce.
- Spread shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by grated Parmesan.
- Add pepperoni and any other desired toppings.
- Brush melted butter along the exposed edges of the dough.
- Place the skillet back on the baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set.
- Serve straight from the skillet.
Notes
Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent a soggy pizza. Do not use pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes after baking to make slicing easier. If the crust is soggy, use less sauce or pre-cook wet vegetables. If the bottom isn’t crispy, ensure the skillet was preheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizz
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: deep dish pizza, cast iron pizza, weeknight dinner, easy pizza recipe, pepperoni pizza, family dinner, comfort food