Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Cast Iron Pizza

This Cast Iron Pizza features a crispy, airy crust and customizable toppings for a delicious homemade pizza experience.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Serving Size 8 pieces

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for greasing the skillet

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled spicy Italian sausage (1 link)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • to taste fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, and yeast.
  • Slowly add the lukewarm water and olive oil, mixing together for 1-2 minutes until a sticky dough forms.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
  • Perform the 'fold-over' technique: pull the dough up and over itself in the bowl while turning it 90 degrees each time, for a total of 4 times.
  • Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then repeat the folding process three more times.
  • Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 40 minutes before placing it in the fridge for at least 12 hours, up to 72 hours.

Prepare the Pizza

  • Remove the pizza dough from the fridge 2.5 to 3 hours before baking.
  • Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a cast iron skillet and grease it well.
  • Transfer the dough to the skillet, turning to coat both sides in oil and press towards the edges.
  • If the dough shrinks back, let it rest for 15 minutes, then press again.
  • Once pressed to the edges, cover with plastic wrap and proof for 2 hours in a warm spot.
  • About 20-30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F, positioning the rack on the lower third.
  • Add 1 cup of cheese to the edges of the dough, dollop the sauce, and sprinkle another 1/2 cup of cheese.
  • Add the cooked sausage and olives in a single layer.
  • Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pizza, sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of cheese, and bake for an additional 2-4 minutes until melted and golden.
  • Run a knife along the edges, let rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and cut into 8 wedges.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, add garlic powder or grated Parmesan cheese to the dough. Don't skip resting times for better texture. For a thicker crust, adjust baking time and dough amount.