Skillet pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional oven-baked pizza. Perfect for when you crave a homemade pizza but don’t want to heat up the oven, this method delivers a crispy crust with a perfectly melted topping right on your stovetop. By using a cast-iron skillet, you achieve a restaurant-quality crust that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This versatile recipe allows you to customize your toppings with whatever you have on hand, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal or a fun family cooking activity.
Skillet Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your skillet. Aim for a slightly larger size to account for shrinkage.
- Preheat the Skillet:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
- Cook the Dough:
- Carefully lay the rolled-out dough into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. You may need to use a spatula to check the underside.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Flip the dough over using a spatula. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cooked side of the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Add Toppings:
- Arrange your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese.
- Cook the Pizza:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid or foil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bottom of the crust is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat. Let the pizza cool for a minute before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy:
- Slice the pizza and serve immediately, enjoying the perfect blend of crispy crust and gooey toppings!
