Cast iron pan pizza is comfort food at its best. It’s baked in a heavy skillet that gives the crust a golden, crispy bottom and a soft, fluffy inside. Imagine the buttery crunch when you bite into the edge, followed by the gooey stretch of mozzarella cheese.
This style isn’t like the thin Italian pizzas you may know. It connects more to American traditions, inspired by classics like Detroit-style and Chicago pan pizzas. The cast iron pan plays the hero here, holding heat so well that every slice comes out with a perfect crust and cheesy edges. The magic comes together with rich toppings and even simple sauces whether it’s traditional tomato, creamy blends, or creative twists like a guitar sauce that adds bold flavor to every bite.
In this guide, you’ll get everything you need ingredients, easy steps, cooking methods, and tips to make a pizza that feels like it came from your favorite pizzeria. By the end, you’ll be ready to create your own crispy, cheesy cast iron pan pizza at home, topped with sauce, mozzarella, and whatever flavors you love most.

Details
2-3people
20min
20 minutes
<strong>about 24hr</strong>
Skillet
Italian
TOOLS FOR USING THIS RECIPE
- Cast Iron Skillet (10–12 inch)
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel
- Cooling Rack
- Grater
- Oven and Stove
- Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
For Dough:
2 cups bread flour (plus ½ cup extra if needed)1 cup warm water
1 packet dry active yeast (7g)
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
For Sauce:
1 cup crushed tomatoes½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp oregano
Pinch of salt
For Toppings:
2 cups low-moisture, full-fat mozzarella cheese (grated)¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Pepperoni slices or your favorite toppings
Olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper (to season the pan)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1: Make the Dough

- Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix into a sticky dough.
- Knead until smooth. Coat with olive oil and cover.
- Place in the fridge overnight (at least 12–24 hours).
2: Prepare the Dough for Baking

- Take the dough out, it should be doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) or the highest setting.
- Oil your cast iron pan with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the dough inside and stretch it to the edges.
- Let it proof in the pan for 30 minutes.
3: Make the Sauce

- Mix crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, sugar, oregano, and salt.
- Use fresh or store-bought pizza sauce if you prefer.
4: Cook the Base

- Heat the cast iron pan on medium flame. Rotate to crisp the bottom evenly.
- Spread sauce over the dough, all the way to the edges.
5: Add Cheese and Toppings

- Spread mozzarella cheese evenly to the edge of the pan.
- Add toppings like pepperoni or vegetables.
- Place pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6: Finish and Serve

- Add Parmesan in the last 2 minutes for extra flavor.
- Let pizza rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes to keep the bottom crispy.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your crispy cast iron pan pizza!
Nutrition Facts
3 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories320
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
12g
19%
- Saturated Fat 5g 25%
- Cholesterol 25mg 9%
- Sodium 520mg 22%
- Total Carbohydrate
32g
11%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 12g 24%
- Calcium 180%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Conclusion:
Making cast iron pan pizza is more than just cooking. It feels like creating a little piece of comfort at home. The heavy skillet gives you a golden crust that cracks with every bite.
The cheese stretches, the sauce melts into the dough, and the edges turn buttery and crisp. It’s simple, but it feels special every time. This recipe teaches you the steps, but the real joy comes when you take that first slice out of the pan and hear the crunch.
Share it with family, or eat it straight from the skillet it never disappoints. Once you try it, you’ll know why many call cast iron pizza the perfect homemade pie.