Description
This recipe creates a bubbly, cheesy Margherita pizza with a perfectly crispy crust, baked in a cast iron skillet. It is a quick, wholesome, and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce, good quality, low-sodium brand
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh whole milk mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, whole leaves
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Place your empty 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 450F (230C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Dough: While the skillet heats, carefully stretch or roll your pizza dough to fit the skillet, aiming for about an 8-9 inch circle. Brush one side with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Assemble Pizza: Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Gently place the oiled dough side down into the skillet. Work quickly to spread an even layer of sauce, then top with the fresh mozzarella slices, and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake Pizza: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 12-18 minutes. The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese will be bubbly and slightly browned around the edges.
- Finish And Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Scatter the fresh basil leaves generously over the top of the hot pizza. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes; this helps the cheese set and makes for easier slicing.
Notes
Do not overload toppings to prevent a soggy crust. For a speedy option, use a high-quality jarred sauce. Ensure the skillet is screaming hot for a crispy crust. If dough springs back when stretching, let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120 g)
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cast iron, Margherita pizza, skillet, crispy crust, family-friendly, healthy meal prep, weeknight, Italian