Pizza is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. Whether it's a simple margherita or a loaded meat lover's, pizza always hits the spot. And if you want to take your homemade pizza game to the next level, consider using a cast iron skillet.
Cast iron is an excellent material for cooking pizza because it retains heat well and distributes it evenly. This means that your pizza crust will be perfectly crisp and the toppings will be cooked to perfection. Plus, cast iron is a durable material that will last for years with proper care.
To make a cast iron pizza, you'll need a few key ingredients and tools. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
Tools:
- 10-12 inch cast iron skillet
- Rolling pin
- Oven mitts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as high as it will go). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up for at least 15 minutes.
2. Roll out your pizza dough to the size of your skillet. If the dough is sticky, dust it with flour.
3. Remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Carefully transfer the rolled-out pizza dough to the skillet. Use your fingers to press the dough up the sides of the skillet.
4. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your desired toppings.
5. Use oven mitts to carefully transfer the skillet back to the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven (use oven mitts!) and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Make sure your cast iron skillet is well-seasoned before using it to cook pizza. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, you can use more dough and press it up the sides of the skillet.
- Don't overload your pizza with toppings or it may become soggy. Stick to a few of your favorites.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a cold skillet and heat over low heat until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
In conclusion, cast iron cooking is a great way to take your pizza game to the next level. With a little practice, you can make perfect pizza every time using your trusty cast iron skillet. And who knows, you may never order delivery pizza again!