Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tbsp for skillet)
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup simple slow-simmered tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite toppings (e.g., fresh basil, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers)
- Optional: fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, oregano) for crust infusion
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Gradually add flour and salt, kneading until smooth and elastic. Cover and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Heat the Cast Iron Skillet: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil, coating the bottom and sides evenly.
- Shape the Dough in the Skillet: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Stretch or roll the dough lightly to fit the skillet size, then transfer it into the hot, oiled skillet, pressing to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously, then add your desired toppings without overloading to maintain a crispy crust.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Bake until the crust turns golden and crisp, and the cheese bubbles with light browning spots.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the skillet using oven mitts. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Preheat the skillet first to ensure crispy edges.
- Do not overload with sauce or toppings to prevent a soggy crust.
- Use all-purpose or bread flour for optimal crust structure.
- Let dough rest at room temperature for easier shaping and better texture.
- Finish with fresh herbs such as basil or oregano after baking to keep flavors bright.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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