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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon instant yeast - 3/4 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Cornmeal for dusting In this recipe, the dry ingredients create the base for your pizza dough. Start with all-purpose flour, which gives the dough its structure. Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly, making it light. Salt adds flavor, balancing the taste of the other ingredients. For the wet ingredients, olive oil adds richness and helps with browning. The warm water activates the yeast. This warm water should feel pleasant to the touch. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it. Now, let's talk toppings! The pizza sauce is the heart of your pizza. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own for a personal touch. Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, giving that gooey texture we all love. Pepperoni adds a savory punch, but feel free to choose your favorite toppings. Dried oregano adds a classic Italian flavor, and fresh basil leaves make a bright garnish. Finally, the cornmeal prevents sticking and adds a slight crunch to the bottom. For the full recipe, check out Best Cast Iron Pizza. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of instant yeast, and three-fourths of a teaspoon of salt. Stir until blended well. 2. Add three-fourths cup of warm water and one tablespoon of olive oil to the dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for about five minutes on a floured surface. You want it smooth and stretchy. 1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. It should double in size. 2. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a cast iron skillet inside to heat. 3. Once the dough rises, punch it down to let the air out. Transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out to fit your skillet. 1. Carefully take out the hot skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the bottom with cornmeal to prevent sticking. 2. Place the rolled-out dough in the skillet. Press it evenly on the bottom and slightly up the sides. 3. Spread half a cup of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small edge. 4. Sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add half a cup of pepperoni slices or your choice of toppings. 5. Sprinkle one teaspoon of dried oregano over everything for extra flavor. 6. Put the skillet back in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese and a golden crust. 7. Once it’s done, take the skillet out and let the pizza cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with fresh basil leaves. 8. Slice and serve hot for a tasty treat! Follow this easy method for your best cast iron pizza. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. Kneading dough is simple. Use your palms to push the dough down and away. Fold it over itself and repeat. This helps develop gluten, making the dough strong and elastic. Knead for about five minutes. You want it smooth and slightly tacky. To know when the dough is ready to rise, look for size. It should double in bulk. This can take about one hour. A warm spot helps speed things up. Use a damp cloth to cover the dough. This keeps it moist. For baking pizza, set your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high heat is key for a crispy crust. Preheat the oven with your cast iron skillet inside. This step creates a hot surface for the dough. To achieve a crispy crust, sprinkle cornmeal in the skillet. This prevents sticking and adds texture. Once the dough is in the skillet, press it up the sides slightly. This helps keep the toppings from spilling over. Garnish your pizza with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also drizzle some olive oil over the top for extra richness. For sides, consider a fresh salad or garlic bread. These pair nicely with pizza. If you want a drink, a light beer or sparkling water works great. Enjoy your meal with family or friends! {{image_2}} When it comes to pizza, the toppings make it special. Here are some tasty ideas: - Vegetarian options: Load your pizza with fresh veggies. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach. Add artichokes for a gourmet touch. - Meat lover's options: For a meaty feast, choose pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. You can mix in ham or ground beef too. - Unique flavor combinations: Think outside the box! Use barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce. Add grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a fresh twist. If you want to try something different, consider these dough options: - Gluten-free pizza dough: You can use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Mix with xanthan gum for the best texture. - Cauliflower crust variations: Blend cauliflower rice with cheese and egg. Shape it into a crust and bake until firm. This is a low-carb option that is still tasty! Cooking your pizza can change the flavor and texture. Here are some methods to try: - Grilling pizza in a cast iron skillet: Preheat your grill and place the skillet on it. This gives a smoky flavor. Cook until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy. - Cooking in the oven versus on a stovetop: The oven gives even heat for a nice crust. The stovetop can be faster, but it won't be as crispy. Use the method that fits your schedule and taste. For the full recipe, check out the Best Cast Iron Pizza section. To keep your cast iron pizza fresh, slice it first. Place slices in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. Store it in the fridge. Pizza stays good for 3 to 4 days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a good option. When reheating pizza, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat it for 30 seconds. The crust may get soft, but it’s quick! To freeze leftover pizza, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven as mentioned above. This keeps your pizza tasting fresh and delicious. Choose a skillet that is at least 12 inches wide. This size gives you space for toppings. A well-seasoned skillet helps the crust crisp up nicely. Look for one with thick edges. Thick edges hold heat better, cooking the crust evenly. Weight is also key. A heavier skillet retains heat well, ensuring a great bake. Brands like Lodge or Le Creuset are popular for pizza. They offer durability and great heat distribution. Cooking in cast iron can be healthier. The skillet uses less oil than a deep dish pan. This can cut down on added fats. Cast iron also retains heat well, cooking food evenly. This helps preserve nutrients in the ingredients. Plus, you can use fresh toppings. Fresh veggies and lean proteins boost nutrition. Cast iron can also add iron to your meal. This is a plus for those needing more iron in their diet. Yes, you can use other pans. A baking sheet or a pizza stone works, too. Baking sheets are good for thin crusts, while pizza stones give a great crispy base. However, cast iron has unique advantages. It provides even heat, which helps create a perfect crust. Other pans may not hold heat as well. If you want a crispy crust, cast iron is the best choice. It’s worth trying different pans to see what you like best. In this blog post, we covered how to make pizza from scratch. We went through the key ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks. You learned about variations, storage methods, and common questions. Making pizza is fun and easy. With practice, you’ll create your favorite flavors. I hope you feel excited to try your own pizza tonight. Enjoy every bite!

Best Cast Iron Pizza

Elevate your pizza night with the best cast iron pizza recipe for crispy perfection! This guide simplifies creating a delicious, golden crust topped with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings. With easy-to-follow instructions, even pizza novices will succeed! Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore this mouth-watering recipe and discover the secrets to achieving the ideal cast iron pizza. Enjoy every slice!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon instant yeast

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)

1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure the yeast and salt are evenly distributed.

    Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.

      Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.

        Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

          Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a cast iron skillet inside to heat up.

            Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it to a well-floured surface. Roll it out to fit the size of your skillet.

              Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (use oven mitts!). Sprinkle the bottom with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

                Place the rolled-out dough in the skillet, pressing it evenly across the bottom and up the sides slightly.

                  Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

                    Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then layer on the pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings).

                      Sprinkle dried oregano over the top for added flavor.

                        Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

                          Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the pizza cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

                            Slice and serve hot for maximum deliciousness!

                              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6