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Crispy Cast Iron Margherita Pizza in Just 30 Minutes

cast iron margherita pizza
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A classic Margherita pizza made in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust, topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil, finished with a pesto drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), room temp
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (for the skillet)
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (or 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella)
  • 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced (or 1 cup tomato slices)
  • 8–10 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 Tbsp pesto (or basil herb oil) for drizzling
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1–2 Tbsp grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Place a 10–12 inch cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 450°F for 10 minutes.
  2. Shape dough: Carefully remove hot skillet and add 1 Tbsp olive oil (swirl to coat). Stretch dough into a round and press into the skillet, pushing slightly up the sides.
  3. Sauce + cheese: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Top with mozzarella.
  4. Add tomatoes: Lay tomato slices over the cheese. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  5. Bake: Bake 12–15 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned in spots.
  6. Finish: Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle pesto over the hot pizza. Rest 2 minutes, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Let the pizza rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cast iron margherita pizza, homemade pizza, pesto drizzle pizza, tomato basil pizza, mozzarella pizza, crispy crust pizza

Find it online: https://jessicarecipe.com/cast-iron-margherita-pizza-recipe-crispy-crust/