Cast Iron Pizza Pan: The Ultimate Pizza-Making Experience?

Using a cast iron pan to make pizza is a great way to achieve a thick crust with crispy, golden edges and a chewy centre. The cast iron's ability to retain heat means you can get a similar result to a pizza oven, with a crispy exterior and airy, chewy interior.

Cast iron pans are durable and can withstand high temperatures, making them less susceptible to thermal shock than a baking stone. They also heat up quickly and retain heat well, making them ideal for getting that sought-after crispy crust.

The size of the cast iron pan doesn't matter too much, but if it's 10 inches or smaller, it's best to cut your dough ball in half. You can use any type of dough and toppings you like, but it's recommended to preheat the pan before adding your ingredients.

So, if you're looking for a crispy, chewy pizza with a thick crust, a cast iron pan is an excellent choice.

How to make cast iron pizza

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and crushed red pepper
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• Cherry or Campari tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil
• Cornmeal (optional)

Method:

• Place a rack in the top-most position of the oven and preheat to 450-550°F.
• Roll or stretch the dough into a circle, about 10-14 inches in diameter.
• Drizzle olive oil into a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
• Carefully lay the dough inside the skillet, using your fingers to extend it to the edges.
• Season with salt and crushed red pepper, then drizzle with more olive oil.
• Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is lightly golden brown (about 5 minutes).
• Remove the skillet from the oven and spread marinara sauce over the dough, followed by mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
• Return the skillet to the oven and bake on the top rack until the crust is deeply golden brown and the cheese is bubbly (about 10 minutes).
• Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with basil and serve.

Tips:

• Pre-cook the dough in the skillet before adding the sauce and toppings to prevent a soggy pizza.
• Use the top rack in the oven to emulate the direct heat of a pizza oven.
• Thinly slice your toppings as they will cook quickly in the hot oven.
• For crispy edges, sprinkle cheese along the edges of the dough instead of leaving a border.

Pros of using cast iron pizza pans

Using a cast-iron pizza pan has many benefits. Here are some pros of using cast iron pizza pans:

Ease of Use

Cast iron pizza pans are easy to use and can produce delicious, crispy, and chewy pizzas. The dough can be simply pressed into the skillet, eliminating the need for stretching or rolling. This makes it even easier than a typical homemade pizza recipe.

Versatility

Cast iron pizza pans offer versatility in terms of crust thickness and types of pizzas that can be made. You can make a thick, deep-dish style pizza or a thin-crust pizza by splitting the dough between two skillets. Additionally, you can get creative with your toppings and sauces, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Heat Retention and Even Cooking

Cast iron has excellent heat retention properties, resulting in a crisp crust. It creates a super-hot surface that browns the crust evenly, giving it a crispy exterior and a chewy, airy interior. The high heat also allows the dough to puff up, creating a chewy texture.

Durability

Cast iron is a sturdy and durable material that can withstand high temperatures without breaking or warping. This makes it a better choice than a baking stone, which is more delicate and prone to thermal shock.

Easy Cleanup

The Lodge cast iron pizza pan, for example, comes naturally seasoned with a layer of carbonized oil, creating a non-stick surface. This makes cleanup a breeze, as pizza slides right off the pan, and a simple wash, dry, and oil rub are all that's needed to maintain the pan.

Cons of using cast iron pizza pans

While cast iron pizza pans can be a great way to achieve a thick crust with a crispy exterior and chewy interior, there are some drawbacks to using them. Here are some cons to consider when deciding whether to use a cast iron pizza pan:

• Safety Hazards: Cast iron pans are heavy and get extremely hot, so you need to be very careful when handling them. It's easy to burn yourself, and the weight of the pan makes it more difficult to manoeuvre than a standard baking tray.
• Difficult to Clean: While some sources claim that cast iron pans are easy to clean, others point out that they can be difficult to wash, especially if food becomes burnt onto the pan.
• Time-Consuming: Using a cast iron pizza pan requires a lot of preparation. The pan needs to be preheated for up to an hour, and you must also allow time for your dough to come to room temperature.
• Not Suitable for All Recipes: Cast iron pans are not ideal for recipes that require a thin crust. If you want a thin and crispy base, you may be better off using a traditional pizza tray or stone.
• Not Suitable for All Ovens: If your oven has a low maximum temperature, you may struggle to get the best results from a cast iron pan. For the perfect crispy crust, you need to heat the pan to at least 450°F.

Tips for making the best cast iron pizza

Pre-heat your cast iron pan

Cast iron pans hold heat really well, so when you bake your pizza in a preheated skillet, it's almost like you've got another oven inside your oven. The super-hot iron creates a crispy layer on the outside of the crust while the inside becomes airy and chewy. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it will go (at least 450°F, but preferably 500°F or 550°F) and let the pan heat up inside for 45 minutes to an hour.

Prepare your dough

You can make your own pizza dough or buy it pre-made from a store. If you're making your own, a no-knead dough is a good option as it requires pretty much zero effort. All you need to do is mix together your dough ingredients in a bowl and let time take care of the rest. If you're buying pre-made dough, take it out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature while your pan is heating up.

Get your toppings ready

You can use any toppings you like, but remember that the oven time is only 10 minutes, so any toppings that need cooking (like chicken, beef, or sausage) should be cooked beforehand. Thinly slice your toppings as they will cook quickly.

Cook your pizza

Carefully take your hot cast iron pan out of the oven and place it on a trivet or folded towel on your work surface. Use tongs to dip a wad of paper towel in olive oil and wipe it evenly over the inside of the hot cast iron skillet. Quickly lay your dough in the skillet and press it out to the edges. Arrange your sauce, cheese, and toppings on top of the dough. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Put your oven mitts back on and return the cast iron skillet to the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden around the edges and the bottom is evenly browned.

Serve and enjoy!

Using your oven mitts, remove the cast iron skillet from the oven. Carefully slide the pizza out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Let it cool down for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Storing and reheating cast iron pizza

Storing and reheating cast-iron pizza is a straightforward process. Firstly, it is recommended to wrap any leftover pizza slices in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cast-iron pizza can be stored for up to four days in the fridge. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months by wrapping the slices in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

When it comes to reheating, there are a few effective methods to choose from. One popular option is to use a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Preheat the skillet over medium heat for about five minutes, then place the cold pizza slices inside. Adding a small amount of water to the skillet (but away from the slice) and covering it with a lid can help to melt the cheese and create a crispy crust. This method typically takes one to two minutes.

Another option is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a cast-iron skillet or pizza stone on the lower or middle rack. Once the oven is fully heated, add the pizza slices and cook for four to five minutes for thicker slices, or about two minutes for thin-crust slices.

Additionally, an air fryer can be used to reheat cast-iron pizza. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the pizza for two to four minutes. This method helps maintain the integrity of the pizza's taste, texture, and flavor.

It is worth noting that cast-iron pizza can also be enjoyed cold or reheated in a microwave, although these methods may not result in the same level of crispness as the previous methods.

Frequently asked questions