Cast Iron Deep-Dish Pizza

 

I'm a big fan of the cast iron skillet.  As you guys know, I have every size and use them daily!  It takes some love and time to take care of and it is heavy but it cooks everything better....including pizza!  While I would love to make my own pizza dough, you kids know we have so much going on with sports, school, etc that I don't have time for that most days!  Most grocery stores carry fresh made pizza dough and I especially love the dough at Publix.  It's the perfect size for my 12' skillet.  Note: if you don't have a cast iron skillet you could make this pizza on a sheet pan or a pizza stone as well but make me happy and learn to cook on cast iron!!  Mine will be yours someday anyway!  This can also be made on a camp fire grill with your cast iron.

Ingredients:
Store-bought pizza crust (check deli section of local grocery or your local pizza shop, this is fresh dough NOT the packaged)
Pesto or Pizza sauce of choice

Grated parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Olive oil

Pizza Toppings of Choice:
sausage
pepperoni
onion
peppers
black olives, etc.

Preparation:

Remove pizza dough from fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temp.

Spray skillet with olive oil spray or use a paper towel to coat with olive oil.

Select oven bake at 500 and place cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up for 15 minutes.

Reduce oven heat to 475 and carefully (with heavy oven mits) remove skillet.

Carefully put your dough into the skillet and form a crust around edge of pan.

Place in oven for 3-4 minutes to cook.

Remove skillet and add a thin layer of sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Brush crust with olive oil and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Place pizza back in the over for  approximately 12 more minutes at 475. (I check at 10 min)

Remove pizza and check that bottom is cooked.

Slide pizza onto a baking sheet or large plate.  Let cool and cut into slices.

Enjoy!