Homemade Pizza

This easy homemade pizza is baked to perfection in a 12-inch cast iron skillet, featuring a fluffy, golden crust, savory marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy night in!

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water.
Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 – 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until a dough begins to form.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 – 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat with oil.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft – free place for about 1 – 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough:
Punch down the dough to release the air.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a ball.
Roll out or stretch the dough into a roughly 12inch circle, slightly larger than your skillet.
Preheat the Skillet:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Place the cast iron skillet over
medium – high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Swirl to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet.
Cook the Dough:
Carefully place the stretched dough into the hot skillet, pressing it to fit the shape of
the skillet.
Cook for 2 – 3 minutes, until the bottom starts to set and get slightly golden.
Add Toppings and Bake:
Turn off the heat. Add your desired toppings (marinara, cheese, pepperoni, etc.).
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for 10 – 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown an the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve:
Carefully remove the pizza from the skillet using a spatula and place it on a cutting board.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.