Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

My favorite way to make pizza is in a cast iron skillet.  Cook the toppings in the pan first and while it is still hot add the dough.  This will create a nice crisp on the bottom before going into the oven to finish it off.  My favorite pizza topping is a bit of field roast vegan sausage, cauliflower and spinach.  Add some marinara or pesto and a bit of vegan cheese.  You can also partially bake, cool and freeze for up to 1 month.  An added health benefit to cooking in the cast iron is that it adds iron to the food!

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Print Recipe

this recipe will serve 2 people

• Author: chef elyse

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz store bought pizza dough 
• olive oil for pan and for drizzling 
• 8 oz plant-based sausage, crumbled  (I use field roast)
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/3 cup marinara or pesto 
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella (I use miyoko’s)
• optional: preroasted veggies such as cauliflower, sweet potato or red onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• torn basil leaves 
• salt and crushed red pepper 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees 
2. Place dough on a work surface and drizzle each side with olive oil 
3. Stretch out to a 10” round that is large enough to fit inside your skillet and cover with plastic wrap 
4. Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom and once warmed up add the crumbled sausage
5. Stir and cook until browned, stir in the spinach and a tiny pinch of salt and continue to cook until the spinach wilts 
6. Remove pan from heat and transfer skillet mixture to a small bowl 
7. Carefully transfer the dough into the skillet, use a spoon to help spread it towards the edges, it doesn’t have to be perfect! 
8. Spread marinara or pesto on top, add the cheese, cooked sausage and spinach, then any additional prepared toppings. finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, oregano and red pepper flakes 
9. Use a spatula to check the bottom of the dough – it should be golden brown and crisp – if not, return to burn and heat over medium for about 5 minutes or until golden brown 
10. Carefully transfer hot skillet to oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until browned 
11. Carefully remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before transfer to cutting board to slice