Cast Iron Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Between busy shoot days, endless errands, and helping with homework various arts and crafts projects, finding time to make dinner can feel impossible. But this deep dish pizza recipe has become my family's Friday night favorite, and I promise it's easier than store-bought pizza. After too many $50+ pizza delivery nights, I figured out how to recreate that thick, chewy crust and melty mozzarella cheese right in my 10-inch cast iron skillet.

The magic of Chicago-style pizza unfolds in layers. A pillowy pizza dough climbs up the sides of the pan, followed by blankets of fresh mozzarella (a full pound!), and pepperoni slices that get just crispy enough around the edges. My husband LOVES the cheese-topped crust edges. While it bakes, my kitchen fills with the smell of fresh bread and pizza sauce.

Let me share the best part. You can prep the dough during nap time or while the kids are at school. I often make a double batch and freeze half for next time. The hands-on work only takes about 15 minutes, and while the dough rises to the skillet's edges, you can catch up on your favorite show or prepare a side salad.

My kids love to help press the pizza dough into the bottom and sides of the cast iron skillet and layer on their favorite toppings. Yes, it gets messy. Yes, there's usually flour everywhere. But those are the kitchen moments they'll remember, and honestly, the cleanup is worth it when I see them speed through slice after slice on pizza night.

This has become our Friday night ritual. I pull it out for movie night, games night, game day, or whenever we all need a comforting meal that feels like a treat.

While the deep-dish pizza bakes at 400°F for about 25 minutes, we pick out a movie or set up a board game. The timer dings, and everyone rushes to the kitchen. I run a knife around the edge to loosen the crust, and somehow, everything feels a little less hectic when we're gathered around this homemade cast iron skillet pizza.

Don't worry if your first try isn't perfect. Mine certainly wasn't! But after a couple of attempts at making cast iron pizza, you'll get a feel for how the dough should look.

Now I can practically make homemade pizza at home with my eyes closed (which, let's be honest, is sometimes necessary after a long week). And the best part? This recipe feeds our family of four perfectly, with just enough left for someone's lunch the next day. If you're up for it, try this true deep dish pizza tonight!

If you're craving a hearty and satisfying meal, this deep dish pepperoni pizza is the great recipe to try! With a thick, buttery crust and layers of gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce, it's a comforting dish that everyone will love. Follow these straightforward steps to create your own cast iron skillet pizza that’s sure to impress family and friends at your next pizza night!

Thaw the Dough

Whether you're using your favorite pizza dough recipe or a store-bought version, make sure frozen dough is completely thawed while tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. This prevents excessive rising and ensures that the dough is ready for shaping. Allow it to come to room temperature for the best results.

Prepare the Cast Iron Skillet

Lightly oil a paper towel and wipe the bottom and sides of your cast iron skillet. This will help prevent the deep dish pizza crust from sticking. Shape the thawed pizza dough into a smooth ball and lightly oil it as well to avoid sticking during the rising process.

Let the Dough Rise

Position the oiled dough ball in the center of the cast iron skillet. Loosely cover the skillet with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area of your kitchen. Allow the dough to rise until it reaches the edges of the skillet, creating a thick crust for your skillet pizza.

Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking a deep dish pizza, ensuring that the crust becomes golden brown and the cheese melts perfectly.

Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, gently press it down with your fingertips, spreading it to the edges of the pan. This will create a thick crust that can hold all the delicious toppings.

Add the Cheese

Cut half of the mozzarella cheese into ¾-inch cubes and distribute them evenly around the edge of the skillet. Leave some space between each cube to allow for melting. Grate the remaining mozzarella cheese and set it aside for later.

Spoon pizza sauce over the crust, adjusting the amount according to your preference. The sauce will add moisture and flavor to the pizza, complementing the other ingredients.

Top with Cheese and Pepperoni

Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, top the pizza with slices of pepperoni, ensuring that they are distributed evenly across the surface for a classic pepperoni pizza experience.

Bake the Pizza

Place the cast iron skillet pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is puffed up and turns a golden brown color.

Serve the Pizza

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Run a knife or a spatula around the edge of the skillet to loosen the crust. Carefully slice the deep dish pizza into wedges and serve it hot. You can add your favorite toppings, such as ranch dressing, fresh basil, grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, or extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Storage

To store leftover deep dish pepperoni pizza, allow the pizza to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. For optimal freshness, refrigerate the pizza for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze it, slice the pizza and place the pieces in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To reheat leftover slices, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a piece of foil for best results. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is warm. Enjoy your delicious pizza again!

I think pizza is best served with chicken, and what could be better than my air fryer chicken wings recipe? They complement each other perfectly and create a "healthy fast food" vibe. For an even healthier pairing, consider serving your pizza with veggies. You should try this simple kale salad or a vegan pasta bake for a delicious pizza and pasta combo.

If you're into charcuterie boards, my antipasto recipe is a great option. You can follow the entire recipe for a festive theme, or simply lay everything out on a board for a more casual presentation. Another option is my go-to charcuterie board setup, which is simple and easy to prepare. These pairings will make your pizza night better and more enjoyable!